Ever wish you'd just "taken the blue pill?"

"This is your last chance. After this, there is no turning back. You take the blue pill - the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill - you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit-hole goes." -Morpheus to Neo, in "The Matrix"

I can't recall a clear-cut, specific moment when I chose the red pill. Found ATS somehow, by googling some topic of interest. Started poking around here for a few hours, and couldn't believe all the fact-based discussion of conspiracy, cover up, and corruption (my main areas of interest.) Closed the tabs on my browser, but an impression had been made. Started lurking for a few months, as I did not yet feel I had anything worthy to add.

Then, I found something interesting a few months back, bit the bullet and made an account. (tracked flights of recon aircraft over US soil, near/over my state.) Seemed recieved pretty well, so I gained a bit of courage to post a bit more. (Note: to the lurkers out there, it can be quite intimidating with all the knowledge and wisdom some of the regulars possess.)

However, this choice to seek out the truth, rather than live in blind ignorance, has been haunting me somewhat as of late. Throughout history, the quest for truth has driven many a man mad. "Whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad." (spoken by Prometheus in Longfellow's poem The Masque of Pandora)

Had a dream last night that a friend of mine who works in IT and I were having a conversation. In the dream, there was a "list" I wasn't aware of, comprised of those considered to be enemies of the state. He said to me, "You know that you're not really considered a person anymore, right?" Basically, once you were on the list, that seemingly everyone but me had access to, no one would associate with you out of fear. Blacklisted.

In my attempts at bringing to light the FBI's investigation of Michael Hastings' reporting on Bowe Bergdahl, the current legal chicanery involved with lawsuits against NSA, and the secret usage of Stingrays by LEO's, among many other topics, I worry that through second-hand reporting of sensitive issues that those in power are trying their damnedest to keep quiet, I'm somehow making myself a target. Second-hand reporting though it is, the simple act of bringing it to a larger audience here at ATS, from sources others may not find or read regularly, is somehow criminal in this current political climate.

In essence, I think I'm going through a crisis of faith. What good does seeking out the truth do, if others are unable to (to use a cliche) "wake up," or more importantly, refuse to wake up to the deep, dark, ugly truth that surrounds us?

They say ignorance is bliss, well, that may be so, but Pandora's Box has already been opened to me... And I can't go back to sleep.

So, anyone else already faced this dilemma, and do you wish you had just "taken the blue pill?"

a reply to: CloudsTasteMetallic
I choose the Red Pill every time.

I like to be Informed, I would never live in Ignorance, like these dumb trendies who use "Like" before every sentence.

Welcome to ATS, I enjoyed your post. You're doing a great job, you've got more stars then you do posts so that is proof you're well liked.

Take care, Faust

As bad and ugly as the truth is at times... I would still have to take the red pill. I would rather see all the ugly and know what's going on than be a sheep led to slaughter with a smile on my face because I have no clue.

I damn sure don't want to make anybody's job easier by choosing to live in ignorance.

The truth is hidden so the TBTP don't lose their power and wealth. Yes, I do with I had taken the blue pill sometimes because it's just easier to ignore than actually work the effort and do something about it. That's the problem with society, not only TBTP have dumbed most of our people down but they also made so it seems to take more effort than it really does to overpower them. Think Smartphones, Movies, Pornography, etc and the likes. They gave us many things to distract us from actually taking any effort.

If anyone was wise at all, they would know it's our purpose to overthrow these very people trying to oppress us and take back control of this World and prove that we, Humanity can use our Free Will to make this World a better place. Sadly I don't think humans capable of doing such thing at least not yet.

As somebody said on ATS recently, would a homeless person make a better politician than a rich person. I'd say hell yes because being homeless give a person a different perspective and more appreciation for life. I rather a person with a background of not having a very good up bringing be elected as a politician depending on their character, how they handle themselves, and what they truly believe in. That's the problem with society today, rich spoiled narcissist children find themselves in position of power.

It is easier for the camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for the poor to enter the kingdom of heaven - Matthew 19:24

a reply to: CloudsTasteMetallic

Always take the red pill. Fear is the mind killer. Learned this from Frank Herbert and the Bene Gesserit a long time ago. While a work of fiction it actually works. Works for pain too.

I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.
Only I will remain

Bene Gesserit

I started on this path as young as 11 or 12 years old when I heard about the JFK assassination and all the weird stuff surrounding it.

Wats in the matrix hireing . Funny but tru
reply to: CloudsTasteMetallic

Nothing scares me more than people who took the red pill, but don't put effort into making a difference.

I grew up morally, financially, ethically sound (whatever that means). I grew up internationally and then enlisted in the USAF. Everything was great until OIF/OEF.

I have always sought the "Right" thing. Unfortunately, I realize that, essentially, humans are greedy, self-centered, and morally lost, despite a few understanding better.

I've given up on "Finding the truth".

I wish you the best of luck and hope that you, or someone can find it....

a reply to: CloudsTasteMetallic

The red pill was impressed upon me, was never really much of a decision.
I've spent the majority of my life out of the box, and though there's been some fear and stress, I'm a more open-minded person because of it. I wouldn't trade critical thought for denial, ever.

Depending on how you approach life, as the years go by, it does get easier. Can't let cynicism win, and no matter how complicated life may be, they can always be simplified.

When people are first "woken up" by some odd circumstance, they can be very vulnerable. Having your beliefs disillusioned, one tends to adopt new ones. This can lead a person jumping from one distorted reality to the next. I think the best lesson I've learned is accepting when I'm wrong, allowing myself to drop a lie when the evidence is presented.

