This supporting section contains notes, references, and any extra resources or comments that did not fit in the main body of this manifesto. However, this has strayed away from the usual academic conventions regarding bibliographies or reference lists. Instead the emphasis is on disseminating information in the clearest possible way , not just conforming to standard essay writing practices for the sake of it. Therefore, much of this section will not only include references as per a traditional style, but also links and notes on the points made through out the paper. Some of these will be in the form of academic papers and studies, whereas others would be in video formats, including lectures and interviews. The point here is to make it easier for you to immerse yourself in this material by providing the best possible way in which information related to the topics discussed in this manifesto can be portrayed. The author recognises that most people are unlikely to read through the lengthy papers, but may be more open to videos or podcasts for example. Especially discussions and debates. As well as this, certain tangents or topics that did not fit in the main sections would be elaborated upon here. For these reasons this Notes and Resources section is as valuable as the rest of this manifesto and the reader is encouraged to refer to this alongside the main body using the numbering system throughout the text.
Disclaimer: It should be obvious, however Azadism does not agree with all the views of everyone mentioned in the references. Some of the resources are provided to give extra context, and where there is disagreement about the content itself this will be highlighted. However, it is unreasonable to suggest merely because a certain name was mentioned now that Azadism accepts completely all of the other views outside of that particular reference.
Link: Levels of Understanding - by Bhai Mani Singh Shahid (manglacharan.com)
Raw: https://www.manglacharan.com/post/levels-of-understanding-by-bhai-mani-singh-shahid
I have purposefully decided not to use the term ‘Khand’ that is mentioned in the translators notes for this since I’ve found that this is often confused with the Khands used in Japu Ji Sahib when discussing this topic in person. The actual word used in the original text is “Adhkaar” which they translate as competency, which I felt was more appropriate for this instance.
Bhai Satpal Singh from Nanak Naam expands upon the deep metaphors present in the Ramayan to extract these key spiritual concepts, available here:
Link: Diwali: True Meaning Of Ramayana | Bandi Chorr Divas | Do Sikhs Celebrate Diwali? - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xX4fKsh6AlY
The rest of his YouTube channel is a great resource in English for discovering more than just the basics, with lecture series on Japu Ji Sahib, Anand Sahib and other topics. The approach here is distinctly non-dual and much emphasis is placed on interpreting Bani and Ithiaas through the lens of Ik Onkaar first.
Link: Three Chapters of Spiritual Progression - Gobind Gita (manglacharan.com)
Raw: https://www.manglacharan.com/post/three-chapters-of-spiritual-progression-gobind-gita
I have retranslated some parts of this from Manglacharan’s article linked. Antar = within/inside I felt was more accurate than simply “one’s mind”, although I would agree it achieves a similar purpose of the translation. A few of the English translations throughout have been mended for mistakes and to make them more accurate. Please take time to read both the original and translations, and let me know if you feel like there have been any errors on my behalf also.
In a banned TED talk given by the Biologist Dr Rupert Sheldrake named ‘The Science Delusion’, he goes through some of the dogmas held within parts of the scientific community that are largely baseless assumptions. One of these was the belief that consciousness was “produced” by the brain, to which Sheldrake suggests that these two may have a different relationship. Instead, he gives the example of a TV signal and the receiver within the TV. The same way the TV signal is always present but only manifests when there is a receiver to capture it to display its contents, similarly, consciousness may also behave similarly. Our brains, therefore, act as the receiver of consciousness rather than the producer.
Link: Rupert Sheldrake - The Science Delusion BANNED TED TALK - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKHUaNAxsTg
The field of Panpsychism is at the forefront of these types of studies, with much of its premise based upon the idea that all things are contained within a sort of mind space, and that the most fundamental building blocks of reality is consciousness itself. This channel is a great introduction to these topics, as well as the accompanying ‘Waking Cosmos’ podcast, where you can hear interviews with some of the field's top scientists and philosophers.
Link: metaRising - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/user/metaRising
Bhagat Dhunna similarly was given, to what would most of us today would see, a ritual to observe in the form of worshipping a rock. However, his innocent nature and pure love for God, spilt this “ritual" over to devotion as he refused to eat till the rock (which he thought was God) ate first! If there was no love in this, then he would have been mindlessly worshipping this stone since that was all he was told to do, hence he would have remained in the state of duality and on the competency of Karma. As the Sakhi goes, the rock does indeed eat the food after God appreciates the level of devotion here, and then Bhagat Dhunna is enlightened. Whereas it can be easily interpreted that his love bore fruit and this is a metaphor to show the listener that this is the power of loving devotion, the fact that he was also enlightened in the story shows he reached the final stage of understanding, Gyaan. How would we react to someone doing this today? We would likely accuse them of idol worship and throw all sorts of Panktis at them to prove they are wrong. However, it is important to recognise that the path of spirituality is indeed a path. Everyone is progressing at their own pace and each are on their own levels. That relationship between the Guru and the Sikh is personal to them alone. Obviously, there are limits to this, but it is still something to think about when observing even the worst people in the world.
There is also Pratibhasika - apparent reality. In fact, Advaita has many breakdowns and terminology defined for these things, but they have been left out for now for brevity. These two parts are sufficient enough to express the point, however if interested, consult this:
Link: Rope-Snake Analogy Using Logic: How Falsehood Becomes Truth (yesvedanta.com)
Raw: https://www.yesvedanta.com/rope-snake-logical-analysis-advaita-vedanta-analogy/
There are other breakdowns such as in terms of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva), but this is my favourite and is often overlooked.
Credit must be given here to Harwinder Singh Mander (Naujawani) from where I first heard about this idea that we as a Panth are reactive and not proactive. This one statement is paradigm-shifting in understanding why our community behaves the way it does.
Link: | naujawani
Raw: https://naujawani.com/
A separate post will be made on this as a case study since misinformation and misunderstanding of the issue seems to be occurring on both sides.
Link: Thomas Sowell Brings the World into Focus through an Economics Lens - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdBn7MUM3Yo
“... because I want people to read it!”
Link: Praxeology: The Methodology of Austrian Economics | Mises Institute
Raw: https://mises.org/library/praxeology-methodology-austrian-economics
It should be made clear here, how I am using the term “spiritual” throughout this manifesto. A “spiritual” effort is understood to mean any effort that makes one closer to achieving or realising oneness/God.
Often, a Shabad is more completely understood through experiencing it in the way it was intended - musically. Especially with Raag, this helps reveal the emotions and feelings the Guru is aiming to represent through their words:
Link: Kabeer Tu Tu Karta Tu Hooaa - by Dhrupadhamar - BoS 5 Year Anniversary - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmxD1QP83II
Bhai Kirit Singh and Bhai Jadeep Singh expand on the history of this particular style of singing on their website available here:
Link: dhrupadhamar – Dhrupad | Dhamar | Shabad Kirtan
Raw: http://www.dhrupadhamar.com/
Another rendition of this Shabad presented here by the Naamdhari Panth, who have done a great Seva in keeping Raag Kirtan traditions alive to sing our Guru’s Bani:
Link: Kabir Tu Tu Karta Tu Hua | Shabad Kirtan | Raag Des | Jhap Taal | Sri Bhaini Sahib - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMqRAW6SnsI
This isn’t to say that this is the only way the Guru teaches the Sikhs, refer to the translation of Bhai Mani Singh’s ‘Sikhan di bhagat mala’ for the 3 levels of competency and how the Guru caters for all by designing Shabads relevant to each level (See introduction).
From Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Salok Mahalla 9
Link: 4K - Jo Sukh Ko Chaahai Sada - Bhai Manbir Singh (Australia) - Sri Nankana Sahib - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnex_8N_SVs
Manglacharan.com has been an invaluable resource in uncovering some of the more overlooked aspects of Gurbani and Ithiaas. As well as Gobind Gita and Sikhan Di Bhagat Mala referenced in the introduction, Bhagauti Astotar is another prime example of this as explained in the heading to the translation provided below:
Link: Bhagauti Astotar Translation (manglacharan.com)
Raw: https://www.manglacharan.com/post/bhagauti-astotar-translation
In order to avoid this Manifesto turning into a Gutka, I have decided not to include more Shabads for this point in the body text. However, here are some of the examples mentioned from SikhiToTheMax.org:
Link: Shabad - SikhiToTheMax
Raw: https://www.sikhitothemax.org/shabad?id=1648&q=you%20are%20was&type=3&source=G&highlight=20025
Link: Shabad - SikhiToTheMax
Raw: https://www.sikhitothemax.org/shabad?id=3972&q=by%20the%20hai&type=3&source=G&highlight=47308
Professor Lou Fenech is a prominent modern day scholar on the study of Sikh history including the Zafarnama and Maharaj’s Darbars. The following is an interview conducted by the UK Punjab Heritage Association, where Lou reveals the nature of the Guru’s courts in more detail:
Link: Prof Lou Fenech on The Court of the Tenth Guru - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsaXpAmDm10
As well as this, he has devoted a book on this topic, “The Darbar of the Sikh Gurus: The Court of God in the World of Men”
Another notable modern-day scholar in these matters is Satnam Singh from Denmark, whose research has been extremely valuable in opening the doors to what our Guru’s Darbars were like in terms of what was studied and the arts and poetry that flourished during that time.
Link: ਸatnam Singh ستنام (@satnam_sdk) • Instagram photos and videos
Raw: https://www.instagram.com/satnam_sdk/
Link: Levels of Understanding - by Bhai Mani Singh Shahid (manglacharan.com)
Raw: https://www.manglacharan.com/post/levels-of-understanding-by-bhai-mani-singh-shahid
The above Sakhi from Sikhan Di Bhagat Mala is perhaps one of the most crucial pieces of information we have in understanding how the Guru designed Bani.
In economics, these third party effects are known as “Externalities”. You can get both positive and negative externalities. The one in this example is a negative, however, cases of positive externalities include beekeepers benefiting from a nearby orchid and vice versa. These don’t tend to be an issue for the most part.
Link: Systems Thinking and the Cobra Effect - Our World (unu.edu)
Raw: https://ourworld.unu.edu/en/systems-thinking-and-the-cobra-effect
This concept became known as the “division of labour” of which Adam Smith detailed in his work. The following link is an interactive demonstration of one of the analogies given in Smith’s Wealth Of Nations about a pin factory:
Link: Adam Smith's Enlightened World (adamsmithworks.org)
Raw: https://www.adamsmithworks.org/pin_factory.html
Unfortunately now, a gold standard is no longer used. President Nixon took the world off of this gold standard in 1971, and onto a dollar-based one backed by nothing but trust in the US government.
Link: A Brief History of the Gold Standard, with a Focus on the United States | Mises Wire
Raw: https://mises.org/wire/brief-history-gold-standard-focus-united-states
Link: WTF Happened In 1971?
Raw: https://wtfhappenedin1971.com/
Raw: https://oll.libertyfund.org/quote/mises-on-the-gold-standard-as-the-symbol-of-international-peace-and-prosperity-1949
Whilst a gold standard was important to help prevent inflationary money printing by governments (and is perhaps much better than what we have now), it still was set by the state as legal tender. Azadism would do away with any state-backed or mandated currency (including gold) and let the people themselves establish their own money through market interactions. If people want to pay in gold that’s great, as well any other kind of money such as cryptocurrencies. By separating money and government, the power of manipulating the money supply is removed. A future publication may expand in more detail the monetary environment of an Azadist state; for this manifesto, it will become too technical. However, it must be stated that alongside the removal of legal-tender laws, Azadism is strictly opposed to any form of central banking. No central bank should have power over the money supply, setting unified interest rates for the nation or acting as a state-backed lender of last resort in an Azadist system.
Link: Chapter VI | Adam Smith Works
Raw: https://www.adamsmithworks.org/documents/chapter-vi-of-the-component-parts-of-the-price-of-commodities
Another example may be non-profits, however, even here, owners and workers are still usually paid a salary. Profit is still generated, but it is reinvested into the organisation or goes to the cause that they were set up for instead.
This was known as the ‘Labour Theory of Value’ and was held by many classical economists, including David Ricardo and Karl Marx. This has now been largely debunked and replaced by the Subjective Theory of Value and the Marginal Utility Theory.
Link: Three Arguments Debunking Marx’s Labor Theory of Value | Mises Wire
Raw: https://mises.org/wire/three-arguments-debunking-marxs-labor-theory-value
Carl Menger was the founder of the Austrian School of Economics. After recognising discrepancies between the ideas of classical economists and his experience with the real world, it led him to critically re-evaluate the entire field of economics. In 1871 he released his work ‘Grundsätze der Volkswirtschaftslehre’ - Principles of Economics. This diamond example was from the third chapter, accessed here:
Link: Menger's Principles of Economics: Burying the Labor Theory of Value | Libertarianism.org
Raw: https://www.libertarianism.org/essays/mengers-principles-economics-burying-labor-theory-value
This is a common example used to explain the Subjective Theory of Value. Each person values goods differently depending on their own personal preferences.
This is covered by the Marginal Utility Theory, which states that after a point, each additional unit of a good that is consumed would provide gradually less satisfaction or utility than the previous unit.
Link: The Value of Diamonds and Water Paradox (investopedia.com)
Raw: https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/032615/how-can-marginal-utility-explain-diamondwater-paradox.asp
Link: Value and Prices - (Austrian Econ Basics #2) - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vmSBppSGzY
Examples of these are markets for human beings, such as slavery and human trafficking. Since these both violate the NAP, they are not compatible with the idea of Free Markets as interpreted by Azadism. The parties involved here have not all consented and so transactions of this nature should be resisted to maintain freedom.
Alternatively, markets for drugs do not break the NAP, since both buyer and seller have consented to this transaction. No freedom has been eroded in this case. This may seem immoral initially to allow drug trades to be legal, however, this may be expanded in a later post to dispel some of the misunderstanding around legalisation and decriminalisation of drugs.
Link: Friedrich Hayek (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)
Raw: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/friedrich-hayek/
Hayek was perhaps one of the greatest minds in the last century regarding economics. When he moved to London in 1931 he provided strong resistance against the ideas of John Meynard Keynes. However, unfortunately, Keynes succeeded in the public sphere, with many of the modern western so-called “capitalist” economies adopting varying degrees of Keynesian policies as a result. For more information about this debate, see here:
The clash between Keynes and Hayek defined modern economics | British Politics and Policy at LSE
Link: History of the OED | Oxford English Dictionary
Raw: https://public.oed.com/history/
Link: How the Oxford English Dictionary started out like Wikipedia | WIRED UK
Raw: https://www.wired.co.uk/article/the-oxford-english-wiktionary
Please take some time to understand Supply and Demand, as it is a crucial element of economics.
Link: Law of Supply and Demand Definition (investopedia.com)
Raw: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/l/law-of-supply-demand.asp
Link: Explaining supply and demand - Economics Help
Raw: https://www.economicshelp.org/blog/160660/economics/explaining-supply-and-demand-2/
Link: Simulating Supply and Demand - YouTube
Raw:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNtKXWNKGN8&list=PLxUfDdw5RjEIB4aWVJWYvltl5uey7h-Ej&index=3
Understanding of the pricing mechanism and markets forms the basis of economic thinking. This is only a brief summary of these concepts, and in order to avoid this paper becoming an economics textbook, it is recommended that the curious look into this further for a deeper understanding. I have included only as much as required for the purposes of this manifesto and as an introduction to arguably the most important concepts in economics and human behaviour as a whole. Some of the concepts mentioned in this section included: supply and demand, opportunity costs, subjective theory of value and marginal utility theory.
