Reconnaissance Man

1. Conventional Wisdom About Life Planning Is Deeply Flawed

This is the plan. This is the route. This is the script our elders have deemed is in your best interests. And all of it is flawed.

The traditional script. Society dictates a rigid path: graduate high school, immediately attend college, secure a lifelong career, buy a house, get married, have kids, save for retirement, and die. This one-size-fits-all approach fails to account for individual differences and the changing realities of the modern world. It's a blueprint designed for a different era, often leading to regret and unfulfilled potential.

Outdated advice. While elements like saving for retirement aren't inherently bad, the mandated chronological order, particularly the immediate leap into college, is the core problem. This advice, pounded into young people's heads, is based on outdated assumptions about the value and necessity of a degree for everyone. It ignores the economic shifts and personal development needed before making such significant commitments.

A universal plan fails. Applying a single "life plan" to millions of unique individuals is inherently ineffective. People have different talents, interests, and ideal environments. Forcing everyone down the same narrow path ignores these crucial differences, leading many to waste time, money, and youth pursuing lives that were never meant for them, as the author's own story in Minnesota illustrates.

2. Rushing to College After High School Is a Costly Mistake

It is this advice that has ruined the lives of two full generations of Americans and Westerners.

Lack of self-knowledge. Expecting a 17-year-old to choose a lifelong career and major is laughable; they lack real-world experience and self-understanding. School often puts brains into a coma rather than fostering self-discovery, leaving young people unprepared for major life decisions. This rush guarantees many will make the wrong choice about their education.

Worthless degrees and debt. The education bubble means college is increasingly expensive and often results in worthless degrees, poor job prospects, and crippling student debt. Statistics show a high percentage of graduates don't work in their field or are underemployed, doing jobs they could have done without a degree. This makes the massive investment of time and money a losing proposition for many.

The price is staggering. Following this flawed advice incurs immense costs:

• Wasted time and youth (4+ years in school for a potentially useless degree)
• Significant financial debt ($100k-$200k+ for a bachelor's)
• Lost opportunity costs (what you could have done instead)
• Mental strife (reconciling promised dreams with harsh reality, living a delusional life, anger/rage over wasted youth)
  These costs far outweigh the perceived benefit of getting a head start.

3. Reconnaissance Is the Essential First Step to a Meaningful Life

In short, the goal of becoming a Reconnaissance Man is to lay the foundation of your future life as early and accurately as possible so you do not waste it like most of us did.

A better approach. Instead of blindly following conventional wisdom, dedicate time and effort to exploring the country and yourself. This period of "reconnaissance" is a deliberate process to gain the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about your future. It's about finding your environment and purpose before committing to a path.

Answering vital questions. The primary goal of reconnaissance is to answer three fundamental questions:

• Who am I?
• What do I want to do?
• Where do I want to live?
  Until you have a solid understanding of these, any major life decisions, especially about education and career, are likely to be ineffective or wrong. Reconnaissance provides the necessary context and self-knowledge.

Investing in your future. While it may seem like taking time off, dedicating 2-5 years to reconnaissance is a vital investment. It can save you decades of wasted time and hundreds of thousands of dollars by preventing major life mistakes. This focused exploration is a far more efficient and effective way to plot a successful and happy life than stumbling through based on outdated advice.

4. Finding Where You Belong Is the Foundation for Self-Discovery

And that is why the question, “Where do I want to live?” needs to be answered first because where you live determines your environment, the people in your life, and ultimately… who you are.

Environment shapes identity. You don't exist in a vacuum; your environment and the people in it significantly define who you are and give your life meaning. While you can't control others or your surroundings, you can choose which environment you interact with. This choice is paramount because it sets the stage for everything else.

Practical order of questions. Although "Who am I?" and "What do I want to do?" seem more important theoretically, they are difficult, if not impossible, to answer without first experiencing different environments. Exploring various places provides the context and knowledge needed for self-discovery and determining your ideal role in the world. Most people, young or old, can't answer the first two questions, making "Where should I live?" the only immediately actionable one.

