HOW I BECAME A WARRIOR

Once, I ran from fear
so fear controlled me.
Until I learned to hold fear like a newborn.
Listen to it, but not give in.
Honour it, but not worship it.
Fear could not stop me anymore.
I walked with courage into the storm.
I still have fear,
but it does not have me.

Once, I was ashamed of who I was.
I invited shame into my heart.
I let it burn.
It told me, "I am only trying
to protect your vulnerability".
I thanked shame dearly,
and stepped into life anyway,
unashamed, with shame as a lover.

Once, I had great sadness
buried deep inside.
I invited it to come out and play.
I wept oceans. My tear ducts ran dry.
And I found joy right there.
Right at the core of my sorrow.
It was heartbreak that taught me how to love.

Once, I had anxiety.
A mind that wouldn't stop.
Thoughts that wouldn't be silent.
So I stopped trying to silence them.
And I dropped out of the mind,
and into the Earth.
Into the mud.
Where I was held strong
like a tree, unshakeable, safe.

Once, anger burned in the depths.
I called anger into the light of myself.
I felt its shocking power.
I let my heart pound and my blood boil.
Listened to it, finally.
And it screamed, "Respect yourself fiercely now!".
"Speak your truth with passion!".
"Say no when you mean no!".
"Walk your path with courage!".
"Let no one speak for you!"
Anger became an honest friend.
A truthful guide.
A beautiful wild child.

Once, loneliness cut deep.
I tried to distract and numb myself.
Ran to people and places and things.
Even pretended I was "happy".
But soon I could not run anymore.
And I tumbled into the heart of loneliness.
And I died and was reborn
into an exquisite solitude and stillness.
That connected me to all things.
So I was not lonely, but alone with All Life.
My heart One with all other hearts.

Once, I ran from difficult feelings.
Now, they are my advisors, confidants, friends,
and they all have a home in me,
and they all belong and have dignity.
I am sensitive, soft, fragile,
my arms wrapped around all my inner children.
And in my sensitivity, power.
In my fragility, an unshakeable Presence.

In the depths of my wounds,
in what I had named “darkness”,
I found a blazing Light
that guides me now in battle.

I became a warrior
when I turned towards myself.

And started listening.

Jeff Foster


Edward Bernays: Behind Modern Propaganda

Discover Edward Bernays' influential work on modern propaganda, unveiling how media, corporations, and governments shape public opinion and behavior through strategic communication techniques still used today.

This is a long form article, you can read it in https://habla.news/a/naddr1qvzqqqr4gupzqwr459kf0zq5x3nypn83c956mecssm8a6x3tjp85dtt9jxvgg4kfqqxnzde38yurvd3cx5unwvfk6ukfde

## Introduction

If you've ever wondered how big corporations, governments, and media giants manage to influence public perception so effectively, it's time you met Edward Bernays. Often called the **"father of public relations,"** his work continues to shape our world. This write up will introduce you to Bernays and his book **"Propaganda,"** explaining how his strategies are still relevant and widely used today.

## Who Was Edward Bernays?

He was a major pioneer in public relations and propaganda as we know them today. The nephew of Sigmund Freud, Bernays had a unique perspective on human psychology, which he leveraged to create compelling messages that resonated deeply with the public. His career take-off began during World War I, where he played an instrumental role with the US government to shape public opinion about the war, in particular to promote public investment in war bonds to help fund the USA's involvement in the war. He was so successful with that initiative, that after the war he decided to apply his skills to various other fields, including business, politics, and social causes, playing a major role in influencing public opinion at scale.

### A Master Manipulator

Bernays believed that the ***"conscious and intelligent manipulation of the organized habits and opinions of the masses is an important element in democratic society."*** He introduced the idea of an **"invisible government"** made up of influential individuals and organizations that guide public opinion. This concept is crucial for understanding how modern propaganda works.

## The Playbook: "Propaganda"

In 1928, Bernays published **"Propaganda,"** a small, relatively short book that candidly lays out his methods for shaping public opinion. Let's take a little dive into each chapter:

### Chapter I: Organizing Chaos

Bernays starts off asserting that democratic societies require the manipulation of public opinion to function smoothly. He writes, ***"We are governed, our minds are molded, our tastes formed, our ideas suggested, largely by men we have never heard of."*** This invisible government, composed of elites, directs the masses through strategic communication.