Oxford Dictionary Definition: “business or industry that is managed by independent companies or private individuals rather than being controlled by the state.”
In fact, even the Oxford dictionary definition leaves room for some ambiguity by introducing the word “direct” in their definition of the 'Private Sector'. Azadism pushes this further and explicitly states that any sort of state control, whether direct or indirect, thereby invalidates any organisation’s status as a “private” entity. This better matches with the definition included in the Oxford Dictionary Of Economics and common use of this term I have come across listening to Economists.
A note on the incident regarding the Masands being turned into pakore. This was justified on the Guru’s behalf since the Masands were not only refusing to comply with the Guru’s orders to readdress the donations made by the Sangat (meant for the Guru, the Masands just collected on his behalf) to the Khalsa, but also burnt a Saroop of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, and conspired to depose him. Thereby, the Guru dealt with them as people who break the NAP and steal the private property of others.
A more detailed account is available in Rattan Singh’s ‘Prachin Panth Prakash’ (who in turn refers to Gur Bilas for even more detail).
However, I do recognise the role of Hukam in decision making (or lack thereof), however as stated in the introduction, for the purpose of this manifesto I simply have to assume free-will and personal agency for the sake of practicality. At a certain level in this topic specifically, there will be an inability to talk about any of these concepts otherwise.
This is a simplistic breakdown in order to highlight the key points. However, sometimes it may be okay that temporarily a particular venture incurs a loss in the short term. This is most often the case with new businesses that may have paid large fixed costs to begin with. However, by examining their cash flow statements or other factors, you can reveal a more accurate reason as to why a business may not be generating profit. However, in the long term, breaking even or making a profit would be needed. Even charities must generate a profit, by ensuring the donations cover their costs.
Link: Gurdwara Sri Mal Akhara Sahib | Historical Gurdwara Tours - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tXbgyyGZrY
Do not look into Robert Greene, nor his book “33 Strategies or War” in particular.
Link: The Art of War by Sun Tzu - Chapter 11: The Nine Situations (suntzusaid.com)
Raw: https://suntzusaid.com/book/11
This website is good resource for reading this text due to the added commentary
Or at the very least more than otherwise. In fact, even this Manifesto would not have been written without employing elements of this strategy to help motivate and remain disciplined in this endeavour.
Link: Rasna Raam Raam Bakhaan - by Dhrupadhamar - BoS 5 Year Anniversary - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4aCYT6oSDs
Link: The Philosophy And Principles of Capitalism with Yaron Brook (thewealthstandard.com)
Raw: https://thewealthstandard.com/the-philosophy-and-principles-of-capitalism-with-yaron-brook/
The original essay is available here:
Link: I, Pencil by Leonard E. Read - Foundation for Economic Education (fee.org)
Raw: https://fee.org/resources/i-pencil-audio-pdf-and-html
Chicago School economist and Nobel Laureate, Milton Friedman, also talks through this example briefly here:
Link: Milton Friedman - I, Pencil - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67tHtpac5ws
Relevant point:
Link: Carl Sagan's apple pie - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkHCO8f2TWs
Failures in pollution control and climate change are important topics that will be discussed in a future publication, but for the curious please look into the concept of the “Tragedy of the Commons”. Maintaining property rights are an important component of an Azadist economy but discussion of this goes outside of the scope of this Manifesto.
The 2008 Financial crisis is another one of these topics that go outside of the scope of this manifesto too. Explaining this example is too detailed for here, and so may either be discussed elsewhere alongside interest rates, inflation, banking, investing and monetary policy as its own publication. The reader is therefore encouraged to research Peter Schiff’s explanation of the topic, someone who predicted and warned everyone long before it happened. His book ‘Crash Proof’ looks at this subject in detail, but you can also refer to his 2007 Google Talk here (In short, this was government’s fault too unsurprisingly):
Link: Crash Proof | Peter Schiff | Talks at Google - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tU8jCa_dKTM
Also related and worth the watch is his debates at the Occupy Wall Street protests after the 2008 crash, in which he combats some of the common misconceptions around the situation.
Link: Peter Schiff at Occupy Wall Street "I am the 1%. Let's Talk"
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RY0R0NpIdQQ
Link: How Government Regulations Make Housing Unaffordable | Mises Wire
Raw: https://mises.org/wire/how-government-regulations-make-housing-unaffordable
Link: Price Controls - Econlib
Raw: https://www.econlib.org/library/Enc/PriceControls.html
Link: Rent Control Does Not Make Housing More Affordable | Manhattan Institute (manhattan-institute.org)
Raw: https://www.manhattan-institute.org/issues-2020-rent-control-does-not-make-housing-more-affordable
This already exists currently too. Builders themselves recommend private inspectors to check the work over the local councils ones (in the UK) since the latter are often so late in responding, which halts the work as they can not progress without a pass from the inspector. Therefore private ones are preferred since it helps keep building projects on schedule.
Government-mandated licences are another headache of state intervention. Esteemed economist Walter E Williams has a great example of Taxi licences that was too lengthy to include here, and the housing regulations already acted as the relevant example for this topic. Nonetheless, the reader is highly encouraged to hear Walter’s Williams argument on this topic:
Link: "Good Intentions" with Walter E. Williams - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5TS8QUJWXo
Link: Private Regulation: A Real Alternative for Regulatory Reform (cato.org)
Raw: https://www.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/pubs/pdf/pa-303.pdf
What about people lying? Companies would likely find ways around this to help build confidence and trust with their consumers. Even now, a lot of the applications on the Google Play Store have the developers respond directly to problems openly so that everyone can see, showing they are happy to support or find a solution. Other methods could be similar to what Amazon does by giving a verified purchase tag. And lastly, other customers of that product themselves can refute the baseless claims.
One famous example is Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur sacrificing his own life, alongside his companions Bhai Dayal Das, Bhai Mati Das and Bhai Sati Das, to resist the state from enforcing its religion on private individuals (the Kashmiri Pandits in this case). The freedom of religion is paramount in ensuring a free society, and when the state regulates even this most basic of rights, it is nothing but a sign of tyranny.
Link: Milton Friedman - Equality and Freedom (Q&A) Debunking Social Justice Theory - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_mGlqyW_Zw&list=PLOv-GldVeFiXd1exZU0QLYC6ynwkQwbvz&index=36
Raw: https://master-cca.cnam.fr/html/ms/cca/articles/article4-4.pdf
Link: The Failure of Free Entry (nber.org)
Raw: https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w26001/w26001.pdf
Although antitrust laws were designed specifically to combat monopolies, their actual effect was to create a system of extortion. These regulations are used as a weapon by government to threaten successful companies to fill the pockets of politicians.
Link: Anti-Trust Law and Lawlessness, by Dr. Thomas Sowell | Creators Syndicate
Raw: https://www.creators.com/read/thomas-sowell/04/15/anti-trust-law-and-lawlessness#decreaseFont
Link: Do Antitrust Laws Preserve Competition? | Mises Institute
Raw: https://mises.org/library/do-antitrust-laws-preserve-competition
Link: Policy Forum: "Milton Friedman on business suicide" | Cato Institute
Raw: https://www.cato.org/policy-report/march/april-1999/policy-forum-milton-friedman-business-suicide
Link: How Microsoft learned ABCs of D.C. - POLITICO
Raw: https://www.politico.com/story/2011/04/how-microsoft-learned-abcs-of-dc-052483
Link: Microsoft Corp Lobbyists • OpenSecrets
Raw: https://www.opensecrets.org/federal-lobbying/clients/lobbyists?cycle=2019&id=D000000115
Open Secrets is a non-profit devoted to tracking lobbying expenditure in the US.
