---------------------------------------- Simplicity October 23rd, 2017 ---------------------------------------- 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