Embark on a transformative journey into the heart of modern
existence with "Breaking the Zeitgeist: How To Be Happy In A World Gone
Insane."
Breaking the Zeitgeist:
How To Be Happy In A World Gone Insane
by Keith Nobles
Genre: Literary Fiction
Embark on a transformative journey into the heart of modern existence with "Breaking the Zeitgeist: How To Be Happy In A World Gone Insane." In this captivating tale, join Jacob, a disillusioned young man, as he grapples with the complexities of contemporary life. Feeling overwhelmed by the uncertainties of his existence, Jacob seeks solace in the wilderness alongside John, a seasoned companion whose wisdom illuminates the path to inner peace.
Amidst towering trees and
crackling campfires, Jacob finds refuge in John's guidance, insights, and
reflections. Over the course of several days, they delve deep into the root
causes of societal confusion, exploring the elusive nature of contentment in a
chaotic world. As their conversations unfold, Jacob begins to unravel his
disillusionment, weaving together a newfound perspective brimming with clarity
and resilience.
Through John's seasoned advice,
Jacob learns invaluable lessons on thriving in a world teetering on the brink
of madness. Armed with self-awareness and inner tranquility, Jacob emerges from
the wilderness equipped with the tools to navigate the turbulent currents of
modern life with grace and joy.
"Breaking the Zeitgeist"
is a poignant work of domestic fiction that delves into the profound
connections forged between two individuals amidst the wilderness. Join Jacob
and John as they embark on a soul-stirring journey, navigating the complexities
of modern America and the depths of the human spirit.
Can you, for those who don't know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?
I have had several careers and I was invited to start writing a newspaper column on economics to educate people about that reality, from that I eventually published magazine articles finally culminating in a book about how to escape our current cultural insanity and absurdity.
What is something unique/quirky about you?
I am a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and have done considerable public speaking on Indian history and Indian rights as well as radio and podcast conversations on that topic.
Tell us something really interesting that's happened to you!
I have had an interesting life and apparently lots of things I have experienced and done people find to be unique and interesting but it is hard to isolate it down because they just seem as normal life to me. I once spent two hours in the middle of the night in the West Elk Mountains with a bear trying to run me out of my camp that at one point had the bear and I face to face about ten inches apart. The bear eventually moved on and everyone went home safe and happy.
What are some of your pet peeves?
I don’t really have any, I am pretty centered – hence the point of Breaking The Zeitgeist. Do not take this stuff seriously.
Where were you born/grew up at?
I have lived in Kansas, Oklahoma, California, Colorado and Wyoming. I mostly grew up in Southern California.
If you knew you'd die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day?
With my wife and daughter outdoors somewhere.
Who is your hero and why?
Probably Augustine and Solzhenitsyn because they were the epitome of moral courage and their moral courage changed the world.
What kind of world ruler would you be?
The one who did not want to rule.
What are you passionate about these days?
The outdoors.
What do you do to unwind and relax?
The outdoors, I spend a 100-150 nights a year in a sleeping bag. This is the setting for Breaking The Zeitgeist: How To Be Happy In A World Gone Insane, a place I go to quite frequently and have spent hundreds of nights at over the decades. In my view far too few people spend far too little time outdoors. I am fortunate I have wilderness at my fingertips. We have lost touch with nature, not as some mystical entity, but as reality if someone allows that to be experienced. There is a reality to nature, a reality to the world and how it operates. That reality is not to be moralized but experienced. There is an opportunity to be grounded in that reality that nature provides. A mountain lion or a bear
does not care what your ideology is, that tree does not care if you support a Republican or a Democrat, that stream does not care what you posted on social media. There is a reason the Declaration of Independence starts with “Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God” in the first paragraph, a reason the Greeks tried to tie nature and philosophy so tightly together, because reality is to be found in nature. There is a peace to the reality of nature and a peace in being able to exist in that reality without having the urge to consistently redefine what reality is as post-modern philosophy is so fond of advocating for. The daily need to redefine reality, not predicated on any additional actual knowledge but on the tribal pursuit of power, has contributed mightily to our collective insanity. The wilderness allows one the time and place to genuinely think without interruption or distraction if one is inclined to do so and have genuine meaningful conversations with thoughtful people when you can still find them. This is how I relax and unwind.\Of course a good beer and cigar by the campfire in the evening can help that along!
How to find time to write as a parent?
My daughter is grown and currently working on her PhD so well past the active parenting stage.
Describe yourself in 5 words or less!
Thoughtful, irreverent but not contrarian.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When ask to write a newspaper column about twelve years ago.
