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Epic Series
Disobey
We've been handed a world that was created by others, shaped by their thoughts and actions, and told that this is the way things must be.
We've been given a set of rules that are at root only opinions of the majority, and have been told that these are objectively, morally correct, immutable truths.
We've been sat down to play a game that is rigged -- a game that, even if we win, gives us something other than what we believed we would receive in victory.
And if we don't begin to consciously question the rules of our world and to look closely at the game we're unwittingly playing, then we will never get what we want.
It's time to look. Assess. Investigate. Choose. And, where appropriate, to disobey.
This essay follows the author's path from a life of "good kid" conformity in youth to his present-day decisions to start his own business, "unschool" his children, and to give up on what is not working. It's his manifesto of freedom and of conscious choice, and it can be yours, too.
If life is not what you wanted or expected it to be, this essay will help you to become more. To question norms. To disobey.
We've been given a set of rules that are at root only opinions of the majority, and have been told that these are objectively, morally correct, immutable truths.
We've been sat down to play a game that is rigged -- a game that, even if we win, gives us something other than what we believed we would receive in victory.
And if we don't begin to consciously question the rules of our world and to look closely at the game we're unwittingly playing, then we will never get what we want.
It's time to look. Assess. Investigate. Choose. And, where appropriate, to disobey.
This essay follows the author's path from a life of "good kid" conformity in youth to his present-day decisions to start his own business, "unschool" his children, and to give up on what is not working. It's his manifesto of freedom and of conscious choice, and it can be yours, too.
If life is not what you wanted or expected it to be, this essay will help you to become more. To question norms. To disobey.
ebook
First published August 24, 2011
189 people are currently reading
647 people want to read
About the author
Johnny B. Truant
193 books693 followersJohnny B. Truant is an author, blogger, and podcaster who, like the Ramones, was long denied induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame despite having a large cult following. He makes his online home at JohnnyBTruant.com and is the author of the Unicorn Western series, the Fat Vampire series, The Bialy Pimps, and a handful of other properties and growing every week.
You can connect with Johnny on Twitter at @JohnnyBTruant, and you should totally send him an email from JohnnyBTruant.com if the mood strikes you.
You can connect with Johnny on Twitter at @JohnnyBTruant, and you should totally send him an email from JohnnyBTruant.com if the mood strikes you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
December 9, 2017
“Mindless conformity is what turns us from humans into sheep.”
“Normal" is a consensus, nothing more.”
“You make your own decisions, and you will face the consequences of those decisions. If you defy rules, sometimes the consequences are big. Sometimes they're small. Sometimes, there are no consequences at all. And often, often, often, the consequences are not what you think they will be. Those things you think will end your life are not going to end your life.
You create your own reality. So create it already."
“Normal" is a consensus, nothing more.”
“You make your own decisions, and you will face the consequences of those decisions. If you defy rules, sometimes the consequences are big. Sometimes they're small. Sometimes, there are no consequences at all. And often, often, often, the consequences are not what you think they will be. Those things you think will end your life are not going to end your life.
You create your own reality. So create it already."
December 23, 2018
Blah.
It a very short and no sugar coating book. One reason for 2 stars:
-One sentence starts off and it is partly similar to one of Steve Jobs's quotes. The rest of this author sentence is similar to that certain quote. No credit is given.
🇺🇸💐
It a very short and no sugar coating book. One reason for 2 stars:
-One sentence starts off and it is partly similar to one of Steve Jobs's quotes. The rest of this author sentence is similar to that certain quote. No credit is given.
🇺🇸💐
May 10, 2018
As children we're taught that if we do ABC, then XYZ will follow. However, as adults we know that ABC never usually leads to XYZ, so what happens then?
Well, instead of plodding along like everyone else, throw the rule book aside (not all the rules - you know, like you still shouldn't commit murder or steal) and start living life on your own terms. Step outside the box and push those boundaries.
Well, instead of plodding along like everyone else, throw the rule book aside (not all the rules - you know, like you still shouldn't commit murder or steal) and start living life on your own terms. Step outside the box and push those boundaries.
