Hunter S Thompson’s Letter on Finding Your Purpose and Living a Meaningful Life
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- Опубликовано: 2 окт 2024
- Practicing my diction by reading out loud written content I admire. One shot recording, no pre-read.
Transcript here:
www.lettersofno...
If you wanna read about this ongoing personal project, see this link:
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You read it well, man. Really insightful wisdom. I listen to it whenever I feel I am lost in life. Keep reading such letters. Grateful that you did this.
Didnt this guy kill himself?
Transcript link is not working sir
Its pronounvced Sartre
@nematoad Some mistakes no one cares about, the intonation is done well and it sounds like an actual letter.
“A man who procrastinates in his choosing will inevitably have his choice made for him by circumstance” believe it or not your own weakness will hurt others as well as yourself
Why not choose God and be happy? Circumstances without God consciousness are miserable excuses for continuing in the cycle of birth death old age and disease.
Circumstances with God are transformative.
@@tulayamalavenapi4028 because god doesn’t exist.
@@tulayamalavenapi4028 I have chosen god and i went from depressed, hopeless, anxious and on a path to sure self destruction to a complete transformation to where my mind is significantly different then what it was a few years ago, yet i still struggle with a lot of things still like procrastination, discipline and getting out of my comfort zone, however now that I have god and my faith my positivity and resilience to suffering and any obstacle is much higher and i remain positive no matter what, i never feel alone or feel the need for a therapist either because whenever im in a dark spot i simply pray, recite psalms and talk to god and cry if needed and i have felt unexplanable feelings that shouldnt be possible during those times of prayer. Id truly be fucked without god but god wont do all the work for me or any of us, we all will have plenty of struggles and things we must work on no matter our faith or how much blessings we recieve because i believe the point of our existence is for us all to deal with struggles and obstacles so that we can grow and evolve in mind and spirit through overcoming things, this is how we gain wisdom and is the point of us being able to sin and why evil and all these bad things exist so that when we do good and when we choose to grow and live righteously, it is all the more meaningful because of our free will, otherwise we all wouldve stayed in the world above.
Also another thing is i dont believe everyone should necesarrily choose the path of worshipping god, regardless of how hard we try their will always be plenty of people who dont see the appeal of god, however this matters not for i believe god to be far too complex, merciful and compassionate as to not care if a man is christian , muslim, buddhist or even athiest. I think his favor and grace can only be had from how morally upright and righteous a person is, i think when our judgement comes you will see that an athiest who was morally upright and a good man through and through will be shown far more favor in gods eyes then a christian who sinned constantly and did more evil then good. Far too many religious people have thought themselves right and blameless before god while continuing to sin and do atrocious things while claiming to be servants of our lord i think these people will be far worse off then any athiest.
@@timdillon4876
Wonderful that you have God, because He's got you now too! May I ask what you understand to be the standard of morality? That can be a stickler. When bringing up whether something is moral or not, do you mean "Christian" morality? Christians may have certain standards of morality yet. #1 they can't or won't or don't follow and #2 those standards may vary quite a bit from place to place. Who is abiding by Christian morality? The Christian morality, in the beginning it is said "Thou shalt not kill," and they're all killing. So it will be very difficult to find out a real Christian who is following the morality. "Thou shalt not covet," and they're doing all this nonsense.
Standard of morality does not mean that you manufacture something morality out of your concoction, does it?
Some say that there should be no illicit sex, and no meat-eating. Some consider this is sinful. But there are others, big, big leaders, politicians, philosophers, even religious priests, they do not think that this is immoral or this is sinful. Their standard is not that meat-eating is sinful. They say " What is the sin there" ? And Illicit sex,... what is the wrong there? Intoxication, what is wrong there? They do not find any immorality. So this standard of morality cannot be fixed up if one is not God conscious. Atheists may not be so fortunate as you may believe.
