Summary:

Self-ownership is not just a form of sovereignty but a powerful tool that empowers individuals to express their moral and natural right to own their body, integrity, and self. It is the key to being the exclusive controller of one's existence or domain. In our field of thought, activities, interests, control, influence, and rights, we are supreme beings over ourselves, instilling a sense of confidence and control.

Can we truly be ourselves, based on our accumulated experiences, developed frame of reference, and identified value systems and constructs, or are we living a life dictated by others? This is the essence of being a 'unique sovereign, ' a term I use to describe the individual who has mastered their identity and destiny and dared to reject the control of outside forces. It takes immense courage to be a unique sovereign, to understand and embrace our uniqueness, and to live authentically, free from the influence of societal norms and expectations.

Are we beneficial to the economic system but arbitrary to ourselves?

Do we practice authenticity as a unique sovereign, or are we just one of the masses following scripted narratives, such as the 'ideal' body image, the 'perfect' career path, or the 'right' way to live? Often perpetuated by media and societal norms, these narratives can limit our individuality and prevent us from fully embracing our unique identities.

Being or becoming a unique and authentic being is not just a choice but a powerful act of self-empowerment. It requires deep introspection and the courage to go against the flow of society, instilling a sense of bravery and daring in the audience and inspiring them to embark on their journey of self-discovery.

As so succinctly stated by Ralph Waldo Emerson in his 1948 essay, For nonconformity, the world whips you with its displeasure. That is, if we choose a path outside conventional norms.

It's crucial to remember that our uniqueness and service to others are valuable contributions to the world, despite any criticism or disapproval we may face. This recognition of our unique contributions can make us feel appreciated and significant, reinforcing the importance of our individuality and the impact we can have on the world.

I celebrate my uniqueness as a badge of honor and do not need others' approval to ensure my path is approved. The most crucial approval we need is our own, as it instills confidence and self-assurance in our journey of self-discovery and self-empowerment.

Article:

I have always felt like a stray bird because I was fortunate to read in-depth and learn from experiences to develop my value system. I often choose the path not determined by the majority in conventional thinking, opinion, or critical analysis. I see our institutions and systems, primarily manipulated by others, including government, major corporations for profit, and institutions like public education, as flawed and self-serving.

Our institutions relegate us to their occupation and keep us entertained for their self-serving motives. Public education is about submission, indoctrination, and conformity. Critical thinking and uniqueness are frowned upon.

Many unique thinkers over the centuries are famous for developing soul-searching mottos that serve as guiding lights, keeping us informed and enlightened on our journey of self-discovery.

The qualities of unique thinkers are:

• Intensely curious- ask questions
• Zero-based thinking- avoid that's how we've always done it.
• Think outside the norms. Reject conventional thinking.
• Ask questions and assimilate the new information, but discount the arbitrary.
• Change our minds when additional knowledge warrants so.
• Admit failure when we are wrong. Adjust the strategy and try again.
• Never give up the desire to learn.
• Maintain a goal orientation.
• Eliminate ego-based decisions
• Be of service to others -How can I help others accomplish their goals?
• Be respectful to all unless someone proves they do not deserve it.
• Avoid negative people in friendships and business relationships.

Ralph Waldo Emerson: Emerson believed in the three components of structure—nature, books, and action—as the foundation for understanding. Society encourages conformity, stifles individualism, and encourages us to live inauthentically, letting self-sufficiency pass us by.

• Trust thyself.
• Do not go where the path may lead; go where there is no path and leave a trail.
• The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, honorable, compassionate, and have it make some difference that you lived and lived well.
• For every minute you are angry, you lose sixty seconds of happiness.
• Please go ahead and guard your spare moments well. They are like uncut diamonds. Discard them, and their value will never be known.  Improve them, and they will become the brightest gems in a useful life.
• It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life, and no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.
• Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your personality. Be active, energetic, enthusiastic, and faithful, and you will achieve your objective. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. This powerful reminder can motivate and energize the audience to pursue self-empowerment.
• To be yourself in a world constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.

Walter Whitman

Keep your face focused on the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you.

Thomas Edison

• Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.
• I didn't fail 1000 times. The light bulb was an invention that took 1000 steps.

Isaac Newton

To any action, there is always an opposite and equal reaction; in other words, the actions of two bodies upon each other are always equal and always opposite in direction.

Jesus Christ: Leviticus 19:18

Love your neighbor as yourself. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Emmanuel Kant

• Thoughts without content are empty; intuitions without concepts are blind.
• Dare to know! Have the courage to use your intelligence!

John Stuart Mill

A man with nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing more important than his safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself.

Martin Heidegger

• Please tell me how you read, and I'll tell you how.
• Anyone can achieve their fullest potential; who we are might be predetermined, but our path is always ours. We should never allow our fears or the expectations of others to set the frontiers of our destiny. Your destiny can't be changed, but it can be challenged. Every man is born as many men and dies as a single one.

Today's unfortunate scheme in pursuing success is to skirt the surface of knowledge by only paying attention to limited, attention-getting, sensational-driven soundbites.

There is no substitute for reading to develop knowledge and wisdom transcended above the normal. Today, that could include listening to podcasts and audiobooks, discussing with friends and associates, and studying other people's viewpoints and strategies. But above all, I believe in the power of authentic relationships. These relationships connect us, help us understand each other, and make us feel valued and understood.