Johnny 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.
“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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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..........
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!
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.
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!
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!!
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.