The Outlaw's Handbook Read online

  The Rugged Individualist

  The rugged individualist is an ideal that has caught the mind of many a man and for good reason. The rugged individualist represents what we all want to be. A man who is so strong and powerful that he stands alone, unbowed, against all that this world can throw at him. He walks his own path separate from the bleating sheep. This is an ideal as the lone wolf, rugged individualist, or whatever you would call him doesn’t translate quite as well to reality. Sure in an atomized society a strong man (the lone wolf) will always be stronger and more able than any single weak male (sheep). However a lone wolf is pretty much guaranteed to get hunted down by the slave master’s sheepdogs who go in groups and will have no mercy on one not in chains.

  However as an ideal this has great power. Everyone is the gang should seek to get as strong as they possibly can in order to theoretically stand as a lone wolf as long as they can. They should seek the ideal of the rugged individualist as a lone wolf who could keep the sheep dogs going for days or tear out the throats of many before falling. Of course as I’ve said and the outlaw believes there is nothing noble in dying or losing. The nobility resides in living and overcoming. Again this is an impossible ideal to strive for. One can never achieve it short of divine intervention, but that’s not something I’d be betting on.

  But it gives great power. When everyone (or simply you) are striving to be able to face this world alone it brings great strength to you. Facing an impossible task yet fighting with all you have. Not practical but a golden ideal. The rugged individualist represents something deep within man that he wishes to achieve. To have risen above the world and truly conquered it. While one can never do so they can get far, without great ideals there would be no great men throughout the ages. No great conquerors, kings, warriors, or outlaws. It’d be a boring existence without impossible ideals. We’d be a whole lot weaker and a whole lot easier to control.

  The Gang Member

  Now is where we get practical. One should strive to be the rugged individualist of myth and legend. The hero who slays the dragons single handedly. However that simply isn’t going to happen to have a standing in this world you need a gang of brothers, you need a wolf pack. The ideal is a gang of all striving to be the rugged individualist yet watching out and caring for one another at the same time. Many things can brings men together but nothing so much as adversity. Many find themselves in the bond of a gang simply to survive the harsh conditions around them. You cannot go through combat with someone without having a very good chance of that man becoming a brother.

  It’s not weakness to know that you cannot stand alone in this world, it’s wisdom. You should always be looking for those that can aid you and help you and your cause. Imagine that you have a plot of land somewhere deep in the woods and you know that the apocalypse is nigh and you need worthwhile people to survive with. That’s how you should treat those that you allow into your life. Remember and outlaw’s loyalty is not something that is given out freely but rather is something that must be earned.

  You need to be careful who you allow into your circle. Better to be a lone wolf destined for destruction than surrounded by bleating sheep as you slowly contemplate suicide or who scatter at the first sign of distress leaving you out alone. Better to have no friends and allies than to have friends and allies that sabotage you or ditch you when times get tough. At least with no friends and allies you know what’s coming and can adjust. It’s a whole lot different when you expect others to be there for you and then have to re-strategize in the middle of a fight when they don’t show.

  Takes What’s Best Of Both

  Both sides the rugged individualist and the gang member have their bad sides. The rugged individualist is an impossible ideal more likely to get dreamers killed when used improperly as anything else. An the gang member can be nothing more than a sheep that was needed to beef up numbers yet when times get tough will do as all sheep do. You want to take what is good about either side and then combine them into something that is greater than the sum of the parts. The outlaw.

  Even if the gang fades the outlaw has strengthened himself enough to stand on his own even if only for a short period of time. The outlaw combines his strength with wisdom allowing to survive above all else. Of course alone he cannot do as much as when he is with like-minded others, he is still a force to be reckoned with. At least as much as any one man can be. It is when outlaws band together that true forces capable of change and self-sustaining come about. Put simply be strong, be wise, be with your brothers, be an outlaw.

  An Understanding Of The World Unknown To Most

  It has been drilled into our head since childhood that humans are good and that have a good nature within them. We are supposed to believe that deep down everyone is really good, just perhaps misunderstood. The existence of evil and/or an apathetic universe is something that goes over the head of the average person. It just doesn’t make sense to them and would blow up all of their fragile beliefs (something they protect no matter how deep they have to bury their head in the sand). The outlaw has been fortunate enough to see humanity for what it really is and the universe for how it truly behaves. Things that most cannot know without spinning into a depression or nihilism or some other weak philosophy.

  The outlaw stares at the horror and wretchedness of the world and humanity and smiles. Not because he likes it any more than anyone else but because he knows his comfort (what little can be had) comes from his own strength and not the goodness of others or a universe. Humans will slit each other’s throat for a bit of recognition or a sliver of bread (and that’s when they’re not starving) and the universe does not give a shit whether you live, die, or are tortured for all eternity. No one cares about you any further than it helps them along. This can even be applied to members of the gang.