In fact, it’s very difficult to become that large in the first place without government assistance. In principle, larger firms inevitably become increasingly inefficient due to their inability to accurately calculate prices internally.
Link: Is There a Limit to How Big a Corporation Can Get? | Mises Wire
Raw: https://mises.org/wire/there-limit-how-big-corporation-can-get
Link: Why the Economy Isn't Controlled by One Big Corporation | Mises Wire
Raw: https://mises.org/wire/why-economy-isnt-controlled-one-big-corporation
On “Economies of scale”:
Link: Per Bylund on the Economics of Value versus Economies of Scale | Mises Institute
Raw: https://mises.org/library/bylund-economics-value-versus-economies-scale
Link: Predatory prosecution (forbes.com)
Raw: https://www.forbes.com/forbes/1999/0503/6309089a.html?sh=6d014480206f
For example:
Raw: https://www.nationalhealthexecutive.com/Health-Care-News/operating-room-inefficiencies-costing-the-nhs-300000-operations-a-year
The following shows further the extent of the problem. Whilst Azadism would disagree with the proposed solution of more investment (i.e throw more money at it), it is a useful report nonetheless to show how inefficient public sector industries become due to various restrictions and regulations that lead to shortages such as these.
Link: Medical staffing in the NHS in England report (bma.org.uk)
Raw: https://www.bma.org.uk/advice-and-support/nhs-delivery-and-workforce/workforce/medical-staffing-in-england-report
However, staunch defenders of this system would still stress the cultural importance of the NHS, as something that has undeniably been seeped into the hearts and minds of the British public. Azadism sees this as no different from forcibly maintaining the British royal family, similarly through taxes. If people want to voluntarily pay for these “cultural” enterprises, they should pay for it themselves, and all those who don’t should be free to opt-out. This forces the NHS to stay competitive as its income is now based on its ability to meet the needs of its "customers", and not on the state stealing peoples money to force them to pay for it. This would also give room for other competitors to come into the space and introduce necessary improvements.
Raw: https://www.healthsystemtracker.org/chart-collection/health-spending-u-s-compare-countries/#item-start
Link: Are Patents Impeding Medical Care and Innovation? (nih.gov)
Raw: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2795161/
Whilst the above admits that patents do indeed increase costs and restrict innovation, they do not suggest doing away with this system entirely. Further debate and research on this are needed in which we can compare reforming patents with alternatives such as the prize system mentioned in the article. However, from an Azadist perspective, any state-backed mandates protecting specific organisations over others is inherently wrong and counter-productive.
For more information on how the US Healthcare system works, please consult the following:
Link: A layman's guide to the U.S. health care system (nih.gov)
Raw: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4193322/
As we can see it is not as private as it is so often claimed to be. Instead, it is a mess of government intervention and funding, combined with highly regulated industries.
Link: Human Experimentation: An Introduction to the Ethical Issues (pcrm.org)
Raw: https://www.pcrm.org/ethical-science/human-experimentation-an-introduction-to-the-ethical-issues
Singhs who aim to be ‘Tyar Bar Tyar’ should be so in a multitude of ways. Smart financial planning and insurance should be part of this. Especially the Naujuwan and Bhujangis - health insurance is cheaper if you are young and healthy.
This is not to say that all adults are therefore by default acting rationally, but for the most part, they have a far higher probability to do so than a child can due to the time taken to develop mentally being longer. This should be taken as a rule of thumb; there are obviously many exceptions to this for which there would be appropriate support mechanisms in place that will be touched upon in the next section.
Adults would not have this right, since the state has no justification to force adults into education if they do not want to, as this would break their rights associated with NAP. Hence why these rights are ‘swapped’ for children.
Technically education isn’t a right in the same way that free speech is a right. It is an entitlement, something that you are given, not restricted from. The distinction between positive rights (entitlements) and negative rights (liberties) are important to understand, the following two clips give a better outline of these concepts:
Link: Basic Human Rights Explained | Alex Gladstein and Lex Fridman - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZKS3eS44tA
Link: Positive Rights vs. Negative Rights | Learn Liberty
Raw: https://www.learnliberty.org/videos/positive-rights-vs-negative-rights/
“Property” is the only word that seemed appropriate in this context. However, unlike all other property, they can’t be bought and sold but they do have assigned relationships with people who are responsible for them.
Free to Choose is a book based on the 1980s 10 part TV series by the same name and presented by Economist Milton Friedman themselves. The TV series will be linked to at end of these notes as one of the valuable next steps in understanding this subject area.
See Page 170 (181 of the PDF), available here:
Link: Free To Choose: A Personal Statement (unam.mx)
Raw: https://bit.ly/3FqZ7IQ
"The education, or rather the uneducation, of black children from low income families is undoubtedly the greatest disaster area in public education and its most devastating failure. This is doubly tragic for it has always been the official ethic of public schooling that it was the poor and the oppressed who were its greatest beneficiaries."
Ibid page 151 (162 of the PDF)
Raw: https://fee.org/articles/why-milton-friedman-saw-school-choice-as-a-first-step-not-a-final-one/
Link: Education System in North Korea - NGO - PSCORE
Raw: http://pscore.org/life-north-korea/forced-to-hate/
The same reasoning applies to media also. Under Azadism there is no justification for any sort of state-owned or funded (whether wholly or in part) media organisation whatsoever. In the UK the BBC would be an example of this.
It could be argued that sometimes subjects are studied for enjoyment rather than employment, and this is completely fine. If there is a market for that, then those things will be available. This is actually more in line with what universities were originally meant to be, centres to further knowledge out of curiosity rather than to secure employment necessarily.
Raw: http://ijiet.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/1158.pdf
I’m unsure how scientific his experiment was in this paper, and it was quite obvious he was biased. But so is this manifesto, so oh well.
The rate at which student loans are paid back as of December 2020 is 25%
Link: Student loan statistics - House of Commons Library (parliament.uk)
Raw: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn01079/
Link: Peter Schiff: The Government Created the Student Loan Bubble | SchiffGold
Raw: https://schiffgold.com/peters-podcast/peter-schiff-the-government-created-the-student-loan-bubble/
Again, the laws of supply and demand determine this. Those things that are in abundance but the demand does not match or rise with it, naturally reduces their “price” - in this case the worth or value of the degree.
Link: Regulations Improve the Free Market? - Foundation for Economic Education (fee.org)
Raw: https://fee.org/articles/regulations-improve-the-free-market/
Link: Why Government is the Problem Milton Friedman 1993 (hoover.org)
Raw: https://www.hoover.org/sites/default/files/uploads/documents/friedman-government-problem-1993.pdf
Link: Why We Need To Re-think Friedman’s Ideas About Monopolies (promarket.org)
Raw: https://promarket.org/2021/04/25/milton-friedman-monopoly-self-interest/
Link: Antitrust Policy Is Both Harmful and Useless | Mises Institute
Raw: https://mises.org/library/antitrust-policy-both-harmful-and-useless
Link: Positive and Negative Liberty (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)
Raw: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/liberty-positive-negative/
Link: Income inequality measures (nih.gov)
Raw: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2652960/
Link: Inequality - Poverty gap - OECD Data
Raw: https://data.oecd.org/inequality/poverty-gap.htm
Link: GDP and spending - Gross domestic product (GDP) - OECD Data
Raw: https://data.oecd.org/gdp/gross-domestic-product-gdp.htm
Link: The Likelihood of Experiencing Relative Poverty over the Life Course (plos.org)
Raw: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0133513
Link: Relative vs Absolute Poverty: Defining Different Types of Poverty (habitatforhumanity.org.uk)
Raw: https://www.habitatforhumanity.org.uk/blog/2018/09/relative-absolute-poverty/
Raw: https://www.aei.org/carpe-diem/evidence-shows-significant-income-mobility-in-the-us-73-of-americans-were-in-the-top-20-for-at-least-a-year/
Link: (PDF) The Life Course Dynamics of Affluence (researchgate.net)
Raw: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/271598246_The_Life_Course_Dynamics_of_Affluence
Link: The Zero-Sum Fallacy | Povertycure
Raw: https://www.povertycure.org/learn/issues/charity-hurts/zero-sum-fallacy
Link: Gapminder
Raw: https://www.gapminder.org/
Definitely take some time to go through some of the “Upgrade your worldview” surveys here. Hans Gosling has some great Ted Talks too available on YouTube or here:
Link: TED Talks
Raw: https://www.ted.com/talks?sort=relevance&q=gapminder
Link: Optimistic facts and charts that show the world is getting much, much better - Vox
Raw: https://www.vox.com/2014/11/24/7272929/global-poverty-health-crime-literacy-good-news
Often it is a good idea to put the common pessimistic narrative that is pushed by media into context. This isn’t to ignore present issues or to say that things will not get worse, but it is important to understand that things can exist in both micro and macro cycles. Focusing too much on the short-term and recent events leads to a very bleak view of the world and where we are headed. Sometimes putting things into perspective and taking a look at the big picture is helpful.
Matt Ridley’s book ‘Rational Optimist’ highlights many of these examples in more detail. You can hear his Google talk here:
Link: The Rational Optimist | Matt Ridley | Talks at Google - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMxe73iJPbo&list=PLxUfDdw5RjEJc_uuNrkXyNgUHonoTP6L8&index=6
And his interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson here:
Link: Rational Optimism | Matt Ridley - Jordan B Peterson Podcast S4 E5 - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjqEMqOyUr8
Link: Senator Sanders and the Fixed Pie Fallacy | Cato at Liberty Blog
Raw: https://www.cato.org/blog/senator-sanders-fixed-pie-fallacy
Link: Chaaban Wealth Management Group - The rule of 72 (rbcwealthmanagement.com)
Raw: https://ca.rbcwealthmanagement.com/dian.chaaban/blog/1566725-The-rule-of-72
Link: Rule of 72 Definition, Formula, & Calculation (investopedia.com)
Raw: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/ruleof72.asp
In later posts, investing will be explored further. It is crucial that young people especially learn about how to best manage their finances. The earlier you start the better opportunity you will have.
Link: Population Control Isn't the Answer to Climate Change. Capitalism Is. - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xkXjj6dalM
Azadism is not blinded by hatred for an enemy and instead seeks to learn from them. It is only by understanding the enemy, can you find their weaknesses, and perhaps more importantly your own. How were they successful? How did they fail? Learning from the enemy is crucial in developing a strategy to defeat them. The enemy is one of the greatest Ustaads.
Sri Guru Gobind Singh Maharaj even seems to praise Auranga in his Zafarnamah too. Perhaps the Guru did this to help educate his Khalsa to similarly show respect to an enemy as means of being strategic.
(page 26)
Link: ZAFARNAMAA WITH PERSIAN.pdf (archive.org)
Raw: https://ia600303.us.archive.org/24/items/ZafarnamaWithMeanings/ZafarnamaWithMeanings.pdf
Khushwant Singh’s ‘A history of the Sikhs’ details this and why it never materialised in Chapter 17 - Dreams of Sindh and the Sea
Who knows what the state of Panjab would have been today if he had succeeded in his ambitions
Link: The Position of the Zamindars in the Mughal Empire - S. Nurul Hasan, 1964 (sagepub.com)
Raw: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/001946466400100401?journalCode=iera
It is likely this restriction of freedom actively stunted the growth of the US and harmed their rate of progress. By actively suppressing a nation's labour and expertise, the rate of innovation would not reach its full potential.
Again, it must not be forgotten that these freedoms were catered towards the invaders, not the enslaved or the natives.
Patents are essentially property rights over ideas. It is questionable whether these are acceptable under an Azadist framework since they must be backed by the state and restrict competition and innovation. Further debate is encouraged in this, however.
Patents were originally granted by Kings to grant exclusive rights to certain subjects (essentially a monopoly backed by the monarchy).
A later publication will be produced on the topic of banking and interest rates. However for now it is important to add that the competitive banking system in the US (and elsewhere) was ruined through the introduction of central banks and monetary policies that set interest rates via a central planner and not through market forces. Azadism does not advocate for central banking, or any type of monopoly in this sector - especially not a state backed-one. Again, this will be expanded elsewhere outside this manifesto.
Link: 2021 Index of Economic Freedom | The Heritage Foundation
Raw: https://www.heritage.org/index/about
Link: Jordan Peterson Talks Gun Control, Angry Men and Women CEOs | Time
Raw: https://time.com/5175974/jordan-peterson-12-rules-book-interview/
Validity of such thinking could be put under scrutiny, as with many other of his ideas. Especially those ideas presented in the Communist Manifesto which was put together by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. A specific critique of some of the ideas he presents is beyond the scope of this particular publication, and so may be expanded upon elsewhere (particularly Marx's 10 measures he outlines in chapter 2). Instead, I encourage you to see Jordan Peterson’s critique here:
Link: Jordan Peterson's Critique of the Communist Manifesto - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_MXSE3wUT4
However, please see the following for a more comprehensive review of this topic that goes into further details regarding inequality. If we want to solve some of the issues associated with this, then it is imperative we understand the problem accurately and dispel misconceptions. The following lecture is a great breakdown of this topic by Professor Antony Davies with Learn Liberty.
Link: Prof. Antony Davies: 5 Myths About Inequality - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jtxuy-GJwCo
Profit when obtained in a free-market environment is key here.
Link: Can You Be Spiritual and Rich At The Same Time? [Podcast Clips] @BoS TV - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYtQgITXY4M&list=PLxUfDdw5RjEIB4aWVJWYvltl5uey7h-Ej&index=23
Although, Economist Art Laffer has a unique, but perhaps more accurate spin on the Robin Hood myth:
(Listen from 12:20 onwards)
Link: Why Raising Taxes Destroys The Economy - Art Laffer - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GChpnX44_Ns&t=298s
Link: Moving my business to Ireland (thinkbusiness.ie)
Raw: https://www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/moving-business-to-ireland/
Link: Tax_Rates_and_Migration_Davies_Pulito_WP1131.pdf (mercatus.org)
Raw: https://www.mercatus.org/system/files/Tax_Rates_and_Migration_Davies_Pulito_WP1131.pdf
This is not just theory, as this is already the case in many of the developed nations that are increasingly imposing these policies. From the US many high-income earners have moved to Puerto Rico for example, in order to avoid the extortionately high tax rates.
‘Nomad Capitalist’ is run by an entrepreneur who helps provide information and advice to (primarily wealthy) individuals looking to escape exploitation at the hands of the government seeking to take their wealth. Their very motto is “Go where you a treated best”.
Link: Nomad Capitalist | Offshore Tax and Lifestyle Strategies for Entrepreneurs
Raw: https://nomadcapitalist.com/
(Also check out their YouTube channel)
“Trickle Down” Theory and “Tax Cuts for the Rich” - Thomas Sowell, page 3, available here:
Link: Sowell_TrickleDown.indd (hoover.org)
Raw: https://www.hoover.org/sites/default/files/uploads/documents/Sowell_TrickleDown_FINAL.pdf
Link: Prof. Antony Davies: 10 Myths About Government Debt - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPjrFjAxwlw&list=PLxUfDdw5RjEIB4aWVJWYvltl5uey7h-Ej&index=20
Myth #5 and #6, further reinforces Sowell’s argument specifically. The rest of the lectures that he did with Learn Liberty are invaluable too.
Alternatively, consumption or Land-revenue taxes may be more in line with Azadist principles (at least for the beginning), however this may be explored in later publications or discussions.
Link: Tax History Project -- Milton Friedman Dead at 94
Raw: http://www.taxhistory.org/thp/readings.nsf/ArtWeb/629A48DB6BB63EDD8525730800064E63?OpenDocument
Link: Free Rider Problem Definition (investopedia.com)
Raw: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/free_rider_problem.asp
‘The World Says No to War: Demonstrations against the War on Iraq’ by Stefaan Walgrave and Dieter Rucht, available here:
Link: 00 Front_Walgrave (uantwerpen.be)
Raw: https://medialibrary.uantwerpen.be/oldcontent/container2608/files/Walgrave%20Rucht%20(2010)%20-%20The%20world%20says%20no%20to%20war.pdf
Admittedly, direct taxes are not the only way those things can be funded, as the government can take on debt and use disastrous policies to “print more money”, which is then acts as an indirect tax through inflation. However, this is beyond the scope of this particular publication and may be discussed in greater detail elsewhere. In the meantime, Azadism rejects central banks and even legal tender laws. These must be abolished and never allowed to arise in order to establish and maintain an Azadist state.
This manifesto will not detail the pros and cons of each. A future post may go into this further, or a member of the Sangat can take on this Seva. Regardless, debate is encouraged specifically in these areas especially. The conclusion will state more questions and topic areas for further discussion also.
Although, under the definitions that Azadism is working with, this would not be classed as a tax anyway.
Even other traditions like Christianity saw them as morally deficient and in need of spiritual support:
Link: Why does the Bible speak so negatively about tax collectors? | GotQuestions.org
Raw: https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-tax-collectors.html
Raw: https://www.manglacharan.com/post/collect-your-tax-on-the-edge-of-my-kharag-guru-gobind-singh-ji-suraj-prakash
Again, it must be stressed that although the Guru is indeed representing the supreme ideal of Azadism here, it is not strategic as of right now to replicate the Guru exactly the same way today (although the author would give great respect to those that do take a strong stance like this now). Instead we need to recognise the principle here, that if the Khalsa claims to be sovereign, why then should it promote taxes? Instead, work towards reducing this and removing support from all those who aim to increase this state-sanctioned theft. The first step in doing so is at the very least recognising that taxes is something we want to reduce not increase.
Although heavily popularised by Milton Friedman, the idea did precede him as it was first attributed to the British writer and Liberal Party politician Juliet Rhys-Williams in the early 1940s.
Link: Work-life balance: Why we should only work 15 hours a week (smh.com.au)
Raw: https://www.smh.com.au/business/workplace/worklife-balance-why-we-should-only-work-15-hours-a-week-20170817-gxyfk2.html
Link: Universal basic income seems to improve employment and well-being | New Scientist
Raw: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2242937-universal-basic-income-seems-to-improve-employment-and-well-being/
As of writing this manifesto, the author is currently leaning towards NIT being the better system for these initial stages. Although, given a compelling enough argument or observing results of new experiments, this opinion may change. Alternatively, a new method entirely could be proposed to provide a basic income, which is also absolutely fine. This philosophy will adapt towards the best, most up-to-date reasoning of the time given that the principles of Azadism are maintained.
This approach is inspired by the Guru’s themselves with how they applied Sikhi. The actual principles must remain solid, but the techniques can be fluid. One example of this is the principle of remaining Shastardhari, where the technique to do this is not restricted to just a knife or sword, but axes, spears and guns too. Even a 4 man surface-to-air missile system is acceptable. This dichotomy is also seen in the different Sampardaye. Each one of them is just a different technique of expressing Sikhi.
Link: Milton Friedman on Healthcare and the Poor - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHv4eUJfodA
Raw: https://www.nber.org/papers/w28388?utm_campaign=ntwh&utm_medium=email&utm_source=ntwg2
“Our key conclusions are: (i) there is a clear preponderance of negative estimates in the literature; (ii) this evidence is stronger for teens and young adults as well as the less-educated; (iii) the evidence from studies of directly-affected workers points even more strongly to negative employment effects; and (iv) the evidence from studies of low-wage industries is less one-sided.”
Link: Private Charity versus Government Entitlements (manufacturedhomepronews.com)
Raw: https://www.manufacturedhomepronews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/PrivateCharityVersusGovernmentEntitlementsSoftwareMetricsDailyBusinessNewsMHProNews.pdf
As the old saying goes: “Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, teach a man how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”
Unfortunately the wisdom of the statement has been lost amongst those promoting equal outcomes over equal opportunity. They understanding this no more clearer than Bantu Holomisa had said it…
Link: Bantu Holomisa - you give a poor man a fish...... - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncRi8bZL1q4
Link: Most Charitable Countries 2021 (worldpopulationreview.com)
Raw: https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/most-charitable-countries
Link: Pingalwara Charitable Society Amritsar - Pingalwara
Raw: https://pingalwara.org/
Link: KhalsaAid
Raw: https://www.khalsaaid.org/
When the distinction between “I” and “other” is diminished, you will naturally be concerned for the well-being of others as much as your own. Realise that helping others is helping yourself.
Page 299 of PDF, available here:
Link: Gurbani Senthia Pothi 4 | SGGS Academy
Raw: https://sggsacademy.com/download/gurbani-senthia-pothi-4/
Link: The Most Persistent Economic Fallacy of All Time! - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hrg1CArkuNc
Link: John Stossel and the fixed Pie Fallacy - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGJ-xHSp5Gc
His tone is somewhat condescending but his points are solid. John Strossel has a good interview here too:
Link: John Stossel - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_oeBBU3xv4
Link: Fixing The Way We Tax | Hoover Institution
Raw: https://www.hoover.org/research/fixing-way-we-tax-0
Link: The Case Against Higher Tax Rates | Hoover Institution
Raw: https://www.hoover.org/research/case-against-higher-tax-rates
Link: The Impact of a Basic Income on Labour Supply and Work Performance (wur.nl)
Raw: https://edepot.wur.nl/373885
Link: Mapped: Where Basic Income Has Been Tested Worldwide (visualcapitalist.com)
Raw: https://www.visualcapitalist.com/map-basic-income-experiments-world/
Raw: https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2020/2/19/21112570/universal-basic-income-ubi-map
A similar scheme to NIT already exists in the USA in the form of Earned Income Tax Credits. However there are a few key differences:
Link: Bank of England Staff Working Paper No. 903
Raw: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/-/media/boe/files/working-paper/2021/the-earned-income-tax-credit-targeting-the-poor-but-crowding-out-wealth.pdf
Link: IZA World of Labor - Employment effects of minimum wages
Raw: https://wol.iza.org/articles/employment-effects-of-minimum-wages/long
Link: Six Countries with No Minimum Wage | Nomad Capitalist
Raw: https://nomadcapitalist.com/global-citizen/countries-no-minimum-wage/
Raw: https://www.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/pubs/pdf/PA694.pdf
Link: Charity vs. Taxation – What is the Difference? - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82NPMM85B6o
Link: Private Charity Beats One-Size-Fits-All Government (reason.com)
Raw: https://reason.com/2020/12/02/private-charity-beats-one-size-fits-all-government/
Link: The 4 Ways to Judge Minimum Wage Laws - Foundation for Economic Education (fee.org)
Raw: https://fee.org/articles/the-4-ways-to-judge-minimum-wage-laws/
“Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. And, weak men create hard times.”
Link: Economic Calculation in the Socialist Commonwealth Pocketbook.indb (mises.org)
Raw: https://cdn.mises.org/Economic%20Calculation%20in%20the%20Socialist%20Commonwealth_Vol_2_3.pdf
Since the target audience for this manifesto is primarily Sikhs and the Khalsa, I will desist from delving further into these examples in more detail. The reason being that this manifesto aims to widen the scope of understanding by introducing examples from all over the world and throughout history, and so will only touch into our own Ithiaas when necessary. The point of doing this is to show that our problem is not with anyone particular state or set of politicians. It is with the very idea of the state in general. Nonetheless, it is still crucial to mention this in order to relate with the subject matter, and much greater efforts than my own have gone into explaining the reality of these events if you wish to explore further.
