These are not guidelines I have necessarily followed but are influences I feel worth further exploration.
Each of these entries will be expanded on in future blog posts.
The Oracle at Delphi
Know Thy Self
Nothing in Excess
Gandhi and Poverty
Speeches and Writings of Mahatma Gandhi, G.A. Natesan, Madras, 1933, p.35
Civilization in the real sense of the term consists not in the multiplication but in the deliberate and voluntary reduction of wants, which promotes real happiness and contentment and increases the capacity for service. One can reduce one’s wants by perseverance, and the reduction of wants make for happiness-a healthy body and a peaceful mind. From Yeravada Mandir, 1945
Gandhi believed in a life of simplicity and self-sufficiency. Simple living is distinct from those living in forced poverty, as it is a lifestyle choice
Be the change you want to see in the world.
What do I think of Western civilisation? I think it would be a very good idea.
The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.
There is nothing that wastes the body like worry, and one who has any faith in God should be ashamed to worry about anything whatsoever
Whenever you are confronted with an opponent. Conquer him with love.
I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.
asteya (non-stealing) and aparigraha (non- possession)
DeWelle Ferguson “Skip” Ellsworth
Log Home Builders Association
Skip set up a group in Washington state in 1965 to help people establish a mortgage-free life. The Association he formed still gives two day courses in how to build a log house with tools that can fit in the boot of a car. He also gives tips on acquiring free materials, including wood and land and has also set up some worthwhile charities.
Simon Dale
Low Impact woodland home
A house built with maximum regard for the environment and by reciprocation giving a unique opportunity to live close to nature. Creating and enjoying something which is part of yourself and the land rather than, at worst, a mass produced box designed for maximum profit and convenience of the construction industry. Building from natural materials does away with producers profits and the cocktail of carcinogenic poisons that fill most modern buildings.
The UNABomber
OK, I am not advocating violence but I do think we have a lot to learn from Ted's survival skills and self-sufficiency.
Manifesto
Wikipedia: Ted Kaczynski American mathematician,social critic, anarcho-primitivist, and Neo-Luddite[2] In 1971, he moved to a remote cabin without electricity or running water, in Lincoln, Montana, where he lived as a recluse while learning survival skills in an attempt to become self-sufficient.[3]He decided to start a bombing campaign after watching the wilderness around his home being destroyed by development.
John Zerzan
I came across Zerzan when reading around The Unabomber. While John questions Ted's violence, he seems to accept his broader approach to life.
The below is from Wikipedia:
Zerzan is an anarchist, and is broadly associated with the philosophies of anarcho-primitivism, green anarchism, anti-civilisation, post-left anarchy, neo-luddism, and in particular the critique of technology.[3]He rejects not only the state, but all forms of hierarchical and authoritarian relations. "Most simply, anarchy means 'without rule.' This implies not only a rejection of government but of all other forms of domination and power as well."
Zerzan is an anarchist, and is broadly associated with the philosophies of anarcho-primitivism, green anarchism, anti-civilisation, post-left anarchy, neo-luddism, and in particular the critique of technology.[3]He rejects not only the state, but all forms of hierarchical and authoritarian relations. "Most simply, anarchy means 'without rule.' This implies not only a rejection of government but of all other forms of domination and power as well."
Zerzan's work relies heavily on a strong dualism between the "primitive" – viewed as non-alienated, wild, non-hierarchical, ludic, and socially egalitarian – and the "civilised" – viewed as alienated, domesticated, hierarchically organised and socially discriminatory. Hence, "life before domestication/agriculture was in fact largely one of leisure, intimacy with nature, sensual wisdom, sexual equality, and health
Earth Liberation Front
Links to Zerzan and Kaczynski through Green Anarchism and neo-luddism.
I have felt an affinity with neo-luddites since my degree days when studying philosophy and sociology. They basically feel that industrialisation has led to alienation in the work place. Together with green anarchy and anarcho-primitivism, the answer lies in a return to a paleolithic life-style of hunter-gathering.
If a Tree Falls
I saw this incredibly moving documentary released in 2011. Absolutely shocking how a group of environmentalists are forced to take the path of violence and the retribution they receive. Think Green Peace x 1000.
Robert Twigger
Robert Twigger
Adventurer, explorer and writer. I met Robert in Tokyo and worked and played together for a few years before going our separate ways. I do however continue occasional contact with him and would like to be involved in his future adventure to circumnavigate the globe in an inflatable catamaran.
Steve Pavlina
Steve Pavlina
Discovering your life purpose and summoning the courage to begin acting on it.
Robert Twigger introduced me to Steve Pavlina when advising me on blog writing. I was to find that there is a close overlap between Robert's and Pavlina's approaches to life, particularly when it comes Lifeshifting.
Steve's advise is all free and very well written. He has articles that can advise you on all aspects of life, from giving up smoking, to improving your sleep patterns and living the life you were born to lead.
While he provides free access to all his articles, he accepts voluntary donations from satisfied customers. With more than 2million hits a month, his blog site is generating him an income of around US$40,000 a month.
Tom Venuto
Tom Venuto Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle
Tom was the first person I trusted enough to guide me through a life-changing experience. I subscribed to his Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle programme and through strong imagery and the power of the mind, I was able to transform myself from unhealthy and overweight to being the peak of physical fitness in the course of just over one year.
Bob Proctor
Bob Proctor Helping People Grow
I came across Bob Proctor through Tom Venuto. I benefited from daily uplifting messages and stories of inspiration and perseverance.
I was, however, put off when I went to see him in London and found he was just another one of those money-grabbing Evangelist types.
He is famous for his The Law of Attraction and is the Teacher in the film The Secret.
Burt Goldman
Quantum Jumping
Personal Development through the power of the mind.
A bit freaky, Burt claims we can learn from our other selves which exist in parallel universe.
Unlike Pavlina, Goldman needs your money. You can go on his six part free introductory course but to benefit form the programme you need to part with your money.
The problem I have with Steve, Tom, Bob and Burt is that they all place a certain amount of importance on material success. They all claim to be able to advise on all aspects of personal development, although Tom is more focused on the body and fitness. However, they also all seem to be advocating that happiness cannot be complete without money.
The man who quit money
BBC: The Man Who Gave up Money and Went to Live in a Cave
Book: The Man Who Quit Money
Andy Pettman drew this to my attention and is something close to our hearts. Both Andy and I spent a year or so foraging and making a meager living from it by selling the products we collected to restaurants. Foraging is a beautiful and sustainable way of feeding yourself and is something I want to continue to pursue.
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