  The outlaw knows that seeing reality and humanity for what it is and they are gives him tremendous power. For he stares at the truth without blinking. And the truth gives on strength. Much more strength than the man or woman burying their heads in the sand. Lying down and rocking back and forth ensures that you’ll lose the battle and be an easy target. You must stare at the horror and be strong enough to survive in it. You must keep your eyes wide open and your wits about you. If you want to make it that is. It is a noble and rare soul that shows true loyalty and honor, making a brother worth a damn one of the most valuable things you can ever have.

  No One Is Going To Save You

  Modern people have been convinced (among other things) that there is someone that is always going to save them. That some government organization or grievance group will always be there to sooth them and give baby what it wants. And maybe that’s true for them but it’s very doubtful that it’ll be true for you. And even if it was, so what? First off you’re making a deal with the devil. Trading your soul, freedom, and balls for some milk from the infected teat of that diseased beast. And second who says it’ll last and once they’ve gotten what they wanted from you they’ll throw you into the ditch with everything else that has been sucked of all its value.

  Anyone who is reaching a hand out (that isn’t a brother) wants something from you, without exception. Everything is a transaction and everything is a deal. Generally a deal in which the other party expects to screw you as much as possible without incurring your wrath (if there’s any left). Anything you want in this life must be taken by your own force of will and strength. No one is going to save you, no one cares about you, and no one is going to help you out. Which is fine. We were not born into this world to grow fat and weak like hogs for the slaughter. We were born to be lions, wolves, and eagles whatever animal have you. But one whose life is filled with combat and struggle.

  We were made to live not exist, this world is nothing but a passing through. The comfort of this world is largely an illusion and when it’s not is poison. Sweet lies will always win out over bitter truth. An outlaw understands this and walks through the world understanding what is around him, the reality of it. Fri
ends are few and often illusionary while enemies, cowards, and degenerates can be found by the bucket full. Throw a coin and you’ll hit ten. They’ll do nothing but take from you. Use them as you need then discard them, loyalty is reserved for vetted brothers and vetted brothers alone.

  “Save” Yourself

  If you want something done you do it yourself. If you want something accomplished you go out and accomplish it, plain and simple. The outlaw does not wait for the go ahead or permission from others, especially not authorities (slave masters) who only ever approve of those who will toe the line and be good little slaves (albeit with some more “privileges”). An outlaw sees what he wants he then goes and takes it. The world opens up for those who are strong enough to force their will. Those who rely on themselves and realize that no one is going to do it for them, no one is going to save them, and the cavalry ain’t coming, ever. You’re here on your own and if you can’t cut it you’re not going to get saved you’re going to get destroyed.

  This doesn’t mean that one should throw up their hands and cry, bitch, and moan (which solves nothing). It means you’ve been given the gift of wisdom. No one said it’d be easy and no one said it’d be pleasant but it’s needed. Once you see clearly and you mind adjusts to a more realistic view of how the world works you naturally adjust. Sure some can’t hack it and become cynics, chronic whiners, and nihilists but the strong, the men, the outlaws simply nod and continue. Fighting the battles they must and ignoring the ones they don’t. They world is no longer their concern, they and theirs are the only concern. Let the world crumble it was never a friend (and more likely an enemy) to them anyways.

  No one will save you and you don’t have to save those outside your group. Harsh? Perhaps. True. Absolutely. Save yourself. Because when it comes down to it that’s all you really have and ever will have. Use those outside the group (for they will do far worse to you), trust those within the group (if they merit it), but only completely and absolutely rely on yourself and yourself alone. This the way to survive, this is the way to thrive, this is the way to make sense of a cruel, unforgiving world. You can hack it, as always be strong, be smart, be wise, be an outlaw.

  The Outlaw’s Unique Path

  The outlaw’s path is not one that will want (or can be) taken by all. It’s a bit ironic never have people been told more that they’re “special” and “unique” and yet never has humanity been so without difference. Everyone thinks the same thoughts, believes the same beliefs, and does the same actions. We all fit into a little tiny mold that breaks and destroys us but hey at least they tell us we’re special while doing it, and we’re dumb enough to believe them. Being an outlaw by its very nature is polarizing you will be disliked by many. Many will envy your freedom, fear your power, and hate that you stand unshackled. Most people don’t want to be saved from their misery rather they want others to join them.

  A pig wants to wallow in the mud. It’s in their nature and anything that gets near them will get dirty with them. To be an outlaw is the separate to be apart from society and mainstream thought as a whole. This is by its nature alienating in a sense. You’ll look around you and there will be many that you simply cannot relate to. What does the wolf share in common with a sheep or a lion with a pig? Not much and living among them will do nothing but drive you crazy. This doesn’t mean you need to be a hermit just understand that your path will be different. Your path will be harder and more dangerous no doubt. But it will also be one with more freedom and choice.

