Barend is a lecturer, skipper and passionate advocate for freedom in an era where it is increasingly under threat. With a decade of cherished memories living on an old sailing barge in the Netherlands, he found inspiration amidst the challenges posed by governments discouraging such lifestyles. His main motivation for writing is the fear that his children will not have the same liberties he once enjoyed.
However, Barend’s concerns extend beyond his personal experiences. He recognizes that the rise of authoritarianism jeopardizes not only the ability to live on an old boat but also impacts broader societal issues. The lack of freedom subjects the poor to sweatshop labour, locks tenants into a lifetime of exorbitant rents, and forces others to spend their best years in boring office jobs.
Barend translates economic and philosophical concepts into accessible narratives. While some brilliant minds have explored critical themes like liberty, oppression, bureaucracy, and earth ownership, Barend takes the crucial step of introducing these issues in a way that makes them tangible and relevant to us all. He persuasively argues that choices still exist amidst an increasingly restrictive landscape.
Optimism defines Barend’s outlook, and he endeavours to convince you that a future where governments dictate our lives and mass surveillance prevails is not inevitable. The prospect of corporate giants like Blackrock dominating the earth, and the decline of small businesses, is not the only path forward. Barend urges us to embrace his hopeful alternative, encouraging readers to contemplate a future that preserves individual freedom and choice.
Join Barend on a journey that challenges the prevailing narrative, offering a compelling vision for a more liberated and optimistic tomorrow.
