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Simplicity
October 23rd, 2017
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There's been quite a bit of discussion on asceticism or
technological simplification as an approach to generally
simplified living happening on Gopher lately [0,1,2,3,4]. So much
has been said and I'm late to the party, as it were.
First of all, I love technology. I am a collector of archaic tech
in particular: abacus, sextant, slide-rule, spinning wheel, etc.
On the other hand, I would rather do without many of the more
recent technical innovations. I don't have a firm definition for
where I draw the line. Instead, I rely on my experience and
emotional response. Does this device make me feel more empowered
or is it "doing it for me" to such a degree that I'm crippled
without it? Does the device make me feel more connected or does it
give the impression of connection while actually distancing?
I am a backpacking, camping, casual-prepping, dutch-oven-cooking,
yarn spinning, flute carving, boardgame playing, outdoorsy tech
guy. I daydream about apocalyptic scenarios where my hobby
interests would suddenly become my focus. I appreciate what
a giant, sprawling information network does for humanity, but
I still prefer cabin life like many of you.
At its core I'm expressing an emotional preference with a bit of
spiritual guidance. I also fully understand that my daydreams of
a Walden lifestyle would come with a heavy price. Reality as it
is, I still don't see any problem living with that floating desire
driving my actions and interests. Even if I am never accidentally
transported back in time a hundred years I can still find great
enjoyment in the thought.
I really appreciate this gopher exchange. I hope we see more
threads like this evolve over time.
(TXT) [0]solderpunk - Asceticism or Something Like It
(DIR) [1]jynx - On Asceticism
(TXT) [2]slugmax - Cabin
(DIR) [3]jynx - On Technology and Personal Honesty
(TXT) [4]solderpunk - Technoskepticism or Something Like It