13 MAR 2021 · I have the great pleasure today of talking to Tian Alberts. While still pursuing his master's in law through the University of Stellenbosch, Tian is also the Chairperson of Nova Mentis. He joins me to unpack questions surrounding the necessity of a "youth platform". Why do we need a youth platform? What does a youth platform even mean? Tian believes that younger generations need to be having very specific conversations about plans for the future that are not less relevant to older generations but that require implementation by younger generations.
We touch on the decline of the nation state, the revolt against legalised plunder (taxation), a loss of trust in centralised institutions, as well as an affinity to cryptocurrencies. In observing what he sees as an inevitable capitulation of the state, Tian argues that we need to hedge our losses by preparing for a "state-proof existence", which involves financial emigration and protection of assets.
Further, he challenges the concept of there being a monopolistic entity that can hold people accountable, i.e. a government, and thus proposes a push back on this. Tian argues that we should start entertaining the idea of communities forming their own set of rules and self-governing.
Finally, a conversation about values is certainly very important. What are the values that we choose for our organisations, schools, and universities? Do we think about them, or do we swallow and incorporate the "boiler plate" value system that the media and academics have created for us? Values like "diversity" and "inclusivity", Tian argues, are by-and-large not good values. He briefly explains why he thinks that, as well as why he thinks creativity and mutual respect are better values for societies to adopt.