The importance of place. Where you live impacts numerous aspects of your life:

• Social networks and career opportunities (roots keep you tied)
• Fun and hobbies (access to activities like hiking, fishing, etc.)
• Physical and mental health (weather, outdoor access)
• Relationships (finding like-minded people)
  Choosing the right environment dramatically increases your chances of happiness and success.

5. Mastering Logistics Is Crucial for Effective Exploration

An hour at the drawing board, will save a day in the field...

Plan and prepare. Effective reconnaissance requires meticulous planning of travel, lodging, food, and safety. Time is the most limiting factor, so efficiency is key. Start planning early, ideally during high school summers, leveraging downtime at school or work for research. Researching destinations online beforehand saves precious time and resources in the field.

Strategic travel. Road tripping by car is the recommended mode of transportation. It offers mobility, versatility, emergency lodging, and allows you to see the country between destinations. Crucially, long hours alone on the road provide invaluable time for introspection and self-discovery, a vital part of the reconnaissance process. Avoid planes, trains, and buses which limit exploration and thinking time.

Managing expenses and comfort. Lodging can be a major cost but can be minimized through camping (free in national forests/grasslands, freecampsites.net), sleeping in your car/van, or staying with internet friends (free lodging, showers, laundry, social interaction). AirBNB offers cheaper alternatives to hotels for longer stays. Hygiene can be maintained with wayside sinks or gym memberships. Food is easily managed with grocery stores and fast food.

6. Financial Independence Fuels Your Freedom to Explore

Life is not easy, nor fair, nor just, nor kind. And whining about things has never gotten anybody anywhere.

Funding the journey. The cost of reconnaissance varies, but even a minimalist approach requires funds for operational expenses like gas and food. The biggest hurdle, especially for younger individuals, is acquiring a reliable vehicle, as renting is often restricted by age. This requires working and saving money, potentially starting as young as legally possible.

Self-reliance is key. Financial dependence on parents can limit your freedom to pursue reconnaissance, especially if they disapprove. Becoming 100% self-supporting, though difficult, grants you the autonomy to make your own life decisions without needing permission. This may involve working multiple jobs, living frugally, and making sacrifices, but the freedom gained is invaluable.

Working in the field. The internet offers opportunities for location-independent work (computer programming, writing, online businesses). Developing these skills allows you to earn money while perpetually traveling, potentially financing your entire reconnaissance journey indefinitely. This entrepreneurial path offers the ultimate freedom, allowing you to work from anywhere with a laptop and internet connection.

7. Prepare for the Psychological Challenges of the Journey

And since you’re not going to conform with the herd and since you’re going to demand more from life, there’s going to be some psychological prices to pay.

Loneliness is inevitable. Spending extended periods alone in unfamiliar territory can take a psychological toll, especially if you're young or new to solo travel. Humans are social animals, and the lack of constant interaction can be challenging. Combat loneliness by:

• Calling family and friends regularly
• Engaging on social media
• Visiting internet friends or extended family
• Listening to podcasts and audiobooks

Intimidation by the unknown. New environments, especially vast or remote ones, can trigger primal survival instincts, leading to feelings of apprehension or intimidation. This is a normal response to unfamiliarity. Recognize that the US and Canada are generally safe with adequate infrastructure, and most fears are unfounded. Exposure and experience will build confidence.

Social ostracization. Choosing a non-traditional path like reconnaissance means deviating from the "tribe's" expectations, which can lead to social ostracization from peers and even family. This is rooted in tribalism and can cause self-doubt. However, remember that you are pursuing a better life, and the perceived inferiority to college-bound peers is often based on a flawed understanding of real-world success. You are likely far ahead in terms of real-world experience and financial stability.

8. Navigating Familial Expectations Requires Self-Reliance

They didn’t view their friend or child as a sovereign, independent person with their own dreams and wants.

