The author of Enjoy the Decline writes the popular blog Captain Capitalism. Readers of Aaron's blog will be familiar with the basic thesis of this book. Namely that the economic and cultural condition of the United States is so dire that decline and economic collapse is inevitable. If you are of a “person of the left” you’ll probably disagree. To leftists, feminists, socialists and other economic parasites this is a golden age. Ironically Aaron agrees. Unfortunately golden ages do not last and this one is already past its best before date. Given that collapse is baked into the system what can one do but enjoy the decline. This book outlines practical steps you can take to minimize your parasite load and maximize your happiness while society crumbles around you.
the second half of the book was better. The bottom line is don't stress out over what you can't control and since you can't control the decline into socialism, just enjoy life. The best part of the book is the concept that in a left-wing socialist society where everyone is equal, there is no greatness. There can't be by definition. So be happy that you and your friends enjoy greatness to the extent you see it--past, present and future.
Poorly written, encourages laziness and sloth, and appeals to immature man-boys who have a Peter Pan complex. Yes, things are bad in the USA and the future is bleak but that doesn't mean we give up and follow the pack into the toilet bowl. Men need to grow up and act like men. Western civilization may be finished but that does not mean that we can't rebuild, renew, and restore our local communities. We can start families, raise children, and live in a way that is responsible and totally contrary to our decadent civilization. Don't waste your time or money on this book.
This prophetic book was written in 2012 and is now more relevant—after the installation of Joe Biden in January 2021 and a US national debt of circa $30 trillion—than ever.
This book should be read by anyone who is unsure about how they should be best adapt to a predominantly service based economy, an overpriced education system, unaffordable and over-taxed housing, ever-expanding government and wages that have been decreasing against inflation for the last several decades.
The author simply argues that resistance to the current economic and political climate is futile. Fighting the inevitable, denying reality, or hoping for the best, are no longer sensible options. Instead Aaron argues that one should embrace minimalism, prioritise freedom and experiences over material items such as expensive cars and mortgages, which lead to debt servitude.
The author points out that an alternative to an overpriced college education likely to result in an undervalued degree and tens or even hundreds of thousands of debt is a trade school where one can learn to be an electrician or plumber and quickly be out earning a decent wage. Trades also afford the individual the flexibility to be self employed and work part time to minimise their tax liabilities.
I’ve read this book several times and often return to it to review the highlights. I wish someone had given me a copy of this book, and ‘Bachelor Pad Economics’ (another excellent book by the same author) years ago to help me navigate the minefield that the modern economy has become for young people. Whilst this book appears to be written with young men as the target audience it is equally valuable for any woman who wishes to read it and chooses to imbibe its advice.
I would recommend this and ‘Bachelor Pad Economics’ to anyone seeking lifestyle guidance for the crazy world we’re currently living in. I’m glad I took this all on board years back and minuses my overheads.
This is a political book. Liberals and progressives should NOT spend their time reading this book. Everyone else can learn something from it. The main message is to enjoy life because 1) death is inevitable and 2) why not. As a CPA, I tend to agree with his assessment of the economy as well as the future of our economy. I give similar financial advice to my clients, depending on their age. I found the book to be informative and well researched. I would recommend this book for all kids between 14 and 18 and everyone else not tied to Liberal/Progressive ideology.
Feels like an over-long, ranting blog post. The book provides decent advice overall for "enjoying the decline," minimalist living, and basic survival in SHTF scenarios. It fails in its oversimplification of modern American politics and financial investment. Furthermore, it waxes unnecessarily nostalgic on an America that never existed. Copy editing would do this diatribe some good.
Светът не отива точно по дяволите, макар че на много хора така им се струва, подлъгани от медиите, които като лешояди кръжат с дни над всяка трагедия. Ама няма какво да се лъжем, има доста силни индикации, че най-добрите дни на западната култура приключват по най-различни причини, които няма да обсъждам тука сега, за да не се изчервят някои нежни девици.
Идеята на книгата е, че вместо да се паникьосваш и да складираш запаси в мазето, очаквайки неминуемия срив на цивилизацията / световната икономическа система и т.н. можеш да организираш живота си така, че да не те ебе и да се наслаждаваш на цялата работа.
Докато има логика в подобен подход и моето отношение към тая работа да може да се събере в това меме авторът дава някои добри съвети относно минимализъм в живота, според мен той отива твърде далече в подготовката и наистина, а не като метафора, говори за апокалипсис до степен да препоръчва да се гръмнеш накрая, вместо да мислиш за пенсия и спестяване.
Честно казано, смятам, че той не ги мисли наистина тия неща, а просто ги е написал това, което по-откачената част от публиката му иска да чуе.
Enjoy the Decline is an engaging polemic written by the author of one of my favorite blogs Captain Capitalism. The theme of this book is simple; there’s not a snowball’s chance in hell that the United States will undergo a legitimate economic recovery without first suffering a catastrophe that strips the host of its parasites. The exact nature of this event, like all historic upheavals, cannot be specified in advance. You can rarely delineate the blood spatter pattern a falling body makes when it smashes on the rocks below a cliff but you know it’s not going to be pretty. This book asserts that we’re riding a falling body, so you might as well enjoy the decline, because fighting intractable economic gravity is foolish and wastes your finite slice of existence.