### Chapter II: The New Propaganda

Bernays discusses the evolution of propaganda, highlighting how new technologies like newspapers, radio, and telegraphs (cinema, television, internet, mobile phones) have expanded its reach. He emphasizes the necessity of responsible use of these tools, as they hold significant power to influence public opinion.

### Chapter III: The New Propagandists

Bernays introduces the key players behind modern propaganda:

1. public relations professionals,
2. advertisers,
3. and political consultants.

These individuals, often operating behind the scenes, have significant power over societal trends and behaviors. He explains that these propagandists are ***"specialists in interpreting enterprises and ideas to the public and in interpreting the public to the promulgators of new enterprises and ideas."***

### Chapter IV: The Psychology of Public Relations

Drawing on psychological theories, Bernays explains how understanding human motivations enhances propaganda's effectiveness. He stresses the importance of appealing to emotions and subconscious desires, rather than just presenting logical arguments. This chapter underscores the need for a deep understanding of mass psychology to successfully influence public opinion.

### Chapter V: Business and the Public

Bernays examines the relationship between businesses and the public, stating that companies must actively manage their public image. He discusses various techniques, such as publicity stunts, to strategic partnerships, all to shape public perception. He also highlights the role of corporate social responsibility in building trust and goodwill with the target audience.

### Chapter VI: Propaganda and Political Leadership

In this chapter, Bernays explores the use of propaganda in politics. He explains how political leaders and parties use public relations techniques to gain and maintain power, emphasizing the importance of media manipulation and compelling narratives. He also touches on the ethical challenges of political propaganda, advocating for transparency and honesty. Which we all know, is the absolute standard these days, right?

### Chapter VII: Women’s Activities and Propaganda

Bernays discusses how women’s movements and consumer habits have been influenced by propaganda. He explains how advertisers target women, recognizing their significant influence on household purchasing decisions. This chapter highlights specific aspects of propaganda and its role in shaping social norms.

### Chapter VIII: Propaganda for Education

Bernays says that propaganda can be a powerful tool for educational purposes. He discusses how public relations techniques can promote educational initiatives and foster public support for different kinds of reforms. Effective communication and engaging storytelling are crucial for successful educational propaganda.

### Chapter IX: Propaganda in Social Service

This chapter explores the use of propaganda in social services, such as healthcare and public welfare. Bernays points out how public relations campaigns can raise awareness and mobilize support for social programs, using successful examples to show the potential for positive social change to really make that connection with the target audience.

### Chapter X: Art and Science

Bernays examines how propaganda can promote cultural and scientific (or medical?) achievements. He argues that effective communication is essential for advancing public appreciation of art and science. The challenge lies in making complex ideas accessible to the general public.

### Chapter XI: The Mechanics of Propaganda

In the final chapter, Bernays provides a detailed overview of the techniques and strategies used in propaganda. He explains the importance of research, planning, and execution in creating successful public relations campaigns. Bernays emphasizes the need for continuous evaluation and adaptation to maintain effectiveness. He writes, "***The counsel on public relations must maintain constant vigilance, because inadequate information, or false information from unknown sources, may have results of enormous importance."*** Or perhaps, results of enormous negative consequences?

## The Relevance Today

Edward Bernays' strategies remain highly relevant in today's world. I might even dare to say, a modern [Machiavelli](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niccol%C3%B2_Machiavelli). Corporations, governments, and media organizations continue to use his techniques to shape public opinion and control narratives. Here are a few ways his strategies are still in play:

### Big Tech and Social Media

Algorithms curate the information you see, subtly influencing your worldview. Social media platforms use data-driven strategies to keep you engaged, often without your conscious awareness.

### Corporate Marketing

From influencer partnerships to viral campaigns, businesses use sophisticated public relations tactics to create demand and shape consumer behavior. Bernays' principles of emotional appeal and subconscious influence are evident in modern advertising.

### Political Campaigns

Political parties use media manipulation, targeted ads, and strategic messaging to sway public opinion. Election cycles are prime examples of Bernays' theories in action, with campaigns meticulously crafted to appeal to voters' emotions and biases.

## Conclusion

Edward Bernays' **"Propaganda"** offers timeless insights into the art and science of influencing public opinion. By understanding his methods, you can better navigate the modern media landscape and recognize the subtle forces shaping your perceptions. They are relentless. Stay curious, stay informed, and always question the narratives.

Next time you encounter a news story, advertisement, political message, or even a post from an "influensooorr" remember Bernays and ask yourself: Who is behind this message, and what are they trying to achieve?

