Open Minds

Shepard thinks debate is good, and that it can be done nicely. Excellent Karl Hess video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAbC0RQkIeY Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

A warning about the "public comment" dog and pony show that governments put on for citizens whom they think are gullible idiots. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

Yeah, emotion matters when talking about feelings, but not so much when discussing social SCIENCE. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

The crew that works in my company is awesome, but a handful of outside contractors cost us a ton in terms of lost opportunities due to their broken promises. My point is; let's you and me be squared away and competent and awesome, shall we? Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

A big hats off to Zackary Kowing for stepping up. Being a man ain't easy, but at least ONE cop has made that choice. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

Shepard discusses 5 types of intelligence and how they relate to the promotion of consistent libertarianism (voluntaryism).

I really want to know the system by which one can have a fun, lively intellectual argument with a left-leaning person? Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

Shepard chats about his life changes and his mental state. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

Have you ever done the right thing as a gift to others, and from their perspective YOU are seen as the bad guy? Confronting a bully does not always make one a hero, and Shepard thinks that it should be taken in good humor. Do what is right NOT for the accolades, but because it is the right thing to do. :) Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

Kinda my thoughts right now. Are there any parts I should think about changing? (Other than not trying to multi-task while driving and thereby having horrible audio quality) Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

Do you get to design your life or is everything simply good or bad luck? Do you take responsibility for your life or do you have a "victim mentality?" Shepard discussed his version of M.J. Demarko's Gumball Machine Analogy. Read about it and lots more great stuff in his book Unscripted: https://amzn.to/3I5KsFp Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

Beyond not initiating violence or helping others initiate violence, what are a few basics that will make you worth a darn in your community? These are timeless and not geographically or culturally specific. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) I encourage you to learn more about Shepism and the creed/religion of voluntaryism. Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

Do you associate with people who are not 100% philosophically sound? Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

Some people say that TO THEM, the US government's flag represents freedom. Others say that to them it represents child molestation. I think both are wrong. I say that the flag "belongs" to the US Government and these people should show some respect and come up with their own flag/symbol! What do YOU think? (Yes, I know that IP (logos/symbols) is not a valid form of "property" that is acceptable to initiate violence over ... but decency suggests... Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

if you believe in property rights, you do not believe in zoning laws, it is one or the other. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks

Sit in on one of Shepard’s life/business mentoring sessions. In this video, Shepard responds to an email from one of his mentees in which she questions how to get ahead in the big company she works for. She has extra work dumped on her and she isn’t appreciated or paid enough. What questions do YOU have for Shepard? Links mentioned: 48 Laws of Power by Robert Green https://amzn.to/3GHYITp Games People Play by Eric Berne https://amzn.to/3AarTvT Jordan Peterson Negotiations: https://youtu.be/eKVK5rTrOlg Learn about the idea of “regression to the mean.” Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

Rather than casting a wide net, I think it would be useful for libertarians (not Libertarians) to market to a very specific demographic that will have a much higher conversion rate. Maybe libertarians Should Market to Low Hanging Fruit? Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

Shepard reminds his conservative, constitutionalist and voting-Libertarian friends that their worldviews are not the same. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

Shepard, perhaps being a bit tongue and cheek, does what Trump and Biden have failed to do. Shepard helps bring democrats and republicans together on the many areas in which they agree in principle! Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

Some perspectives that I hope help you create a safe life. Thanks to Micky Nimer for her editing prowess! Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

Almost everyone is calling Justin a fool, jerk, moron, nitwit, stupid, twit, blockhead, bonehead, cretin, dimwit, dork, dumbbell, dunce, ignoramus, imbecile, kook, muttonhead, nincompoop, ninny and pinhead, but Shepard defends this poor little son of a politician, and also provides a clickbait title. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks

A common manipulation trick used in propaganda from Shepard, who professors view as the leading expert in the field of propaganda. Edward Bernays Reader Amazon affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3JHTfgn Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

Is it OK to pay some people differently than other for the same work output? Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

(Part 1) YES! You can watch this video on Odysee! https://odysee.com/@ShepardtheVoluntaryist:6/Can-Atheist-and-Religious-libertarians-Be-Friends:6 Part I. Shepard thinks so. It is wise to refrain from discussions about topics that both parties are not in agreement about sticking to logic and reason, but friends and family can enjoy each other's company! See Part 2 here: https://odysee.com/@ShepardtheVoluntaryist:6/Part-2-Can-Atheist-and-Religious-libertarians-Be-Friends:5 Voluntaryism is a religion of sorts, but more of a Creed, and definitely not a "faith." Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

Part 2 - A good friend challenged my original Part 1 video about libertarians and theists ( https://odysee.com/@ShepardtheVoluntaryist:6/Can-Atheist-and-Religious-libertarians-Be-Friends:6 ) These are my responses to his 14 points. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

Joel joins Shepard and discusses intellectualism, theism, Christianity, faith, logic, reason, bias and more. Video #1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26ImPkla5EQ&t=545s Video #2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48wsWSgPlAM&t=657s The list of Cognitive biases that Joel mentioned: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cognitive_biases#False_priors Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

A lay philosopher discusses the intellectual and social implications of the freedom trucker's brave demonstrations in 2022. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

An examination of the best argument made for theism in this video: https://odysee.com/@ShepardtheVoluntaryist:6/Can-a-Theist-Be-An-Intellectual:3 Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

A brief walk-thru of the Will Smith and Chris Rock lapping incident and aftermath. What Does a Voluntaryist Think About Will Smith's Slap? Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

Have you already purchased Shepard's book, Anarchy Exposed? If not, please buy it like statists vote, Early and Often! ;-) https://amzn.to/3x9qSEZ Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

Shepard chats about his perspectives on Labor Unions. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

He might well be, all it takes to prove it is, well, proof. ;-) Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

Shepard addresses some challenges to the assertion that taxation is theft. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/ Is Taxation Theft? Response to Arguments

Is the perfect balance for all people exactly the same? Should political organizations like the WHO determine a blanket "perfect number?" Of course not. Balance is subjective based on values. Is the perfect balance for all people exactly the same? Should political organizations like the WHO determine a blanket "perfect number?" Of course not. Balance is subjective based on values. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

The central question being - is http:www.voluntaryist.com 's thinking correct, and if not, is a person involved in government politics automatically excluded from the category, "Voluntaryist?" From http://voluntaryist.com : "Voluntaryists are advocates of non-political, non-violent strategies to achieve a free society. We reject electoral politics, in theory and in practice, as incompatible with libertarian principles. Governments must cloak their actions in an aura of moral legitimacy in order to sustain their power, and political methods invariably strengthen that legitimacy. Voluntaryists seek instead to delegitimize the State through education, and we advocate withdrawal of the cooperation and tacit consent on which State power ultimately depends." Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

In response to a great comment on this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwDaCwtksw8 From a moral (not a pragmatic) perspective, how much participation may I voluntaryist have? Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

What burden of proof do YOU require for conspiracy theories? Some of my thoughts. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

You don't deserve a "job." A job is not a thing to be had. What is it then? Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

Back in 2016, I made a video about voluntaryism, ancap, anarcho-capitalism, and such, and after years of thought, this is my update. (This video includes the original video: "What Voluntaryism IS and what it AIN'T!) New comments at 04:55 Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

Shepard describes what he believes and suggests a common name used for this philosophy. What is This Philosophy Called? Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

Greed is good? Yes, unless it is mixed with something bad. I will see you next Sunday with another video! Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