"Enjoy the Decline" by Aaron Clarey is a thought-provoking book that delves into the socio-economic and political landscape of modern America. Clarey, known for his libertarian views, offers a mix of practical advice and ideological commentary throughout the book. One of the standout aspects of the book is Clarey's focus on self-preservation and personal responsibility. He discusses various topics, including financial management, career choices, and even dating advice, all through the lens of maintaining one's independence and well-being in a declining society. It is purposely a provocative book that has sparked a range of reactions. The book's central premise is that the economic and cultural decline of the United States is inevitable, and rather than fighting it, individuals should adapt their mindset to "enjoy the decline." Clarey offers advice on how to live a fulfilling life despite the societal changes he predicts. He offers practical advice, writes in a humorous tone, and provides an alternative perspective on how to approach life in the face of economic and cultural challenges. He does have a pessimistic outlook and the book is fine at first but then leans highly right politically and he oversimplifies complex issues and leans too heavily on nostalgia for a past that never existed. It reeks of Obama opposition which was rampant in 2013. "Enjoy the Decline" is a book that will appeal to those who are already inclined to agree with Clarey's views. It's a mix of self-help and political commentary that encourages readers to find personal happiness in a world that may not align with their ideals. Whether you find it insightful or inflammatory will depend largely on your personal beliefs and outlook on the future. By the end of the book though he goes off the deep end with an anti-left diatribe that clouds some of the wisdom nuggets. But you cannot ignore them - as they say, even a broken clock is right twice a day. One of the best things that happen to Aaron was bigger names like Jordan Peterson and Scott Adams took and co-opted his ideas and took all the heat and damage, so he didn't have to.
Some irony in the plunder chapter which kind of explains the mindset of people who vote against their interests yet benefit from the very people and the government they vote against. One of the hilarious ironies of reading this book in two different eras was that at the time of publication, it was going to be the incoming socialism that brings us down. Now, it may potentially be the exact opposite as he gets more dire in chapters 9 and 10 with what he calls SHTF scenarios. He shows his political cards for real in chapter 10 calling the reelection of Barak Obama the trigger of the decline of western civilization. I’d be curious to hear his read on this month’s election and the forthcoming plans of the administration
I read this book in two chunks: in 2013 and in 2024. Two different eras and two different perspectives. Classic libertarianism mixed in with pragmatism offers some things I view as a little extreme, but some things really are helpful in this book. Practical prepping for non-preppers (which I'll eventually ideate on more myself) is very helpful in chapter 6 and 7 although he emits some paranoia assuming that everything will be collected and confiscated which seemed more far detached in 2013 then now. Especially given the marriage of political extremists and technocrats. Let's hope they keep their supposed libertarian bent.
Though I don't like thinking about societal decline, I observe it happening. So, I think it's only prudent to inform myself about what's coming my way.
The first chapter consists of facts that Clarey takes as indicators of our decline. It was review for me, but clearly, he was using it to burst bubbles for anyone who hadn't informed themselves about the state of affairs. It's out of date, since the book was written in 2013, but most of the indicators are still trending in the same direction.
Some chapters after that carry general advice about focusing on the essentials of living, and not dedicating yourself to a career, but working for yourself as much as possible. He talks about how to get what you want out of life with a minimal amount of money, to avoid the tax burden.
He makes a depressing case for "caving," and getting on government programs whenever you can, because you're paying for them (even if you're not paying taxes, you're still paying for them, due to the devaluation our monetary policy creates, along with the public debt), and our society is never going to turn away from them. So, you might as well use them. The last part of the book is dedicated to the "SHTF" scenario, which is conceivable, but perhaps not in my lifetime (I'm 50). Younger folk may want to pay more attention to that part. It's a survivalist guide.
Despite the depressing talk, he stresses that you should live the best life you can, and talks about how to do that (seeing sights you want to see, enjoying the finer things, finding friends, and spending quality time with those you love, etc.). That is the best revenge against those who are bringing on the decline (he goes into what they are like, as well).
it's super interesting to read political books one or two steps removed from the current climate: the opening chapter is a diatribe of fear and caution against the obama administration and now in 2020, given the past four years of chaos and ineptitude, the obama years sure seem stable and competent.
everything seems so big and scary when you're in front of it, you get to imagine this slippery slope future as terrible as you can invent it. in the end it's generally just whatever, it might be slightly good or bad but mostly it's just the middle, it's just the same as it ever was.
if anything, the moral of the book shouldn't be 'enjoy the decline' as much as 'enjoy life, it's probably fine' or even better 'whatever nonsense articles the internet is suggesting is probably outrage clickbait and you have multiple entire lifetimes of choices of other more interesting things to do than be baited into reading and worrying about them'
I didn't get very far into the book, I'll admit, the entire thing reads like a weak blog post or an angry reddit thread. none of these fears ever really came to pass, whatever fears you have now are probably just as laughable in another decade; go live your life.