I hope you find the time to [dive into the book](https://cdn.satellite.earth/0a045b30de5d3a536da8721a73d84dcd22a769d9c4ce7f2f71be74440d8c5bb7.pdf) some day, and I hope this writeup helps you get there.

--

Bernays, Edward. Propaganda. 1928.


Hell yea man! we gotta fight for our freedom! Here's my small contribution to get more people on our side, feel free to share: https://m.primal.net/HnUB.mp4


this is some of the most incredible footage I have ever captured showing people using Bitcoin
https://v.nostr.build/GeE4W.mp4


#freedom #bitcoin #grownostr
https://image.nostr.build/5f6b01eefbcfeb319e83778d4e3f1f5f1e628f465388fd45063869fe6be0273c.jpg


Tucker Nichols, Flowers for Things I Don't Know How to Say

#spring #freedom love #grownostr
https://image.nostr.build/1476211a2fb1d225255f19e36eb080a920aaddf7636ffe971cade515ca314363.jpg


#love #beauty #plebchain #freedom #hope #grownostr
https://video.nostr.build/756322548e5e86897003c33182ac9ea598c5776a898390e29e859afaa9442456.mp4


https://video.nostr.build/8da86e0bed277c45c986b7e50995b5f4f11cb8d56bda7cc896e50ccb71b21de8.mp4

https://video.nostr.build/17fc9055c0887b84d99ccff82964930d7e5a798100cf69b2afb5914d615eae4c.mp4

#findyourpath #beauty #love #freedom #grownostr #plebchain


https://video.nostr.build/fac3a83b239dd11f5bd0b086baf72610965bce68081b324f80a2c04c1f85342f.mp4

#love #freedom #grownostr #plebchain


We must defend our own privacy if we expect to have any. We must come together and create systems which allow anonymous transactions to take place. People have been defending their own privacy for centuries with whispers, darkness, envelopes, closed doors, secret handshakes, and couriers. The technologies of the past did not allow for strong privacy, but electronic technologies do.

We the Cypherpunks are dedicated to building anonymous systems. We are defending our privacy with cryptography, with anonymous mail forwarding systems, with digital signatures, and with electronic money.

Cypherpunks write code.

  - A cypherpunk's manifesto, 1993


Over 750 developers have contributed code to the open-source Bitcoin project  worldwide 🌍 And this is how it looks like..

Too cool!

https://video.nostr.build/b8a20099e18cb9c10fbe2645bebdb42c6e5b1a4b460869f5e469cd523d996043.mp4

#bitcoinfreedom #art #buildnostr #bitcoinlove


CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE
by Hannah Emerson

Please try to go
to hell frequently
because you will
find the light there

yes yes — please
try to kiss the ideas
that you find there
yes yes — please

try to get that
it is the center
of the universe
yes yes — please

try to help yourself
by kissing the hot hot
hot life that is born
there yes yes — please

try to yell in hell
yes yes — please
try to free yourself
by pouring yourself

into the gutter all
guttural guttural yell
yes yes yes — please
try to get that you

become the being
that you came there
to be yes yes — please
try to go to the great

great great fire that you
created because you
become the light
that the fire makes

inside of you
yes yes — please
try to kiss yourself
for going there

yes yes — please
get that you are
reborn there
yes yes — please

begin your day

Hannah is a non-speaking autistic poet. Taken from her collection: The Kissing of Kissing

#poetry #bitcoinfreedom #grownostr #plebchain #love


#plebchain #grownostr #bitcoinfreedom #art #love

https://video.nostr.build/fd75eeb7b2882f3c6b6488ba31d53f528170151dc595f38fbee6aad9cdf82ced.mp4


#Bitcoin Block Art by Blockstr!
Height: 808866
Weight: 3993552
https://thebitcoinblockclock.com/blockstr/000000000000000000033e2fee7e31e3ff78c40e79d062edf7e0410e910505eb.png


This was the only one.....but will keep a lookout for others.


Epic Presentation by Saltonbria


Not a specific chakra....just a visualization of higher consciousness.


Believe....

#grownostr #plebchain #bitcoinfreedom #soundhealing

https://video.nostr.build/1aea1212f66f8d100fa9ca22a8d7874965200359bbbe3bae68ad55200c1c01f1.mp4


Fuego volcano of Antigua, Guatemala

https://video.nostr.build/28894bed139a155fd05769cc8bdf16baf90a8c8afc8ebc548cb09ac8bee16a85.mp4


In the age of rapid technological advancements, it's easy to overlook the roots of innovations that shape our present. Bitcoin, now a household name, didn't just emerge overnight. Its inception is the result of a journey spanning not years, but decades.