"Get a plan, otherwise you'll become caught up in somebody else's plan"
-terrance mckenna
"For to let another man decide your goals, is to give up one of the most meaningful aspects of life, the definitive act of will which makes a man an individual."
the definitive act of will which makes a man suck on a shotgun - so much for finding path number 9
@@rusalkin I get that you’re trying to funny by saying GOTCHA! but In doing so you only further his point. At the time that he took his own life he was suffering both physically and mentally with an artificial hip, neuropathic pains etc. with that being said he CHOSE to go down a life of self destruction. His path number 9 was unfortunately taking his own life that to him was the definitive act. Something that was inevitable because who’s to tell him not to?
@@fernandodominguez9143 very well written. Im expecting a hogwash rebuttal by the fellow.
@@fernandodominguez9143 so if pain -> suicide
(i guess that's his epitaph)
Factsssssssssssss
I read this in my late teens and it had a resounding effect on my future. I would work hard(save), take classes at a local college, travel, n move every 6mo's to a year. I've lived life in so many ways and saw the beautiful and the ugly. I did this until 30 when I had my kiddo and thought stability would be best. 12yr's now my wanderlust is not domesticated enough to be kept stagnant, hearing Hunters word's spark the urge to pack up and bolt. Responsibly will keep me tethered for a while longer and who knows maybe in 6mo's I'll have kiddo pick a place n we'll pack up and go see.
Much love your way man
Strange, I’ve been bouncing around since young adulthood as well. I’ve always thought having a child would be the thing that finally made me let my roots catch. Reading your story gave me good feelings. Hope you’re well
don't move your child around their whole life unless you can afford the changes with minimal social drag. My parents moved my whole fucking life and were broke and it negatively effected my whole life. In fact, i hate them for it.
@@devlingreener2182 my parents moved around my whole life and all of the suck that came with that made me a better person. Not trying to discount your experience, just trying to provide the opposing perspective for OP to consider.
@@tissuepaper9962 yeah, i think it gave me a wider view of the world than most people. but i have trouble with deep relationships and am less integrated into my community than people who stayed in one place. IF my parents weren't poor, i think this wouldn't have effected me as much. Glad it worked for someone.
If you're a HST fan, read Proud Highway, its a collection of his letters, and it's my favorite of his books. Its brilliant.
thank you.
Totally agree. Very unrecognized for its brilliance.
Thanks for the recommendation. I am a huge fan, and I will read this now! Go Gonzo!
Thank you 👍
I believe I own every book, but I have to agree. It’s an insight to the real Hunter, not the character he became known for
you have reminded me that I know the meaning of my life and let my pathology cloud my knowledge. hearing hunters words here is so different than listening to his tortured reality in interviews. read on man. thank you.
One of my favourite thing’s I’ve heard from Hunter
This is so incredibly powerful. The man was way out there.
Don't be afraid to change your life. I have never been afraid of changes in my life, I have always been very afraid of their absence. I was afraid that I would be forever stuck in a life that did not please me. I strive with all my might for my love, for my happiness!!! For me happiness is love. And I don't care that people around me don't understand. I always make my own decisions about how to live, because this is my life. The only one and I'm not going to sacrifice it to public opinion. Don't be afraid of change!!! Sometimes there are changes that can be called a real miracle!!!
My hats off to you Hunter,well done!
Stephen thank you for putting this up for us to contemplate.
I cant get enough of the good doctor.
Back in 2003, I was in the 9th grade. During my 2nd period history class, I found a book stuffed in my desk. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson. It changed my life. This Hunter S. Thompson guy had become a hero to me. A year or two later I saw the movie. Then years later I saw Where the Buffalo Roam, The Rum Diary, and Buy the Ticket: Take the Ride. Just the other day I saw a video of Hunter getting into a firefight with his next door neighbors, popping off at them with what looked like an Artillery Luger. Classic Hunter S. Thompson shit. Apparently his neighbors were NOT used car salesmen.
Being non American, this is the first that hv heard abt Hunter. Surprised he wasnt included in literature classes! Am sharing him with other literature- lovers, Asian friends.
He will be in time ~
His 'Fear and Loathing on the Campaign trail of '72" was assigned in my US state university journalism course, such an entertaining author.