February 9, 2020
All very good ideas that came from other people. This guy sounds like an angry middle schooler rebelling against his parents. He ripped off a bunch of ideas from famous quotes and not only didn’t give credit; he didn’t expand upon them in any way, making the whole thing seem like an angry rant with no substance.
February 28, 2016
I usually leave a lengthy comment about the book when I am done and ready to rate it. However, if I have learned anything from this book, it is to say What the Hell! and be done with it. So, you decide what this book is to you. As for me, I liked it.
June 24, 2016
Refreshing and spot on...Question Authority, take a chance...in biker parlance that could be hoppin a curb, running a stop sign when no one is around, nip the light, sprint for the gap, negotiate a tight turn at speed.. stuck at a light? Plan your next move...live, LIVE the moment!
November 14, 2016
Tired...so tired
Ok this last? blog (essay?) Is this getting tiring. The best one, unfortunately was the second one, which I read out of order. Think we're done now.
Ok this last? blog (essay?) Is this getting tiring. The best one, unfortunately was the second one, which I read out of order. Think we're done now.
July 8, 2017
The third in the series.
Once again, I'm at a loss to figure out who the intended audience of this series is. The stance of the book, that there is no obligation to follow rules just for their own sake, is certainly reasonable. My problem is that this is framed as some sort of disobedience (but not 'anarchy', and the word rebellion is never mentioned).
For the author, somehow, his decision to home school (unschool) his son was defiantly weird. Seriously? It's a little like someone pointing out that Coke and Pepsi drinkers are in thrall of corporate America, unlike the speaker, who proudly drinks Dr. Pepper. After all, even if none of their acquaintances are doing it, there is a mechanism to home school in his community. He's not inventing the process, or fighting the legal system to do it.
By all means evaluate the rules by which you are expected to live. Figure out why they are there, and if they are not sensible then decide if it is worth the consequences to break them. Just don't delude yourself that this is some sort of strong assertion of your personal freedom.
Better yet weigh the consequences of obeying them as well as the consequences of breaking them, not just to yourself but to the greater good as well. Ideally neither obedience nor opposition to rules and expectations will come from what's convenient, or selfishness. This sort of analysis takes time and self awareness, which somehow doesn't seem to be what the author is aiming for.
Shocking titles, bland and cliched rhetoric seem to be what these books are about.
Once again, I'm at a loss to figure out who the intended audience of this series is. The stance of the book, that there is no obligation to follow rules just for their own sake, is certainly reasonable. My problem is that this is framed as some sort of disobedience (but not 'anarchy', and the word rebellion is never mentioned).
For the author, somehow, his decision to home school (unschool) his son was defiantly weird. Seriously? It's a little like someone pointing out that Coke and Pepsi drinkers are in thrall of corporate America, unlike the speaker, who proudly drinks Dr. Pepper. After all, even if none of their acquaintances are doing it, there is a mechanism to home school in his community. He's not inventing the process, or fighting the legal system to do it.
By all means evaluate the rules by which you are expected to live. Figure out why they are there, and if they are not sensible then decide if it is worth the consequences to break them. Just don't delude yourself that this is some sort of strong assertion of your personal freedom.
Better yet weigh the consequences of obeying them as well as the consequences of breaking them, not just to yourself but to the greater good as well. Ideally neither obedience nor opposition to rules and expectations will come from what's convenient, or selfishness. This sort of analysis takes time and self awareness, which somehow doesn't seem to be what the author is aiming for.
Shocking titles, bland and cliched rhetoric seem to be what these books are about.
January 26, 2018
Weakest of the first 3 books by a wide margin. The author seems confused about the subject at times, wanders off point, at times appears to contradict himself and poorly some basic concepts, such as anarchy. He doesn't spend enough time or thought on why people may follow the herd - for efficiency or safety, for example. I also think he makes several remarks about "society" that are sweeping generalizations that don't apply to many, and perhaps most, people. He's guilty of falling into two common traps - I feel this way so it must be a broadly felt issue that everyone grapples with, which may be true but needs proof, and that the state of the world is going to hell when most statistics say the exact opposite. He also swings between pushing for more self-reliance and responsibility for your actions and fuck it, do whatever you want and let the social safety net catch you if you fall. Much confusion here. At times I think the middle finger on the cover is aimed towards the author himself.
