The first step is recognizing you can define your own life. The second step is having the courage to do so.

In my short existence, I will not fall victim to false morals or meanings. I will assert myself and define the life I want to lead. Any other life is simply not worth living. Choosing not to pursue one's own definition is a choice to be a slave to other's definitions. And the life of a slave is not one of a man.

My only pursuit is to achieve the aesthetic pleasure I desire. There's a beautiful taste in one's mouth when you have an aesthetic evening. Certain tastes fit into our souls like a lock into a key. I am chasing that feeling, of fulfilling my aesthetic.

I am not a particularly moral person. I hold a strong sense of loyalty to my family and close friends, but the circle does not extend far. I obey laws because I have no desire to see the inside of a prison cell. Fundamentally, I am brutally self-interested. I attach no moral judgement to this recognition; It is merely a statement of fact.

Aesthetic descriptions are necessarily vague. They encompass an emotional feeling and state of mind that is impossible to convey in words. Regardless, I will list some features of the aesthetic I am seeking.

Control of one's time. A 40 year nine-to-five job is anathema to me. I will work because I choose to, on projects that I deem important and interesting. This requires 'fuck you' money - a nest egg large enough that you never have to work again.

Internationalism. I will not be stuck in my home town nor my home country. Not only will I travel, but I will live abroad, taking pleasure in the taste of places I find pleasing. To speak and read multiple foreign languages with the ease of a local.

Calm, cool, and collected. To act with grace under every situation, no matter how trying. Whether fighting in an urban battle, relaxing on a beach, or locked in solitary confinement, I should handle myself like a gentleman. Not only in external appearance, but in my internal state of mind.

Refined materialism. I despise opulence for opulence's sake. To flaunt your feathers like a peacock in the hopes that others will respect you is disgusting. But there is a level of material comfort, paired with good taste, that I aspire to. An understated but attractive car, subtle yet stylish clothing, and a delicious cocktail.

Intellectualism. An excellent knowledge of history, philosophy, politics, literature, economics, and art. The technical knowledge is for work. This is for dinner conversation and the feeling of intelligence.

Charm. To be an excellent conversationalist and put people at ease. Understand what makes people tick and how to win their trust. This extends to active, if not always healthy, romantic relationships.

Athletics. Be in excellent shape. I aspire primarily to be a great swimmer and a better runner. You should be coordinated and agile enough to compete in sports competitions on the fly.

Combat. Prefer to defuse situations in words. But if things get ugly, you should be able to defend yourself viciously. Keep current in a martial art, attending weekly training sessions. Keep your athleticism up. And occasionally practice weapons training, in case the situation arises.

Technical knowledge. Be at the frontier in your line of expertise. For me, this is computers. There should be nothing I cannot do with any computer system, and nothing I cannot understand and explain. This requires a robust understanding of programming, computer engineering, networks, mathematics, information theory, and more.

Information. Understand what's going on in the world and in your environment. Have access to decision makers and privileged information. No other currency is as valuable.

The aesthetic is much clearer in my head than it ever could be on paper. But I see now that the only pursuit I have in life is my own aesthetic pleasure. Nothing else can give me a life worth living.