  If you’re someone who has to rely on others, who always needs someone’s in arms reach then this path is not for you. However if you don’t mind get scraped and knocked around as long as you stand on your own two feet in the end, then this may be the path for you. It’s outside the mainstream and therefore for those who don’t want to be “average” whatever that means anymore. Perhaps in certain societies “average” isn’t that bad of a label. The average Spartan is probably a better put together individual than an above average Westerner. Society has a large impact on what is considered “average” yet to get anything above this you can follow the path that is lain out before you. You can move with the crowd but must become separate from it.

  The Outlaw’s Way

  The outlaw’s way is to use his own sense to forge a path ahead. Use what experience, wisdom, and guts have taught him about how the world works. To not accept something just because it’s “supposed” to be that way. What is “supposed” to be is something that is decided by the slave masters anyways who are no friend of the outlaw (or the slaves, but try telling them that and you’ll be met with hostility). The outlaw must walk a path of his own. Like I said above this will at times be lonely and at times you’ll have to face things on your own and weather them. There is no flock to run in the middle of hoping for the best. It’s you and the elements, you and the world.

  This gives you a unique view on how things work. You’ll see things that others don’t see, experience things that others don’t experience, and think thoughts that others don’t think (or least pretend like they don’t). After all it is the truth that sets one free and if the outlaw is one thing he is free. This isn’t to say he isn’t human or that he isn’t subject to his own biases and forms of group think. But rather that he is for the most part free from whatever spell the herd is currently under. Again for the most part even the slave masters have their own versions of sheep like behavior. We all do, it’s minimizing it and not letting others program it that’s key.

  Being alienated is not always a bad thing. To be sane in a sea of crazy is to be alienated. To be strong is a sea of weakness it to be alienated. These are good types of alienation and one that an outlaw to use to gather those that are like him around him. To find those that are alienated through merit, something that will increase as societies become more corrupt and worship weakness and sickness more and more. Those with healthy minds, bodies, and spirits with vigor in their bones are going to stand out more and more. On one side this will increase the alienation on the other it will allow for gangs to be formed much easier and quicker. It will be easier to see kindred spirits and souls, outlaws that have also been alienated from the sickness around them.

  The Two Sets Of Rules

  There are two sets of rules those that are governed by reality and cannot be changed. These are the set of rules that the slave masters and the outlaws follow. They are rules where one lives in accordance with reality and all that it entails. Delusions are not tolerated and truth is what matters. Then there are rules created by slave masters for the sheep dogs and sheep so that they may blindly follow and always remain in chains. These rules are based on an understanding of human nature and how to control any herd like animal. They make use of all sorts of social functions, psychology, and brute force when needed to keep the masses in line and all braying and barking on the same note.

  The slave masters do not want others to think outside these lines. They want all to follow the rules that they have set out because the rules that they have set out are the ones that benefit them and theirs first and foremost (and often exclusively). Imagine if you were in competition with a business where you made a rule that every transaction the business had it had to give seventy percent of the profit to you. They wouldn’t be much of a competition anymore would they? So it is the same with the slave masters, they don’t want competition, they want domination. And the sheep dogs and sheep ensure that they get it.

  Outlaws are the ones who do not follow what is lain out for them. They are not at home with chains on their backs and in their minds and souls. Outlaws are the only ones that are a threat to the system, though most could honestly care less about the system. So long as they get theirs and theirs are taken care of. The outlaw’s way is doing what is best for you. It’s about putting yourself first and not backing down from that. There are risks for going the outlaw’s way but it is well worth it for those that can stomach it. The outlaw’s way is of strength and wisdom as is the way of man. A path few chose
but the only path where one can fully become what they were meant to be and perhaps even pass into legend like the outlaws of old.

  Snakes & Wolves

  I remember reading a story, it might have been when I was a child I don’t really know. It was called The Princess & The Curdie the main protagonist in the book was giving a blessing, power, or whatever you want to call it where he could tell the nature of a person by shaking their hand. Their hand would be an animal of whatever type of character the person had. So for example a strong noble king when shaking his hand the protagonist would shake with the paw of a lion. Likewise when dealing with someone devious an untrustworthy he’d shake a reptilian hand of some sort, usually the tail of a snake. It’s been awhile but that was the gist of it.

  The important thing about this is how this relates to reality. Throughout this book I’ve described people through different animal traits. Traits that are quite accurate. For example sheep dumb as a rock and docile as can be. Wolves independent and fierce. Sheep dogs creatures that exist for their masters will and are at home on a leash. And so on and so forth. While there are no perfect comparisons they do a good job of getting the point across. This reveals a lot about the nature of a person. Looking around you I’m sure you can identify those that fall into the categories just lain out.