April 1, 2023
Truth as it should be defined!
In a world that sees those who follow all Rules, Regulations and Laws, created by the very people who create and break all Rules, Regulations and Laws right in front of us daily, we find we are not gaining ground, but loosing ground, it is time to disobey and reclaim our lives. I am sure that many people will agree with the words, sentences, and paragraphs in this book, and will not faint at reading the numerous F bombs in it, as by now I think there is a resounding crowd of mislead who are saying the very words recited on numerous occasions in this book! I agree with the author wholeheartedly. Actually I felt pretty good after reading this book, as my own thoughts mirrored his thoughts, at this point in time 2023 if we continue to comply with ever Law, Regulation and Rule we will be marching ourselves on the path we are being directed to take which is meant to depopulate the earth, that is no longer a conspiracy theory, it is truth! Looking forward to reading this Authors other works!
In a world that sees those who follow all Rules, Regulations and Laws, created by the very people who create and break all Rules, Regulations and Laws right in front of us daily, we find we are not gaining ground, but loosing ground, it is time to disobey and reclaim our lives. I am sure that many people will agree with the words, sentences, and paragraphs in this book, and will not faint at reading the numerous F bombs in it, as by now I think there is a resounding crowd of mislead who are saying the very words recited on numerous occasions in this book! I agree with the author wholeheartedly. Actually I felt pretty good after reading this book, as my own thoughts mirrored his thoughts, at this point in time 2023 if we continue to comply with ever Law, Regulation and Rule we will be marching ourselves on the path we are being directed to take which is meant to depopulate the earth, that is no longer a conspiracy theory, it is truth! Looking forward to reading this Authors other works!
July 29, 2017
I am becoming a fan of Truant's ideas
This book is written out of realisation. That we are living in a prejudiced society and our worth is based on what we can contribute to the society. Society cares for you as long you have some utility. The moment you are worthless no one really cares for you. So why to follow the rules of a giant who has been using you through out your life. Time to take life in your own hands. Be responsible for yourself. Live and enjoy your life. If you can't win the game then change some rules.
This book is written out of realisation. That we are living in a prejudiced society and our worth is based on what we can contribute to the society. Society cares for you as long you have some utility. The moment you are worthless no one really cares for you. So why to follow the rules of a giant who has been using you through out your life. Time to take life in your own hands. Be responsible for yourself. Live and enjoy your life. If you can't win the game then change some rules.
February 4, 2022
Mindless confirmity turns up from humans into sheep
Another really short read. Every line is needed. Every line is valuable. A great read.
He is not an anarchist - he is choosing his own rules.
As the quotes says if 'if you can't win the game, changes the rules' - So change some rules. Decide on your own game, the kind of game you might actually like to win, and win it!
Less stuff, less TV, less news, more freedom, more fun, more choice, more self-determination.
It literally took 15 minutes to read but I will remember what I read.
Another really short read. Every line is needed. Every line is valuable. A great read.
He is not an anarchist - he is choosing his own rules.
As the quotes says if 'if you can't win the game, changes the rules' - So change some rules. Decide on your own game, the kind of game you might actually like to win, and win it!
Less stuff, less TV, less news, more freedom, more fun, more choice, more self-determination.
It literally took 15 minutes to read but I will remember what I read.
March 27, 2019
I was curious. It's an interesting read, but more of a blog post rant than a book. If you get it for free, go ahead and read it. Took me like ten minutes. It's interesting. Though don't change your life based on this guy's opinions. But I definitely wouldn't pay to read something that should be on a blog. Just saying.
May 7, 2017
I love it. Something that I have been thinking forever.
It is a short read however entertaining. It is like listening to a friend rant about philosophies on life. Why one should take more risk and stop conforming to the norms that makes no damn sense.
It is a short read however entertaining. It is like listening to a friend rant about philosophies on life. Why one should take more risk and stop conforming to the norms that makes no damn sense.
August 20, 2017
Brief n to the point
Brief, to the point and written from heart. Good read. I wish my review could be shorter but Amazon wants to put a limit as if more is always better. Fuck you Amazon for your rules.
Brief, to the point and written from heart. Good read. I wish my review could be shorter but Amazon wants to put a limit as if more is always better. Fuck you Amazon for your rules.