Do you have a favorite movie?
Touch of Evil, absolute brilliance by Orson Welles who I think was the only genuine film genius to ever work in Hollywood.
Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
Honestly none, I do not know they lend themselves well to that media.
What literary pilgrimages have you gone on?
I have traveled extensively and it has all contributed.
As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?
Marmot
Book
Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D79VVXJ3
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/214927549-breaking-the-zeitgeist
About the Author
Keith Nobles is the author of "Our Dogs Did Not Bark: A Politically Incorrect Dystopian Tale" and "BREAKING THE ZEITGEIST: How To Be Happy In A World Gone Insane."
Keith
lives in Wyoming. An avid outdoorsman and motorcyclist, Keith is also a proud
citizen of the Cherokee Nation. He frequently speaks on Native American rights
and history, sharing his insights and advocacy.
Website * Facebook
* X * Amazon
* Goodreads
Author Links
Website: https://keithnobles.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063765694493
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Keith-Nobles/author/B07LBGHPVH
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18696986.Keith_Nobles
As the morning sun broke above the trees to the east, casting a warm glow on the campsite, John and Jacob found themselves not only in the company of each other but also in the embrace of a wilderness that whispered timeless truths. The coffee mugs, now halfway empty, symbolized more than just a morning ritual; they marked a shared moment of reflection and the beginning of a day to be spent with the heart of both nature and self-discovery.
Amidst the serenity of the morning in the mountains and forest, John and Jacob, mugs of coffee in hand, resumed their contemplative conversation. The previous night's discourse still lingered in the air, an unspoken foundation for the words that would follow. John spoke with a certain gravity. "You see, Jacob, philosophy is a powerful guide to understanding life, but its true worth is tested in the crucible of real experiences. It's in the rawness of life, like spending the night here, that philosophical musings are either validated or reshaped or rejected out of hand." Jacob, still absorbing the tranquil surroundings, nodded thoughtfully. "So, you're saying philosophy isn't just a set of ideas but something that needs to be lived and tested?" "Exactly," John affirmed. "It's easy to philosophize in the abstract, detached from the messiness of reality. But when you confront the unpredictability of life, the philosophy you carry gets a reality check. It's like last night, surrounded by the quiet of the forest, we delved into ideas about happiness, truth, and the human experience. Now, as the morning unfolds, it's time to see how those ideas hold up in the light of day." The aroma of coffee, intertwined with the pine-scented mountain air, created an intimate atmosphere for their exchange of ideas. The sun cast a warm glow on their faces, illuminating the earnestness in John's eyes. "The night, the backcountry, they're testing grounds for what we believe," John continued. "Philosophy offers a compass, a way to navigate the complexities of existence. But the real understanding comes when you apply those principles to your own life, in real time and space and see if they hold up without having to resort to bullshit to justify them." Jacob, recalling the challenges of the night before, ventured a question, "But isn't it risky to put such abstract ideas to the test? What if they don't hold up?" John smiled, a hint of wisdom in his response. "That's the beauty of it, Jacob. Life is unpredictable, and sometimes, what we think should work doesn't. It's in those moments of unpredictability that philosophy evolves. You adapt, refine, or sometimes discard ideas based on the realities you face. It's a constant process of learning and relearning." As the coffee mugs were now cradled between their hands, John continued, "Take happiness, for instance. Last night, we discussed it in the context of solitude and nature. Today, as the sun rises and the wilderness awakens, observe how those ideas resonate
with the simplicity of this moment. The philosophical truths we uncovered last night should find echoes in the quiet rituals of a morning coffee, don't you think?" Jacob, inspired by John's insights, took a contemplative sip from his mug. "So, philosophy isn't a set of rigid rules but a living, breathing guide that adapts to the nuances of life?" John nodded appreciatively. "Precisely. It's not about sticking to a script; it's about understanding the essence of these ideas and letting them shape your responses to the world. The real test is in how well philosophy aligns with the intricacies of your experiences and can you be honest about it with yourself." John delved into a topic that had been lingering on the periphery of their conversations—the post-modern nihilistic world and its detachment from testing philosophy against reality. Coffee mugs in hand, they found themselves exploring the implications of a society that, in John's view, had lost its connection to the crucible of testing itself against truth and reality. "Jacob, one of the challenges we face in the modern world is the separation of philosophy from the gritty terrain of reality. The post-modern era, marked by nihilism and a skepticism of overarching truths, has created a sort of intellectual bubble," John began, his gaze fixed on the distant mountain peaks visible through the trees to the west.
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The excerpt sounds really interesting.
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