The Gonzo Way: Tribute to Hunter S. Thompson (video)

“Never try and be like anyone else”. – HST

Good advice, Hunter. Hunter knew how to walk the talk, too.  In a long history full of pioneers and trailblazer, Hunter was one of America’s best.  He was uncompromising in methods and unquestionably patriotic.  HST is a heavy influence in my life and not for all the reason that you may think.  There is another angle to Hunter that the masses do not know about nor have bothered to investigate. His widow, Anita Thompson, put together book in the months after his death called, “The Gonzo Way“.  It is a tribute of sorts to the man that Hunter was and the wisdom that Anita and those around him soaked up.

His wisdom. as I see it, reflects a  very existential existence.  It is up to you as to who you are and who you project yourself to be. Your choice…your responsibility…(and as a result) your freedom to live the life you want to on your own terms. One of the bits of wisdom that I pulled out of the book was a quote by Hunter: “To see life clearly, to live it like a champion, not taking abuse from anyone, you have to develop your own set of rules.”  There was so much more to Hunter than Fear & Loathing and that is why I appreciate Anita’s book so much.

Around the time it came out, I got a new Apple Macbook Pro and I was giving all the bells and whistles a test run.  I was using the Apple version of powerpoint (“Keynote”) and I created a presentation the Gonzo Way as I saw the book.  I used the upload to YouTube feature and whala…I posted my vid online.  Through the power of the interweb, the wisdom spread. Within a couple of days I had over 1,000 views (almost 7k now), a few emails and even a mention from Anita on her “Owl Farm Blog” (see it here). Very cool. I even exchanged a an email with her on the video & book.  I hit the nerve center. Righteous.

The book puts forth the Seven Lessons:

• One: Learning – That’s What it’s All About
• Two: It’s Wrong When it Stops Being Fun
• Three: Politics is the Art of Controlling Your Environment

• Four: “We” is the Most Important Word in Politics

• Five: Truth is Easier
• Six: Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride
• Seven: Never Apologize, Never Explain

Have a watch of the vid and learn a bit more about the lessons and to soak up some of the wisdom youself.  Also, enjoy the Bob soundtrack (Mr. Tambourine Man was a front-row song for HST).

If you want a closer look a the presentation, I attached the PDF of it.

The Gonzo Way.pdf
Download this file

Mahalo.