October 26, 2017
Love this!!
I feel the same way, mostly. I did everything right, college, save $, help others, etc. It is all BS!!!!!!!!! I have been unemployed for years, because I did go to college, and graduated with High Honors. Which made me overqualified. Screw it..........
I feel the same way, mostly. I did everything right, college, save $, help others, etc. It is all BS!!!!!!!!! I have been unemployed for years, because I did go to college, and graduated with High Honors. Which made me overqualified. Screw it..........
August 17, 2018
This is a great series of short books
If you march to the beat of a different drummer or if you strive to fit in and it just doesn’t seem to work for you, read this book and know that you aren’t alone. Let your freak flag fly!
If you march to the beat of a different drummer or if you strive to fit in and it just doesn’t seem to work for you, read this book and know that you aren’t alone. Let your freak flag fly!
December 8, 2018
Bien
Entiendo que es un libro que pretende hacernos pensar sobre cómo vivimos y los parámetros generales, pero le falto al autor pensar en el contexto de diferentes sociedades y culturas. No todo el mundo vive en Estados Unidos y tampoco tiene la cultura americana.
Entiendo que es un libro que pretende hacernos pensar sobre cómo vivimos y los parámetros generales, pero le falto al autor pensar en el contexto de diferentes sociedades y culturas. No todo el mundo vive en Estados Unidos y tampoco tiene la cultura americana.
December 17, 2018
Break the rules
Lots of vulgar language, but great advice! Stop following like a sheeple and start living your life! We have limited time and we should start enjoying of every minute we have!
Lots of vulgar language, but great advice! Stop following like a sheeple and start living your life! We have limited time and we should start enjoying of every minute we have!
October 5, 2019
EVERYONE should have to read this!!!!
I am going to be recommending this book to everyone for a very long time. It is a quick read that reminds people to be who they are and love their lives!!
I am going to be recommending this book to everyone for a very long time. It is a quick read that reminds people to be who they are and love their lives!!
December 29, 2019
As someone who was always "good" (read: blindly obedient) who now lives life on her own terms, and am bringing my children up the same way, I thought this was a really good read as I discovered I'm not alone for changing my thinking.
Read this book and change your life.
Read this book and change your life.
July 7, 2017
I appreciate the sentiment but his writing style turns me off sometimes. It's kind of ... Tucker Max-y?
August 1, 2017
3,5/5 stars
#1 and #2 of the series were way better. this was okay.
#1 and #2 of the series were way better. this was okay.
August 10, 2017
Yes! It is YOUR life, win it!
September 14, 2017
Love this but harder to apply.
I love this the bottom line is simple do what makes you happy but for some of us it's harder to actually do.
I love this the bottom line is simple do what makes you happy but for some of us it's harder to actually do.
November 3, 2017
Glad to read this book
The author is a man after my own heart. I'm glad to know there are others that feel this way.
The author is a man after my own heart. I'm glad to know there are others that feel this way.
November 18, 2017
...eh...
Not much here that I haven't read/heard before. XXxX xXxX xxx xXxX xXxX xxx
XXxX xXxX xxxxxxx=#6/:= #(54_!__
😣 😣 😣 😣 😣 😣 😣 😣 😣 😜 😜
Not much here that I haven't read/heard before. XXxX xXxX xxx xXxX xXxX xxx
XXxX xXxX xxxxxxx=#6/:= #(54_!__
😣 😣 😣 😣 😣 😣 😣 😣 😣 😜 😜
December 14, 2017
Brief simple and inspired .
Brief read for encouragement when following the rules has failed you.
Would share with a young adult or teenager. Quick simple read.
Brief read for encouragement when following the rules has failed you.
Would share with a young adult or teenager. Quick simple read.
February 19, 2018
Very empowering
Loved it! This book is a handbooks for the rebels of the world, to be happy and still avoid getting incarcerated!
Loved it! This book is a handbooks for the rebels of the world, to be happy and still avoid getting incarcerated!
August 15, 2018
Fantastic!
This book really makes you think choices you make and why? Cannot wait to read the last one in the series!
This book really makes you think choices you make and why? Cannot wait to read the last one in the series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews