I am a former political operative, an influential policymaker, who left the world of politics because the theater of perpetual conflict did not seem capable of achieving my objective for a world where “anything that’s peaceful” is permitted.
I gave it all up — a great job, political relevance, applause, financial security — so that I can do something different, learning not from law books and campaign decorum but from the indigenous people with their old, seemingly backward ways. They’re the ones who have mastered breaking through the veil with the use of ancestral medicines.
The work that I do is considered illegal in most western legal systems. I am told that I could choose to make my work more appealing to the authorities if I were to seek legal recognition, maybe change a law or file certain paperwork that legitimizes my efforts. But I do not.
Seeking the state's permission to do what is naturally peaceful is like asking a thief for a receipt. It doesn't grant safety; it only grants them ownership of the soul — my soul. It grants the state ownership of the lineages that I carry; I won’t allow it.
So I appear strange and awkward. Gone are the suits and ties I used to wear, replaced by the clothing that makes me feel most comfortable, even if the world isn’t ready for the likes of me. The world of "Suits and Ties" is a world of polished surfaces and empty centers; they trade their "jade" for "applause" and wonder why they feel hollow.
My words are very easy to understand
And very easy to practice.
Still, no one in the world
Can understand or practice them.My words have an origin.
My deeds have a sovereign.
Truly, because people do not understand this,
They do not understand me.That so few understand me is why I am treasured.
Therefore, the sage wears coarse clothes, concealing jade.— Chapter 70, Tao Te Ching, translation by Stefan Stenudd