The timeless adage that “beauty resides in the eye of the beholder” encapsulates a profound truth: aesthetic judgment is not an objective decree etched into the fabric of reality, but a deeply personal perception shaped by individual experience, culture, and inclination. If, like me, you embrace this notion, you inherently align with the subjective theory of value—a philosophical cornerstone positing that worth, in all its forms, arises not from intrinsic qualities or external mandates, but from the unique appraisals of each observer. This convergence illuminates how our most intimate appreciations, such as finding splendor in a sunset’s fleeting hues or a melody’s resonant cadence, mirror broader valuations in life, where one person’s treasure might be another’s trifle. The implications of this subjective framework ripple far beyond mere aesthetics, reshaping our understanding of human interaction and societal structures. In economics, for instance, it underpins the dynamics of markets, where the value of a rare artwork or a technological innovation is determined not by the labor invested or materials used, but by the collective yet individualized desires of buyers and sellers—leading to phenomena like booming cryptocurrency markets driven by speculative faith, or the fluctuating worth of sustainable goods amid shifting environmental consciousness. Philosophically, it challenges absolutist doctrines, fostering tolerance in diverse societies where cultural artifacts, from ancient rituals to modern art installations, gain significance through personal resonance rather than universal acclaim. Yet, these ripples extend even to geopolitics: consider how subjective valuations fuel international trade disputes, where one nation’s prized resource, like rare earth minerals, becomes a bargaining chip in another’s quest for technological supremacy, potentially escalating into conflicts over perceived inequities. At its core, this theory inextricably intertwines with the sanctity of individual rights, for if value is a sovereign domain of the self, then true liberty demands the freedom to pursue, exchange, and protect one’s own valuations without undue interference. This manifests in the right to property, where an individual’s subjective attachment to a family heirloom or entrepreneurial venture justifies safeguards against arbitrary seizure, ensuring that personal flourishing is not subsumed by collective dictates. Similarly, it bolsters freedoms of expression and association, allowing one to champion causes—be it environmental advocacy or artistic rebellion—that resonate deeply on a personal level, thereby fortifying democratic societies against authoritarian overreach that imposes uniform values. In essence, embracing subjectivity not only celebrates human diversity but also erects a bulwark for autonomy, reminding us that a world of empowered individuals, each beholding their own beauty, yields a tapestry far richer than any imposed uniformity.

Follow the scientific method, not scientific consensus, not scientism, not science policy, not blind faith in “experts”. Examine the facts to see if they falsify the hypothesis. For example, the facts falsify the AGW hypothesis. Don’t let the experts usurp your power of reason. You can’t be free if you don’t think for yourself.

Seek out your own implicit assumptions and examine whether they are on a solid foundation of facts. An example is the implicit assumption that complex nonlinear systems (like a society, an economy or an ecosystem) can effectively be controlled from the top down. This is a common political fallacy that often manifests itself in ways that are disappointing, unexpected, and non beneficial. The facts, however, reveal that in complex non linear systems, order is an emergent phenomenon, not an imposed one. Isn’t that a better foundation on which to build?

The ends don’t justify the means. The means are the end. Wonder, creative spirit, love, kindness, tolerance, freedom, forgiveness, cause the emergence of wide reaching beneficial effects. Jesus, Lao Tzu’ Tao Te Ching, Buddha, Tolstoy, Paramahansa Yogananda, Prince Kropotkin, … they’re on to something fundamental.

Wow! My favorite bitcoin advocate surfs! Now solve the wave scarcity problem, because right now, you’re surfing within the system, so you’re actually making the problem worse. Move to a wave abundance paradigm. 😉