Chapter 1: Understanding Arbitrary Authority

Lately, I've been contemplating a thought-provoking idea: if nothing is genuine, then the notion of "control" becomes irrelevant. This stems from the blend of the advice to "focus on what you can manage" with the realization that "I'm still alive." When you take a moment to reflect, it becomes clear that much of what causes our anxiety and strife is often orchestrated by external forces.

When I hear the term "financial freedom," it strikes me as a concept we're desperate to escape, as if finances trap us like rats in a cage. I fully recognize that the idea of accumulating enough "passive income" to eliminate the stress of employment is largely mythical. The way we discuss these concepts suggests a collective entrapment.

In my early freelance copywriting career, potential clients often inquired whether I was "Storybrand certified" or if I could present my writing credentials. This raised the question: how can one truly measure a "qualified writer"? The most valuable education a writer can receive comes from the literature they consume. Does holding a certification genuinely enhance the quality of my work? We need to critically examine who determines what it means to be qualified and which organizations have the authority to issue such validations.

By stepping back, one can see the complexities of our overly litigious, insurance-driven society, which seems to perpetually engage in risk management. Companies often insure those deemed "certified" by organizations typically funded by insurance companies, suggesting that these individuals are "safer" choices in a world where trust is scarce.

While certification may be essential in fields like medicine, mechanics, and technical services—where expertise in biology and physics is crucial—who really seeks your qualifications beyond these areas?

Why shouldn't my inaugural role as an actor be in a major Hollywood film? Why can’t my first artwork be displayed at the Whitney? Surely, I'm the best writer you've ever encountered—who are you to question that?

In a reality where authority is arbitrary, embrace the freedom. Power can either be granted or seized, and often it is bestowed by those who have taken it.

As a PDA Person, I am Not Anti Authority; I am Anti ARBITRARY Authority explores the distinction between necessary authority and arbitrary power dynamics in society.

Chapter 2: The Dynamics of Authority

Arbitrary Abuse of Authority | Song A Day #5563 discusses the implications of arbitrary authority in everyday life, emphasizing the need for questioning established power structures.