Here I am 22 years old, as was Hunter when he wrote this letter, trying to understand what could have made him so wise. The thoughts spoken are so simple yet hold the same weight as proverbs. It's something we have all known deep down inside yet hearing the conformation from someone else is settling. In this Hunter doesn't tell us what the meaning to life IS. Just simply how to find your own meaning and live comfortably. Maybe it would be brash for someone to say that there was meaning to this life. We're all compounds of science that so happened to become conscious and now we are all pondering on things of which we have no control. The meaning of your life isn't written in stone from conception, it is something that you create for yourself.
Soz dude, just because the photo was taken in his early 20’s doesn’t mean that he wrote it then, keep in mind he was in the military for most of his 20’s and didn’t start writing until his 30’s/40’s I think
Hunter was a man ahead of his time. He was a man who was a victim of his time.
Thank you so much, stellar to just close my eyes and listen, Thank you!!!
Just damn man. He was 22. Damn
He didn’t have the internet to distract him
That ending, “you’ll have lots of company” OOOOOFFFFP
Simple and direct ..no sugar coating no complicated philosophy which leads one to confusion..just the clear and simple truth
That's what real journalism should be about.
How can one speak so deeply and profoundly, and yet so clearly and casually?
Yes! So well put!
It's difficult to exercise perfect diction and speak clearly and yet casually, all at once. You are a master at this, Stephan and I encourage you to produce more of the same content. Thompson's writings and quotes are extraordinary. Thanks for producing this video. I became a motivational speaker and personal coach 25 years ago largely as a result of Hunter's thinking and others' whom I admired, which were words I literally put into practice starting in my late teens, and overcame a lot as well as changed my life remarkably. These truths hold power not because they were spoken by a wise (and entertaining) man. But because they serve as a blueprint for how to approach life and truly live your own best life. The spin I put on it -- which I strongly advise for others to bear in mind -- is not to "look for meaning" such as what Hunter says near the 7:20 mark But instead CREATE the meaning that holds meaning for you. Looking for it puts you on track with finding someone else's version of meaning. Creating it is uniquely yours and yours alone. Cheers!
Needed to hear this. Going through a rough break up. .... thank you!
@Michael Dulong it is what you make it. We all have a choice to decide how things affect us. Theres always people way worse off than you or me, but realize being pissy about things don't help.
Have three more. Then it won't be rough. It will be normal. Bad advice bob.
I guess I'm quite randomly asking but do anybody know a good site to stream new tv shows online?
@Zev Sawyer i watch on flixzone. You can find it on google :)
Ayy it will pass man. Get over the breakup and you shall exceed in being yourself
I imagine my life could've been so different with a mentor.
Thanks for sharing 💕
So be the mentor now pls
So true.
Mentorship is in a million books of your choosing...you are your own mentor, consume other people's wise views on lives through their documenting or summary of knowledge.
Your life would be different if a butterfly landed on your finger once.
Stop that, you're thinking the field is greener on the other side... ITS STILL THERE, just open the gate and check it out.
@@mandelorean6243 lots of people are put off by such an aggressive opinion about the life they have lived so far.
A gentle answer shows a kind soul.
The current generation needs to know this and the books written by HST (as well as the other gens). I, as a part of this generation, have learned so much in life and the perspectives of different people about it and the world. I'm not better, but still trying to uphold righteousness and guides. His works, esp his letters, will be living literature for those who needs it.
Thank you very much for creating/posting this.
☮
I’ve never read Hunter S Thompson but this has changed my mind
How did the algorithm know I needed to hear this, from Hunter, right now? Spot on.
Trying to tell someone exactly what to aim at and for is 'pointless'. Explaining the multitude of dead ends, traps and illusions that are sold to them might be of some help. Telling them the exact truth of where you feel you went right and wrong and why, is the best thing you can hope to do.
Hare Kṛṣṇa
Hare Kṛṣṇa
Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa
Hare Hare
Hare Rāma
Hare Rāma
Rāma Rāma
Hare Hare.
Why didn't this cat even tip his hat or raise his toxic cup or snort his powder even once to the most transcendental happening of the counterculture '60s & '70's???