Assessing parental opposition. Familial hurdles can range from simple ignorance about modern realities to outright abuse and control. Understanding the root cause of their opposition is crucial for determining how to approach the conversation about reconnaissance. Their resistance often stems from outdated beliefs or a desire to control your future for their own reasons.

Addressing ignorance vs. abuse. If parents are merely ignorant, present them with logical arguments, data on the education bubble, and explain your plan and its benefits. A reasonable, caring parent should eventually see the wisdom in your approach. If parents are abusive and controlling, prioritizing their interests over yours, reasoning is futile. In this case, total self-reliance is the only path to freedom.

Achieving reconciliation. Cutting the financial cord doesn't mean abandoning your family forever. It means establishing your independence so you can pursue your life on your terms. Once self-reliant, you can periodically check in, testing if they've come to accept your choices and respect your autonomy. If they do, you can rebuild a healthier relationship based on mutual respect; if not, you maintain your independence while leaving the door open for future reconciliation.

9. Leverage Reconnaissance Time for Essential Self-Education

The advent of the internet has not only freed us from the classroom, but has also freed us from commutes, traffic jams, parking fees, and cubicles, allowing us to work from wherever we want.

Time for introspection. The solitude of reconnaissance provides ample time for focused self-education and contemplation about your future. Instead of aimless daydreaming, use this time to actively figure out what you want to do and become, addressing the questions school failed to help you answer. This mental investment is crucial for making informed career and life choices later.

Four types of education. Dedicate your downtime to four key areas:

• Philosophical: Develop principles, morals, and a worldview (e.g., Molyneux, Aurelius, Mises, Rand, religious texts).
• Pre-requisite: Knock out basic college requirements affordably via online courses (MOOCs) or CLEP/DSST exams.
• Employment: Gain skills for a career, potentially online, once you know your path (e.g., IT, accounting, specific certifications).
• Entrepreneurship: Use solitude for brainstorming business ideas; carry a notepad.

The power of online learning and work. The internet makes it possible to pursue accredited education and even earn a living while traveling. This flexibility is a game-changer, allowing you to gain skills and financial stability without being tied to a physical location. A location-independent career can even turn reconnaissance into a perpetual lifestyle.

10. Strategically Explore Promising Regions of the United States

After adjusting for No Go Zones, climate, economic opportunity, scenery, and metropolitan areas, there are 16 states that remain and should be the focus of your reconnaissance.

Screening criteria. To make reconnaissance efficient, focus on states likely to offer rewarding lives, avoiding "No Go Zones" that lack opportunity, culture, or desirable scenery. Key screening factors include:

• Avoiding harsh winters
• Favorable taxes and economic opportunity (avoiding local income taxes)
• Abundant beauty, scenery, and outdoor activities
• Presence of a major or moderate metropolitan area for convenience and culture

Recommended states. Based on these criteria, focus your exploration on states like:

• Washington (diverse scenery, no income tax, but Seattle traffic/politics)
• Idaho (beautiful mountains, sparse population)
• Montana (rugged beauty, great in summer, harsh winters)
• Nevada (Las Vegas hub, no income tax, central location for West exploration, but summer heat)
• Utah (stunning scenery, outdoor activities, but Mormon influence)
• Colorado (mountains, growing economy, outdoor playground, but some local income tax)
• Arizona (beautiful, Phoenix hub, but extreme summer heat)
• South Dakota (Black Hills region is a gem, mild winters there)
• Texas (pro-business culture, no income tax, large cities, but average scenery)
• Tennessee (Smoky Mountains, culture, no income tax, mild winters)
• North Carolina (mountains, coast, growing economy, but state income tax)
• Georgia (Atlanta as an escape for East Coasters, growing economy, but heat/traffic)
• Florida (no income tax, diverse culture/demographics, marine life, but inconvenient peninsula location)

Tailor to your interests. While this list provides a starting point, remember it's based on one person's preferences. If a state not on the list genuinely piques your interest, explore it. The goal is to find your place, not just follow a list, but a structured approach saves time and increases the likelihood of finding a suitable environment.

Last updated: May 11, 2025