It is extremely important to note not all Hindus. Much of the resistance from this are Hindus themselves who realise their traditions and cultural identity are being hijacked by extremist elements.
Technically, this is known as a “Monopsony” (a single buyer) as opposed to a monopoly (a single seller).
Link: War Communism | Facts & Definition | Britannica
Raw: https://www.britannica.com/event/War-Communism
In reality a black market is a free-market, only called “black” because it trades goods and services outlawed by the state.
Link: Hanging Order (ibiblio.org)
Raw: https://www.ibiblio.org/expo/soviet.exhibit/ad2kulak.html
Link: War_Communism_To_NEP_:_The_Road_from_Serfdom.pdf (mises.org)
Raw: https://cdn.mises.org/5_1_5_0.pdf
Link: Lenin's New Economic Policy: What it was and how it Changed the Soviet Union - Inquiries Journal
Raw: http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1670/lenins-new-economic-policy-what-it-was-and-how-it-changed-the-soviet-union
The above article reports a stance that if Lenin had more time, he could have built up a stronger private sector through the NEP and then gradually transitioned into state-level communism. Azadism views this as a ridiculous excuse since central planning, in general, is fundamentally flawed. It is the wrong direction, no matter how long it takes to get there.
China also implemented during their experiments with communism (which led to mass famine and death). Even India post-independence adopted these, and notably, Indira Gandhi during her reign nationalised banks and introduced the “Green Revolution”. The devastating effects of such policies can be felt even today. Different formulas have since been used to centrally plan the economy to varying degrees.
Link: collectivization | Definition & Facts | Britannica
Raw: https://www.ibiblio.org/expo/soviet.exhibit/ad2kulak.html
Link: Holodomor survivor tells his story - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cef_3sfMIGY
Link: Jordan Peterson on the Holodomor in Ukraine - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGmdZR_Ib7A
Link: The Holocaust The New York Times Ignored - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqnfmCu6fUk
Link: The Legacy of Mao Zedong is Mass Murder | The Heritage Foundation
Raw: https://www.heritage.org/asia/commentary/the-legacy-mao-zedong-mass-murder
Link: UCLA demographer produces best estimate yet of Cambodia’s death toll under Pol Pot | UCLA
Raw: https://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/ucla-demographer-produces-best-estimate-yet-of-cambodias-death-toll-under-pol-pot
Link: HRNK_HiddenGulag2_Web_5-18.pdf
Raw: https://www.hrnk.org/uploads/pdfs/HRNK_HiddenGulag2_Web_5-18.pdf
Link: Satnami's - SikhiWiki, free Sikh encyclopedia.
Raw: https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Satnami%27s
Link: The peasant rebels of the Satnami Rebellion (downtoearth.org.in)
Raw: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/reviews/the-peasant-rebels-of-the-satnami-rebellion-67044
Link: SATNAMIS OR SADHS: CHANGING IDENTITY OF THE SATNAMIS OF NARNAUL on JSTOR
Raw: https://www.jstor.org/stable/44148127?item_view=read_online&refreqid=excelsior%3A27c87d70d87c9a792fcdc52a194e6206
Link: Do not remain in my presence without Shastar - Guru Gobind Singh Ji (manglacharan.com)
Raw: https://www.manglacharan.com/post/do-not-remain-in-my-presence-without-shastar-guru-gobind-singh-ji
Link: Shri Akal Takhat - SikhiWiki, free Sikh encyclopedia.
Raw: https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Shri_Akal_Takhat
There are multiple variations of this quote as it seems it has likely been passed down as oral tradition rather than in writing. It has been attributed to a Sakhi of when Guru Ji arrived near Ambala:
Link: Gurdwara Gobind Pura - SikhiWiki, free Sikh encyclopedia.
Raw: https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Gurdwara_Gobind_Pura
Sikh Ri also have good article expanding on the motif of the hawk in Sikhi:
Link: Baj: The Hawk and The Sikhs | Harinder Singh | SikhRI Articles
Raw: https://sikhri.org/articles/baj-the-hawk-and-the-sikhs
Link: A Brief History of Repressive Regimes and Their Gun Laws | Mises Wire
Raw: https://mises.org/wire/brief-history-repressive-regimes-and-their-gun-laws
Link: FACT CHECK: Did the NRA Support a 1967 'Open Carry' Ban in California? (snopes.com)
Raw: https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/nra-california-open-carry-ban/
Hypocrisy is rampant amongst conservative organisations like these, where they may outwardly tout freedom and liberty, however are willing to sacrifice it to meet their own racist agendas. Again, just like corporate lobbying groups like ALEC, this highlights the absurdity of allowing groups like these to lobby government and draft policy.
Link: Kashi House Publishing - In the Masters Presence: The Sikhs of Hazoor Sahib
Raw: https://www.kashihouse.com/books/in-the-masters-presence-the-sikhs-of-hazoor-sahib-vol-1
Link: ਸ੍ਰੀਖੜਗਕੇਤੁ on Twitter:
Raw: https://twitter.com/kharagket/status/1209573514526810113?s=21
Link: Jhatka Maryada | Jhatka Maryada
Raw: http://jhatkamaryada.com/
This is an invaluable resource for knowledge about this topic. They have included countless references from Bani and Ithiaas, completely dismantling the arguments present amongst Sikhs today claiming the Guru’s were pro-vegetarian. The reality is that diet has little impact on spirituality, and the Khalsa in particular were actually encouraged to hunt and eat meat. Despite this, even the concept of Jhakta is not in itself that big of an issue. The reason why that whole topic is important is that it acts as a gateway to expanding the view on what Sikhi actually is, and the nuance it contains. It isn’t merely a system of blind rituals and by learning the realities of both Bani and Ithiaas, a more comprehensive view of what Sikhi is can be established.
Link: Budha Dal Misl Nehkalank » 8) Baba Prehlad Singh Ji
Raw: https://gb.budhadal.org/baba-prehlad-singh-ji/
Giani Ji is amongst the most well-versed scholars of Sikhi in the Panth, learning directly from Jathedar Baba Santa Singh when they were alive. Alongside him, Giani Inderjit Singh Raqbe wale and Giani Gurwinder Singh Nangli are also worth mentioning as great influences to the author for their Katha’s and Vichaaran on Sikhi and Ithiaas in Punjabi.
A note to MI5/CIA/CID etc. Weapons are a broad definition, weapons is anything used as a tool towards defending oneself or others. This doesn’t always mean guns and can refer to other means also. For example, Auranga was killed by the Zafarnamah, a weapon in its own right.
Shastar Naam Mala is perhaps the only text of its kind in the sense that every line is a praise to different forms of the weapon.Jvala from Manglacharan has a good breakdown of the poetic structure of this composition too, showing the depth of the composition:
Link: Layered Meanings in Guru Gobind Singh’s Shastar Naam Mala (manglacharan.com)
Raw: https://www.manglacharan.com/post/layered-meanings-in-guru-gobind-singh-s-shastar-naam-mala
“Sikh Armory” on Instagram are good example of Sikhs taking this seriously:
Link: Sikh Armory (@sikharmory) • Instagram photos and videos
Raw: https://www.instagram.com/sikharmory/?hl=en
It is worth noting, however, that Athens was originally a Monarchy. The monarchs were eventually then deposed and replaced with an oligarchical system of “Archons”.
Solon is also worthy of note, as an enlightened ruler who paved the way for democracy to later develop.
Link: How Athenian Democracy Was Born - Ancient Greece DOCUMENTARY - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Amu6zhlCJO0
Oxford Definition:
Demagoguery
noun
Political activity or practices that seek support by appealing to the desires and prejudices of ordinary people rather than by using rational argument.