He was sucked in. To the sinful addictive delusionary so-called luxurious habits that control the oppressor.
WELL PUT
Crazy man. That's why I enjoy him a lot.
Always thought that all those so-called "life coaches", people that appear fron nowhere and give advice to people left and right are actually doing more damage than good. Even Stoic wisdom is to never give advice becasue you will never be in other people shoes....The best piece of advice you can give or receive is "be happy" as simpel as it is, figuring out how to get there is your job.
I'm reading "Rum Diary" right now. Hunter Thompson is giving me advice right now through his writing and now this interview.
I can see Hunter writing this letter while smoking a cigarette, mixing up another alcoholic drink, and yelling at his wife to get the dog out of his writing area. Loved the video man! Keep them coming! =)
Great reading, thank you. I needed to hear this now, truly.
Stephen Nguyen, even if u only had one brilliant idea, this, to read/speak words that matter to you, that would be & is naturally brilliant.
may i recommend Charles Bukowski poems, a lot of them, to me, sound like songs, for example " people aren't very good to each other", is one
Thinking about it that's why people stay in this bubble of reality they have made for themselves they refuse to wander away from it and expose themselves to new experiences that would change their perspective of their life. The sad part is people are aware of this fundamental truth and make a decision to never change or evolve their perception. To be or not to be that is literally the question.
G.O.D BLESS AMERICA! BLESS THD PLANET THAT WHOLDES WATER
Thanks for adding this to RUclips. I hear a lot of his words echoed in most of the more modern career-finding type of advice. But hunter said it better =)
Excellent job! As you can see, you're helping inspire people 5 years later : )
I remember my first time reading this whole piece back as a junior in high school. Was eye opening back then and is just as impactful every time since I have come across it.
No one has to do something he doesn't want to do for the rest of his life. But then again if that's what you wind up doing, by all means convince yourself that you had to do it. You'll have lots of company.
Memorize this in case it’s ever lost is my advice.
Thanks for posting this, Stephen! There are plenty of clueless people in the world
just waiting for a chance to belittle us, to trash our work, our ideas. Ha! Let's not do this
to ourselves also. My challenge has always been to silence the inner critic that would
dismiss a fresh idea before it even has an opportunity to sprout. Best wishes, sf
This should be taught in school. Has more ever been said so curtly?
That's the kind of stuff they should be teaching kids in school.
Good on you for wanting to improve yourself. My generation learned to read out loud at the kitchen table, before we started going to School.
The bit at the end where he switches off the hand held microphone, held a very strangely rich nostalgic moment for me… on top of relating to this a lot anyway. Hunter S. Thompson was a strange cat - never been sure how I felt about him & I’m not going to even pretend that matters …but I always love a guy who doodles.
Reminds me of "Atomic Habits." James Clear's whole thesis basically centered around changing ones identity, not goals, to pursue what you want.
Looking back, this is the best advice i've ever heard.
Way ahead of his time
Does intelligence have a time stamp?
@@getsnipedhockey32 I don't think you understand the difference between "ahead of their time" and "intelligence". HST was not a constrained writer - to understand the ultraconservative early 1960s is to understand why Hunter is still held up as a great writer - much the same way as Hemmingway and Fitzgerald (his idols) were held up by their post generation and still are...just read and absorb EH, FSF....and then HST. It all will come together.
Beautiful words from a beautiful soul.
Didn’t hunter sip adrenochrome and make snuffy films allegedly?
Doesn't sound like his work without the Johnny Depp HST impression. Whenever I read HST I have his or Depp's voice in my head. Lol
Gonzo lives on ✌️
This guy reminds me of a combination of B.D. Cooper and Travis from the movie Taxi Driver.
Sound advice from a great writer. 🌝
Are you nuts?
That was quite deep indeed
Not sure why but this makes me think more than I want to. RIP H S Thompson
As he said float then rather than swim. I actually think the area he's touching on is using your feelings intuition and heart with your head bringing your whole self to the experience of living rather than compartmentalising going for societies goals at the expense of your own experience.