This is a case of having a book concept that sounds enticing, and following that with poor execution. I made the mistake of actually having high expectations for this book; a fair warning for a topping you might find triggering - the subject of suicide is breached as a viable substitute for retirement, of all things. To lighten this review, the next advice I remember from this book was "buy a lot of lighters, because in case of an apocalypse you can trade them for other goods". Yup. The book even attempts some "psychoanalysis" into different types of people, like a really bad redux of the"alpha-beta-male" nonsense followed by expert advice on how to become a hobo (so that you aren't robbed by taxes. Having lived through a ridiculous inflation in my own country when I was a kid I can tell you none of this advice actually works.
There are occasional rants. But it's hard to miss the point.
The author did a lot of things as told by society. Only to get frustrated in the end. Also a parasitic society thrives on hard working individuals.
Though written from American point of view, the message can be applied everywhere. In almost every country of the world. Every hard-working, law abiding, tax paying person must have felt at some point in life that they are being exploited by the society, by the government.
Life ends. Life is precious. Live it rather than wasting it for somebody else's comfort.
Read it a long ass time ago. Seemed to be a bit far-fetched when I read it, but looking back I feel as if it could be more relevant than ever. Basically, Clarey writes about how America is heading down the drain and instead of being all black-pilled and sad about it, enjoy what you have left and enjoy life. Gets repetitive but its decent. I'd say give it a read if you're at the end of your stack and aren't sure what to read next.
The last great act of defiance! Give them what they wish for!
Times up! Party at Ground Zero! Screw it, this is what they want! Feelings, no creativity, no desire to excel, limp wrist and skinny jeans, grow a beard and drink scotch. Smoke a stoogie in a Caddy and watch the heartattacks commence!
This book is an essential read for anyone who considers themselves conservative or Libertarian, especially for young people. I can't believe I haven't read this until now. Clarey shows readers how to make the most of what feels like a losing battle. I don't get worked up about politics anymore.
Written in 2012, Enjoy The Decline is more relevant than ever in 2021. While I expected this to be a pessimistic book, it was actually a realistic one with an empowering message. Yes, the world may be going to Hell, but you don’t have to resign yourself to go with it. During a time of cultural upheaval, this book asks you to consider what matters most and drastically reprioritize your life.
The angriest and best 'self improvement' book I have read in a long time. Hugely fatalistic/realistic, offensive and enjoyable - it amused me and made me consider/reconsider how I am living my life. Aaron has a perspective that you don't hear very often in print.
As some other posters here noted, this book seemed like an overlong blog posting that could use quite a bit of editing, as vast sections of it were redundant and overwritten.
While I agree with Clarey's primary thesis, namely that the United States and the Western World in general is in social and economic decline, and that we as individuals must face up to that fact and deal with it, I'm pretty dubious of his arguments for the chain of causation that lead up to it, in particular his fingering of "socialism" as the primary engine of the decline, and his harkening back to a golden age of America that never really existed except in the imaginations of modern conservatives and libertarians. The truth be told, the economic golden times of the 50s and early 60s were a fluke of history that was bound to slowly wind down, and instead of preparing for the future, both the right and the left engaged in social and economic policies that made the present a much worse place to be in than it should be.
That said, his theories on what we should do now are pretty spot on. There's no way to fix it, and it will take generations for society to readjust itself back into functioning. We need to accept that and find ways of coping, and he lists quite a few good ways of dealing with this new reality.
A book about enjoying the decline and fall of the United States. He has some interesting ideas and it's hard to disagree with his basic thesis about the overall trajectory of the U.S. but his non-Christian worldview was evident in many of his recommendations (seeking revenge on the parasites of society, taking the "Smith & Wesson Retirement Plan" instead of saving for retirement, don't have kids because their too expensive). He does have some useful tips on preparing for the SHTF situations that may be ahead (liquor, silver and Bic lighters may be very good investments to prepare for a post apocalypse world!)
The only qualms I had with this book was that the author somehow believes we still have democracy in this country and he seems a bit too nostalgic for my taste. With that said, loads of useful information are contained in this book. I recommend it to anyone unaware of why the country is in the state it is in. And if you REALLY want to help change things I suggest watching Zeitgeist: addendum and Zeitgeist: moving forward. Then educate yourself about the Venus project and the zeitgeist movement and get involved, if you want to. Only positive social change can fix the shit we're in.
Great book, I'd recommend it to anybody. The book lost one star because it panders to the patriotic and elderly at one point, and being neither of those I felt somewhat patronized. However, other than that one paragraph, the book shines as an organized and concise action plan for freeing oneself from the more soul-leeching aspects of modern society. The writing style is also fun to read, not dry at all and sprinkled throughout with interesting little stories from Clarey's personal life and from history.
This is a strange but interesting book. The author is clear about his objective and his conclusions, which are certainly out of the box, traditionally speaking. But it is nonetheless interesting to learn how he develops his position and provides recommendations for action in today's fiscal world. The book is poorly written, however, and would benefit from a good editor.