Link: Gorgias, by Plato (gutenberg.org)
Raw: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/1672/1672-h/1672-h.htm
Raw: https://scroll.in/article/943564/does-not-tyranny-spring-from-democracy-how-platos-380-bc-philosophy-is-truer-than-ever-today
Link: Socrates: “I know that I know nothing” | Reason and Meaning
Raw: https://reasonandmeaning.com/2019/11/03/socrates-i-know-that-i-know-nothing/
Many of the reasons mentioned here are precisely why Azadism is so averse to central planning. Nobody really knows anything, and they for sure do not know how to best manage the lives of others they claim to represent - let alone their economic behaviour! Azadism has the “Socratic humility” to admit that it does not know how to govern your life better than yourself and those around you. This is why it aims to devolve power to the people themselves instead. No central planner is justified to make decisions on your behalf without consent.
Jordan Peterson has a lot of content related to the topic of hierarchies if you want to look into them.
Again, the Sakhi of the 40 Mukte prove this.
Link: America Is a Republic, Not a Democracy | The Heritage Foundation
Raw: https://www.heritage.org/american-founders/report/america-republic-not-democracy
Link: Adam Smith on Slavery | Adam Smith Works
Raw: https://www.adamsmithworks.org/documents/adam-smith-on-slavery
Link: Prof. Antony Davies: Why Government Fails, Explained - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxmXeLEcs9s
This excellent lecture by Anthony Davies completely breaks down the depth of the problem with current political systems. It is crazy to think how this is allowed to persist.
All the more reason as to why the Khalsa needs to be at the forefront of this revolution in thinking. Not just copying broken systems of the past and giving it a new paint job to make it “Sikhi themed” - e.g. god forbid, a Sikh Soviet Union.
Link: Joscha Bach: Nature of Reality, Dreams, and Consciousness | Lex Fridman Podcast #212 - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIpUf-Vy2JA&list=FLvvK7-jiFYuwqHye866xRVA&index=5
The above is an interview with Joscha Bach who is cognitive scientist, AI researcher and philosopher. I felt the accuracy of some his statements here is very high when compared against the assessment of reality by Dharmic traditions (of which Sikhi is one). The whole interview is an interesting and fun observation in how the same reality described by the Gurus and other great Mahapurakh through a Dharmic lexicon of terminology can be also be described in “computer-sciencey” terminology by modern philosophers and scientists today. It’s also interesting watching the west adopt terms from fields like computer science since everyday language was not designed to explore the depth of Paramatma. After a point even this may fail and it should be the Khalsa (and Dharmic traditons in general) there to help fill in the gaps. But even then this only extends the inevitable. After a while all language fails and only experience of that one existenceness is appropriate. The words are just stepping stones to help us to the other side.
The ultimate culmination of spiritual practice. Enlightenment itself.
A future effort may be conducted to research and outline in more detail, a modern Sikhi-based guidance on these matters. A sort of rules of engagement for the Khalsa.
If a tax system is still maintained at this point, then this can be more difficult. A means by which to decide who gets the tax would have to be established. However, the best is just a donation or Dasvandh-based system to ensure freedom. Alternatively, this could be devolved to city or locality levels and each population decides collectively which Misl to pay. Again, not ideal but in the right direction at least. Further Vichaar can be done here in future.
It would also give the media something to report on.
Obviously, not everyone has to own weapons, it's up to them. Some may want to follow different lifestyles and that’s fine too. But for the Khalsa, it’s their duty as Kshatriyae to safeguard them if they request help, just as the duty (or Dharam) of a Kshatriya in ancient India was to protect the Brahmins and other castes.
Link: Private Charity versus Government Entitlements (manufacturedhomepronews.com)
Raw: https://www.manufacturedhomepronews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/PrivateCharityVersusGovernmentEntitlementsSoftwareMetricsDailyBusinessNewsMHProNews.pdf
In fact the only nation to succeed in subduing the region was Maharaja Ranjit Singh's empire.
This should not be confused with praise of the Taliban. They are still the same Turks and Malechh the Singhs fought and subdued in the past.
For more information, please consult his book:
Link: Democracy: The God That Failed | Mises Institute
Raw:https://mises.org/library/democracy-god-failed-1
The best Raag.
Chankyaniti, Shahnama, Hitopadesha to name a few. Even Guru Gobind Singh’s own composition, Charitropakhyan, is a good example.
Must be noted that a lie that deserves a punishment are only those in which it causes material harm as to be determine in court of law. For example a company lying about the safety of their products or employer lying about how much salary they would pay. Lies of lesser weight would be hard to determine if they have no effect, and it is unreasonable to shut down freedom of speech over certain things. If someone says something that is disagreeable but causes no material harm (hurt feelings do not count) then how can we distinguish between an opinion and a lie? Therefore, only those lies are punishable that can be provably shown to break the NAP.
Additionally, lying in general is a form of self-sabotage. Once the people inevitably find out, then all trust is lost and any market interactions with the liar are likely to cease anyway. Only in systems such as the ones present in politics actually reward and prop up liars.
In fact, much of this effort was inspired by Bhai Jugraj Singh themselves. They not only delved into the basics of Sikh philosophy but produced many videos and lectures on political elements and the sort of directions the Khalsa should take in the 21st century.
Danish researcher and Sikh scholar Satnam Singh mentions this insight in an incredible lecture he gave, available here:
Link: Crushing pride through the Japji Sahib by Satnam Singh, University of Warwick - YouTube
Raw:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VF1dXGdqTWc
However, there is apparently a clause that stipulates that Muslims should follow the laws of the land in non-Muslim nations. If so, adhering to the NAP should not be a problem under an Azadist nation.
One of the reasons why I say this is because in Guru Gobind Singh’s composition ‘Ugardanti’ he makes mention of the Khalsa being theTisarpanth (third way), distinct from both (Brahmanical) Hinduism and Islam. However, compared with Guru Nanak’s statement of there being ‘no Hindu and no Muslim’, to me, I interpret both Sikhi and the Khalsa as distinct (although related). Not all Sikhs are Khalsa, but all Khalsa are fundamentally Sikh. Sikhi is therefore a more broad, spiritual identity that transcends religion, whereas the Khalsa is more grounded in religious sentiment. As stated in the main body, it is just one particular way of practising Sikhi as sanctioned by the Guru themselves.
But even then, some Singh’s are Niyare and in complete Masti. They give no mind to what is permitted by the state or not, nor would they be worried about punishment either. That doesn’t mean they won’t be punished, it just means that the Nihang Singh probably wouldn’t care and do it anyway. But to maintain punishment for those things and still recognise it as a crime is crucial for the general law and order in a society. Hopefully, though many of these types of Singh would be in a government Misl anyway under the watch of a Jathedar/Misldar and bound to a set of Rehits. This then allows this energy to be channelled against real enemies instead.
Link: Russia's Last Capitalists (cdlib.org)
Raw: https://publishing.cdlib.org/ucpressebooks/view?docId=ft2199n7h5;chunk.id=0;doc.view=print
Raw:https://archive.org/details/economichistoryo00nove/page/54/mode/2up?q=black+market&view=theater
Link: Ukraine - Ukraine in the interwar period | Britannica
Raw: https://www.britannica.com/place/Ukraine/Ukraine-in-the-interwar-period
Link: The Atrocities That Nobody Knows About - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9xrmJ3UX9w
Link: Nazinsky: Stalin’s Cannibal Island - YouTube
Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaOwcYLGTMo&list=PLxUfDdw5RjEJc_uuNrkXyNgUHonoTP6L8&index=4
See Chapter 10 - Why the worst get on top (page 26 of PDF):
Link: Road To Serfdom (mises.org)
Raw: https://cdn.mises.org/Road%20to%20serfdom.pdf
