Really though, I think it takes balls to take an unconventional route. You know.. to just have those high aspirations and say screw the normal way. I want to offer my support and encouragement Dream and everybody else. You don’t have to go to college or even finish it–I often regret not starting a business or some sort of “project” like The 21 Convention a couple of years back. I just graduated last December and have been living at home with parents since then jobless because I really had my eyes opened.. reading The 4 Hour Work Week and then seeing people like Anthony is positively envious. I was supposed to be studying for my exams right now to be an actuary but I realized I don’t want to spend 300 hours studying for each of those exams throughout my life when I could be studying about fitness or personal development which is what really moves me.

Cheers to all you guys. Remember to think for yourself. Know what you want. Be fearless which really means to push your comfort zone. Finally, take action.

-Dilan

I took a few science courses with a bunch of people who want to become doctors and dentists. I shudder to think that they may one day practice on people.

I’m a math major. I don’t expect to actually do anything with the degree, but it’s enough that people get impressed when they hear it. I see all these people who are just mediocre and I know that getting a degree does not make me or them special.

I told my mom and sister that I think college is a dieing industry and their reaction was pretty typical.

I’ve been saying for a year that I want to drop out (or take a “leave of absence”). My only reason for not doing it has been that I haven’t had the guts. I’m scheduled to graduate in the spring, after only three years, but I think that if I actually get the degree, it’s going to be a Pyrrhic victory. I’m going to make me feel hypocritical and I’m not going to enjoy telling people I have a math degree.

I know I’m capable of doing great things; I’ve seen it throughout my entire life. But that has always been for things I’ve felt passionate about. I see absolutely no reason for me to do something that has already been planned out so “well” that there’s no longer any point for me to be there. If it’s so effin fabulous, somebody else can do it.

It amazes to me to see how many readers are coming out of the wood work on this topic, and bringing valuable insight to the table.

Like others, very well said. The fact that you understand what you just wrote about, in high school, is astounding.

Rock on man, you are WAY ahead of your age group

-Anthony

Anyway, the funny thing is that while I’m in high school I can visit the local library and check out books like BBS and Brzycki’s strength training manuals or a French guide book or a book on body language and psychology or whatever. And for painting, the local museum hosts classes for like $30 a month.

The more I read and try to teach myself, try to question conventional wisdom, the more I find that what I learn in school is taught to me for the sole purpose of regurgitation onto a Scantron, and what I learn on my own actually applies to real life.

So what to do about this? My conclusion: learn what you want to learn on your own time, using your own resources (that means thinking outside the box), outside of a “formal education.” Attend a decent school (I’m thinking Ohio State) and do enough to get by while building relationships that will actually help you learn what you want to learn, do what you want to do.

“By all means, college has some benefits but the paper definitely isn’t one of them.”

Well said.

@Alex

Thanks for checking in man. Will definitely shoot you an e-mail if I decide to head there next year! (or, whenever)

-Anthony

i think most people do it so that they don’t have a lingering sense of regret if they don’t wind up driving a matt black 2010 Lamborghini.

i’m at college.

and i also have similar reasons. justifications. excuses.

come this far bleh.
i need to bleh.

all yuck.

but it has changed the way i think. that’s the most valuable thing.

and it’s like an all-you-can-eat buffet of hot adventures creatures of love

haha

really like your site. and story. super inspiring. and seems like we’re similar.

keep well and in touch mate. and hit me up if you ever roll down to south africa

alex – unleash reality

I myself left high school a year early, because I thought it was just a waste when there was a world of opportunity out there. When I went to UCF one day after being accepted, I met with two professors in Computers and Marketing at the time, who said what the hell would I do there, don’t waste my time.

By all means, college has some benefits but the paper definitely isn’t one of them.

Thanks for the kind words and help offer. As for how… spread the word! =). I think stumble upon is a great way to do this if you already use it.

Also, we have a facebook event for The 21 Convention 2010. I will begin offering discounts to those who invite their friends to it on Facebook. Shoot me an e-mail at Dream at the21convention.com if you are interested.

As for Zeitgeist, I have seen most of one version (as I understand it, there are multiple versions).

It’s hard for me to put into words my definite opinion of it, but at the very least it is highly interesting- especially the discussion of the gold standard, federal reserve, and “perpetual debt”- although I also believe it is a bit “over paranoid” at times. But I also believe we need viewpoints like that in society, so, to each his own.

I only vaguely remember the Venus project part (at the end if I remember correctly?). Will have to check it out again sometime.

thanks for commenting

-Anthony

P.S. I was just wondering if you have watched zeitgeist and what your thoughts are on it, in particular the part about the Venus project, thanks

Glad you’re enjoying the blog. I’ve seen your site before as well on BBS.

As for your comment, I’m glad that college worked out well for you, and your family. However, I feel times are and have already changed. Not only that, but they will continue to rapidly change in the coming years, and I really don’t feel that the options you had in college, are the same ones my generation has.

I also feel my role in life is different than most. Naive perhaps, but I don’t see my self ever working for someone, ever again. I want to make a difference in the world, however small, and the only way I see that happening is to take the best course of action possible, at every given moment.

Right now, that for me is focusing intensely on The 21 Convention and related projects- and leading by example by following my passions.

thanks for commenting, hopefully you’ll see me on national TV someday =)

-Anthony