Have you ever paused to wonder about the stories, trials, and ambitions leading up to Bitcoin's birth? The path is filled with visionaries, dreamers, and relentless pursuers of a new financial frontier.

Join nostr:npub185h9z5yxn8uc7retm0n6gkm88358lejzparxms5kmy9epr236k2qcswrdp as he takes us on a voyage through time in this quote. It is about the tireless pursuit and the challenges faced in crafting the perfect digital currency for our interconnected, online world.

Whether you're a #bitcoin enthusiast or just curious about the origins of this digital revolution, this deep dive promises to be both enlightening and captivating. 🌐💡

#BitcoinEvolution #DigitalRevolution #TechHistory

https://image.nostr.build/3ebcbb5cc6c5eafbfbf288f581faa2a5f8a742751a93126515e4223df281600a.jpg

https://image.nostr.build/1d457613d42197eedd8da240a21a3f7dd1f917171228d469c148e21161925b6b.jpg


SK Freedom

Set your life on fire 🔥
Seek those who fan your flames.
Bitcoiner & Nostrich.


Thank you for "outing" me Derek! Yes, a book is in the works. I'm going to hold off on the details other than I've spent the last 9 months of my life dedeicated to this endevour. And of course Derek is profiled....It's been a labour of love, hope & inspiration. I'm finalizing the launch date so stay tuned!


https://video.nostr.build/2ac57d89dfbcaf6c2ee1dc41753cbedf971cefe665b2d3801ebc499de7c89c60.mp4

#plebchain #grownostr #bitcoinfreedom


https://image.nostr.build/4c608f66595591e5c5bae6fd1d42d134675886127ce98974532820b7b97c43ae.jpg

Emory Hall

#poetry #philosophy #nostrplebs #art


The fact that Bitcoin isn't yet accepted everywheree and for everything really underlines for me how few people have actually used Lightning. Whenever I show somebody how it works, there's always that "wow" moment. But why was it a surprise?

The problem is that normal people still understand BTC from the one half-remembered opinion piece they read in 2017, and are operating under the belief that transactions still take an hour to settle, rather than being instantaneous and irreversible — money transmission without the Paypal Problem. The public mind needs a cache refresh.


Cool...
https://youtube.com/watch?v=BxWl-O19i-I&si=DqvK57_OS1QzqISk
I'll never get tired of all the different presentations of this song. 😅  gn🌗💜


The currency caste system:

A very small number of rich countries print high-quality fiat (for now) to buy stuff while the overwhelming number of countries can’t and instead have to export stuff *we* want (instead of focus on making stuff they need) to earn high-quality fiat

This currency caste system ensures that most countries never develop sovereignty and instead grow dependency

But! This caste system is completely upended if all countries and people eventually settle in the same global neutral currency that no one state or group of states can print arbitrarily

This is the ultimate promise of Bitcoin: ending the global monetary inequality that enriches a tiny few by causing needless suffering for so many


Street art exhibit in Toronto I recently checked out.
Why not commission artists across the globe to create murals featuring Nostr & showcase through a virtual gallery?
A future dream project.....

https://cdn.nostr.build/i/1ac808078ec3b2d1a888aeef62d6f3f1919092812bdd005c9e7a590b936b84b1.jpg

https://cdn.nostr.build/i/c82055422c1c9734cef17d361bbadab2875cb4139fc72f8b8e933a8e2f39ca9d.jpg

https://cdn.nostr.build/i/356fc4ec801596b070b7d4c8743d0c50f1470aee8afc1909f5cae83a22e63588.jpg

https://cdn.nostr.build/i/aa699da32883e27ea16d5df6a153613ce0a08564edd61af079eed947fd1c1c17.jpg

https://cdn.nostr.build/i/455bbc14c9d499b9414b61f33b214043bcf8950de8c8f026b65b5ec0a4c85031.jpg

https://cdn.nostr.build/i/455bbc14c9d499b9414b61f33b214043bcf8950de8c8f026b65b5ec0a4c85031.jpg

https://cdn.nostr.build/i/7421a7ed539e22f140cfae2ad12db1d20ad7fa1d11a89a4bf1fbc3af14d83063.jpg