This was beautifully read. Thank you Stephen, truly.
Jordan Peterson would agree i think, whatever gives you meaning in life and become something rather than nothing.
Sometimes you mine coal and find gold
good job! if you’re interested in a thought on the reading.
i’d just remark that i appreciate the narration and got the feeling of ‘a pedestrian sanctity or candidness.’ As it treats the subject with the appropriate dignity without coming across as holier than thou. Bumping the speed up 25 points was magic for me and felt a bit more purposeful though. Solid narration, like a pair of loose- but tight-fitted (pvc-fitted) blue jeans in a room of suits.
...this touched my soul...I would have loved to have met this man
Why? Idolize better humans
@@digitalsalsas did you listen to the video? Idolize no person.
@@wepsar unless it’s a Disney pirate
@@digitalsalsas I'm sorry who are you again?
Sheets to the wind. Let the wind take you to where you must be for that wind is the divine breath of God putting you on a course that he has planned for you. Do nothing and trust in god.God. let got take the wheel.
I guess. Dude was into snuff films and human hunting parties. On par with Crowley, do what thou wilt. Pure evil
Get away from drugs and alcohol.
Hang out with men that are the kind of man you would want to be. If you want to learn how to be a man you have to hang out with men. Put your head in the groove and keep your hands on your tools.
Choose positive examples.
Excellent advice and philosophy. The problem is that only the person who knows himself can apply it. Most people do not know themselves
Wow! Hunter Thompson at his finest.
didnt he kill himself in 2005? I mean no disrespect, but why would he know how to find purpose
hey i have being and nothingness in my shelf! might have to give it another look. i havent been reading enough lately, but Kingdon of Fear has reignited my interest
Advise is like the onslaught agaist the sea that recognises itself fotgotten by the man...
Over Individualism is destroying the West.
Thank you.
Just call an FBI agent to read you something an American wrote
My respect for Thompson, as a writer, comes with qualification. He set out to destroy his heady talent and did a fine job. I thank him for the early work and curse him for the addled crap.
Wow. Powerful.
Superb reading. Thank you. I needed to hear that.
This was fantastic, needed this....💯👍😀🙏🙏
Greetings from Seneca, to his friend Lucilius
thank you
The closest thing to immortality is literature
Brilliant
NICE WORK
Thank u for posting this very insightful -- z
😎
Great words
7:00
love HST
I wish I could have had the chance to meet meet HUNTER S THOMPSON he was a amazing author of a lot of amazing books although he was loaded on drugs and alcohol all of his life well I may have done alot of drugs and alcohol to in my life but unfortunately got in a car accident because I was just drunk tho no more hard core drugs anymore and partying everywhere day I found out the hard way but I'm a walking talking miracle I may still smoke cigarettes marrlb reds and just drink beers only on the weekends because my partying days are over THANK GOD IM DONE AND HOME NOW ( A_C
How did someone get a hold of this. What book is this in ?
A life without God is foolish.
The Absolute Truth is God.
To pretend to be God is more vicious than an envious serpent.
God bless American BELIEVERS.
Others are traitors to God the Beautiful.
KNOW YOUR DOPE FIEND
Thank you, great reading and an awesome message.
if thompson is a positive message in your mind , were you raised in a soiled tampon ?
Did you know : reading a book is different than reading yt comments
🌻tHANX A LOt🌻
Who all is here from Academy of Ideas?!
Ps. Rip Dr. Hunter Stockton Thompson
Very well read! I enjoyed that a lot. Pity the letter no longer appears on Letters of Note, ... Copyright claim, I guess.
Brilliant!!!
Hunter s Thompson was accused of making snuff films. I think he said it best when he was on live t.v. and said "I like to kill". So there's that
The link to the original letter is gone
I guess Thompson did not see _free will_ for what it is. Otherwise, it's good advice. But one's goals are based on their options, which can vary tremendously.
I found comfort in this
He's a visionary like Fred Roger's 👍 👌
You sound like Lex Fridman. That’s a compliment