Scam School's Brian Brushwood does a TEDx talk wherein he covers a few studies showing people's ingrained obedience to perceived "authority."

Although it is presented from a magic and scam perspective, the studies he brings up are very telling, and representative of the difficulties we face in turning people away from blind obedience to "authority."

It's unfortunate, as relying on perceived "authorities" is likely an evolutionary development, and has benefits, however it is sadly so exploited by those who seek, or are already in, "power."

For the rest of you, I want you to try something: Name five impressive things about yourself. Write them down or just shout them out loud to the room. But here's the catch -- you're not allowed to list anything you are (i.e., I'm a nice guy, I'm honest), but instead can only list things that you do (i.e., I just won a national chess tournament, I make the best chili in Massachusetts). If you found that difficult, well, this is for you, and you are going to fucking hate hearing it. My only defense is that this is what I wish somebody had said to me around 1995 or so.

Psychology article about how those who question the prevailing world-view are always thought of as crazy. I think this may hit home for many of us in the liberty movement, whistle blowers, voluntaryist, etc.. And it will hopefully spark some interesting conversation too.

Our friends at the Electronic Frontier Foundation have released a handy "Tips for Talking to the Police" cheatsheet intended to help you understand your rights, specifically in regards to searching your digital stuff.

I continue to receive defeatist attitudes about how to combat the Leviathan state. Many feel that we have a lawless political class and that there is absolutely no way to reign it in outside of complete revolution or bankruptcy. And admittedly neither are very good options, both would cause much pain to many people.

This is a dangerous meme that reflects exactly what the ruling class wants, complete disengagement from the political system by the most informed among us.