"One must hold their beliefs like water, adaptable. Lest they hold them like a stick, rigid but easily broken."

I never do, and neither should you, fellow truth-seeker.

Would it be easier to sleep walk through life, stuck in a dream? Maybe. It would save many of us a gray hair or two. But educating yourself means you'll be better prepared for when you need to be prepared.

Never will take the blue pill .. the red pill is a part of who i am ..
Karma neh ...

It is a big, complex world with a lot of history. It can really do your head in at times and having a break to just let it all settle down to get some comprehension, understanding and meaning of what life on this planet entails is a good thing at times.

It has been an amazing opportunity to have the tools and capability I do have. If some organization that I do not agree with puts me on a list that they do not agree with, we can both agree to disagree. Your value and influence on this world is defined by more than one point of representation, it is defined by you and your actions.

On the red pill there have been times I have gotten down, depressed, frightened, confused, lost and unsure about everything. In trying to learn, understand and help others going through the same journey we are slowly and gradually finding something that we all value, a better world. While the challenges do seam insurmountably huge and supernaturally dark, at the end would you want it any other way?

I have made my choice and for now just need to get on with it.

I don't know if this is similar to what you are meaning BUT sometimes I wish I didn't think as much and question everything and everyone. I see people who look far happier that wonder around oblivious. Who never delve into themselves and the way thinks are. I am pretty sure a lot of my insecurities and worries are brought about because ever since I was a child I have over thought every aspect of life and at times death and beyond.
Sometimes I do feel if I could turn it off, I would and wonder about like everyone else. Other times I think it's what's made me, it's what's made me appealing to a lot of people the fact i am not ashamed to talk about my emotions, my views, my religious beliefs, morals and politics all in the view of exploring those areas.
As far as conspiracy goes, I don't let that rule me, I'm not surprised at any of the shady goings on, but if I thought of that all the time it'd consume me. As selfish as it may sound I'm more focused on personal growth and what I project out there to the wider world now a days than fighting a fight, that may not be a fight in the 1st place

I relate to your post in several ways and have often wondered if I were better off just taking the blue pill. I always find the red pill is the right way to go.

I've rejected religion and questioned authority from a young age and always like to do my own research and form my own opinion or find the real answer.

Great post.

Well they do say ignorance is bliss, basically the people that have a sheep mentality and follow the system and dont question anything or think outside the box dont have to worry about all the evil and corruption that we know exists, they dont feel enraged when politicians are taking all their rights away and enforcing ridiculous laws because its not affecting them (yet) they care about their here and now not the future.. Honestly id rather live how i do now it might be very emotionally draining and alot to take in sometimes and i might be pissed off sometimes because of how messed up this world is and how people don't care and think im just a crazy conspiracy theorist but i have something they dont and its knowledge, i can tell good from evil, i can see when the masses are being manipulated and ill be prepared when things turn bad im also taking prevention in my kids being brainwashed and conditioned along with other parents im sure, so atleast future generations will still have people like us that have been taught to deny ignorance. There needs to be people like us because if absolutely everyone was oblivious to what was going on and didn't stand up for themselves and didnt question moves that they are making the world would be a horribly different place than what it is now, because it could be a hell of alot worse.

Sorry for the late replies, as I decided a time away from any technology would help me to gain clarity. After much deliberation and soul-searching, I've come to the conclusion, (to paraphrase, as echoed in replies) that perhaps I did not choose wakefulness, but rather wakefulness chose me.

Very appreciative for all the encouraging words and guidance from you all, seeing a lot of names I held in very high regard back in my lurking days. (as for the star/post count ratio... I'm quiet. I learned long ago, one learns more by listening rather than speaking. Also, dropped a bombshell for the first thread. Showed as the main result on google when searching ATS. THAT freaked me out!)

Like many of you have expressed, I've also questioned things such as religion and authority from a young age. Not many had answers I found satisfactory or complete.

I believe the crux of my dilema is stemming from a sense of "helplessness" so to speak. I see so many outrageous, unjust, unrighteous activities taking place against the people, and feel driven to stand up and help. Yet, I am searching for the most effective means. What are your opinions as to what to do that can contribute in a positive, meaningful way?

IMO, around here we're somewhat guilty of "preaching to the choir." Meaning, amongst us that would seek out such a forum in the first place, we are going to already be open-minded enough to not be shocked about much. Now, I don't mean this in strictly a bad way however, as the diversity of each member's knowledge gained through independent research, when combined in a thread about a very specific topic is a very wonderful thing. Opened my eyes more times than I can count.

Of course, most threads are usually just a starting point, as the skeptic in me always cross-checks and looks into the credibility of a source. Being in my late 20's, I'm constantly astounded by viewpoints and knowledge that our more elder members don't even blink at, that shatter my previous perception of reality.

As someone else said, the red pill was forced upon me. There was certainly a time where I could take it back and take the blue pill. I was much younger the though and didn't have the coping skills to deal with the knowledge I had. I didn't fit in, couldn't find any meaning in the topics they choose to discuss (hair, makeup, and clothes for example) it all seemed so trivial, and I longed for that ignorance. It wasn't until I was older that I could appreciate being awake.

For those who feel helpless and can't do anything, just remember someone who has taken the blue pill can't do anything at all except contribute to the facade. If you have taken the red pill, you can at least offer it to others, even if that is all you do.