Some of my “left” friends call me a “rightist” and some of my “right” friends call me a leftist. 🙂 Frequently, people will hear me use a word to describe my beliefs, and then make up what they think I must believe in based on their misunderstanding of the word, or based on their definition of the word. It is probably fair for me to make some statements about my subjective beliefs and what I am willing and able to intellectually defend. 1. Truth is important. 2. I believe that human interactions should be voluntary. 3. I believe that a person who has peacefully acquired property has all rights to it. 4. I believe that human beings may exchange property and other things of value. 5. I think that humans are born free, without debt to anyone and not the property of anyone. 6. I judge many things, and apply subjective values to those things. 7. I am only willing to have high-level conversations with capable people who adhere to logic and reason and who are intellectually consistent. Kind of like this: https://disenthrall.me/community-rules/meat-and-potatoes/ 8. Words have meanings, and conversation partners ought to make sure the other person means the same thing. 9. I stick to my word, and expect others to do the same. 10. I think all involuntary interactions, including government, are bad and unnecessary. 11. I believe that there are people who manipulate others, often at a grand scale, for their own benefit. 12. I believe that the corporate media is complicit in number eleven. 13. My time is very valuable. I ask that you respect it by scheduling time with me, honoring your commitments and being timely. I will do the same with you. 14. Some labels that are most frequently used to describe my thoughts include Stoicism & Voluntaryism, though of course not everything that every Stoic or Voluntaryist believes exactly matches my thoughts. 15. I believe that if I take care of the means, the end will take care of itself. 16. I have been convinced that morality is subjective. The above higher-level ideas guide my worldview and help me evaluate circumstances and actions. When I find a situation that I apply the above to, and it “doesn’t work, I reexamine my beliefs and update them. This is the scientific method of thinking. You can now figure out what I am going to think about a specific issue. If you are not able to do so to a high degree of accuracy, either I need to add a better description above, or you need to think better. I value some things higher than others. Have you examined YOUR values? It is very likely that your “Top 10” list and mine will be different. It is difficult for us to discuss things when we have different preferred outcomes. If “getting along with the ruling class” is a high and good value to you, and if “standing up for freedom” is a high and good value to me, we are likely to disagree about issues. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

Purpose & Future of My YouTube Channel | Books mentioned: Most Dangerous Superstition: https://amzn.to/3GAeSPn For a New Liberty: https://amzn.to/3t0UT79 Anarchy Exposed: https://amzn.to/3wWPwqK Everyday Anarchy: https://amzn.to/3x1s0ZP Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/ Affiliate links are included in the description.

What I might conspire to do if I was an evil emperor! Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

Let's be patient when others are not at our level. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

Shepard discusses a common type of propaganda, I bet you can find examples of it within a few minutes of looking at stories on your news feed. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks

Candles in the Dark link: https://attendcandles.com/ Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

-No really my friend, what is YOUR reason-based, rational, intelligent purpose for praying? There is a difference between knowledge and belief. Knowledge is a subset of belief: Belief: Acceptance that a proposition is likely true. Knowledge: A belief backed by strong reason and evidence (truth)-- to the level of almost asserting that one cannot be wrong. Belief- Theist / Anti-Theist / Atheist: -Theist: "There's probably a god." -Anti-Theist: "There's probably not a god." -Atheist: "I lack a belief on the topic." Knowledge- Gnostic / Agnostic: -Gnostic: "I know that god definitely exists / does not exist." -Agnostic: "I don't know." Valid combinations: -Gnostic Theist: "God definitely exists." -Agnostic Theist: "God probably exists but I cant be certain." -Gnostic Anti-theist: "God definitely does not exist." -Agnostic Anti-theist: "I'm pretty sure god doesn't exist but I cant be certain." -Atheist: "I hold no position on the topic." Invalid combinations: -Gnostic Atheist: "-null- definitely -null-." -Agnostic Atheist: "I'm not certain about -null-." Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

It isn't the Voluntaryists who are utopian dreamers! Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/

No really, WHY? Why buy local? I have some reasons why, but I also have some reasons why not. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shepardthinks :) Learn about Voluntaryism at http://openlyvoluntary.com/