U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far”, while establishing a foreign diplomacy ideology nicknamed ‘Big Stick diplomacy’.
The meaning of the phrase advises caution and non-aggression, however backed up by the ability to do violence if required.
How often have you heard other people who brag, are boisterous, even obnoxious bloviators? They certainly are not ‘speaking softly’… They actually paint a target on their back as the attention is focused on to them.
Wouldn’t it be better to speak softly, live ‘under the radar’? Not become a target? All the while carrying a big stick, just in case?
Although the original notion referred to a stick as a weapon, you could also relate the notion as your overall defense strategy against the modern systems of dependence. For example, having a 6 month storage of food and consumable supplies, and 6 months worth of saved cash to maintain your current standard of living, while keeping it all ‘under the radar’.
The big stick could be having no debt. With no debt, you are truly free from the system (to an extent).
The big stick is the accumulation of all your preparedness plans, your reserves, knowledge, know-how, all of which could be used if need be. Having and carrying a big stick will inspire a peaceful self-gratifying feeling for most – all the while keeping it quiet… speaking softly.
The key to being able to survive a disaster by nature, man, the banksters or our government is to be flexible. Have more than one action prepared for each situation. Like moving your money out of the bank into a credit union? To be flexible get yourself out of debt ASAP. Owe no one. Have enough money on hand to pay your property taxes each time they are due (at least one year). Prepare. Store the food you want to eat. Store the medical supplies you feel comfortable using. Own and be proficient using firearms. Store enough ammunition for your planned needs. Buy a power generator, extra gasoline and oil. Don’t forget to keep winter clothing on the top of your list to replace – it gets cold in the early morning even in summer time. Keep two good sets of winter/hiking boots and wool socks. Plan to travel light if you have to. Plan ahead for your needs as in extra set of prescription glasses, batteries for hearing aids, flash lights, radios, also have at least a 3 month supply of needed medications for your family as well as yourself. Get to know like minded people whom you trust.… Read more »
Your analysis of the aphorism, “Speak softly, but carry a big stick.” is interesting. Your ‘living under the radar’ (speak softly) advice and equating of the ‘big stick’ as being 6 months of food, 6 months of cash, lack of debt , know how, etc. is very insightful. As a life long martial artist I often used this quote for my students to learn from. To aspire to carry themselves quietly, respectfully bt fearlessly in a calm state. But carrying a big stick in the form of their martial skills. Quiet confidence. Applies well to the dedicated prepper’s mindset. Nice post sir.
Couldn’t agree more.
I wish that our country still adhered a little more to the “speak softly and carry a big stick” mentality.
Quietly minding our own business in a decidedly strong way.
Thanks for a great post.
Quietly prepare. Don’t advertise to neighbors, friends or family unless you are ready to share with them. Because they will remember a conversation with you – or – remember what they saw in your basement or garage.
Stay under the radar. Make no waves. When it is time to implement your plan – do so quietly. Even in the middle of the night (if you must) to move to a new location.
Red painted onto the 4′ X 8′ plywood over the living room window: Illness – Quarantine. Should help discourage the snoopy personalities – for a while.
Who wrote this article….I wish to use as reference and recognize originator
@ Luis Rivera
See just above the photo/picture
“February 1, 2012, by Ken Jorgustin”
The owner of this Blog, he has a contact email on the bottom of the page also, “Contact Us”.
NRP