I am particularly attracted to the lifestyle outlined and lived by Thoreau in his book Walden. There is much more to be gained by living in the woods than most people seem to think. When I spend extended periods of time in the 'wilderness' (if that even exists anymore) I see the beauty in everything much more clearly. My mind feels less cluttered, less rushed, and healthier. One lives at the pace they want, and on their own terms. I can understand why someone would feel unfulfilled living in a world where there is much more stimulation, there is always someone to talk to, and all the food you could want at your fingertips. But I think this is just a product of growing up in an environment like that. I personally feel satisfied by the little things; waking up early, a hot cup of tea, a book, hot sun, and a bed to sleep in. These types of things bring me more joy than any other such thing than one could find in our everyday lives. As Emerson put it "If I am the child of the devil, then I will live of the devil." This doesn't mean that if he were the devil's child he would work for the devil, it just means that he recognizes where he's from and it does no good to ignore a part of who you are. To live unto thyself, that is to live the way you would live without someone telling you how to, is my ultimate goal. What better way to do so than remove these external sources?
The only spurn about living this life is the lack of community. We are inherently social beings and I think that conversations do much more for a person than what we see on the surface. It certainly would be a very enjoyable experience to live this way but even Thoreau felt the need to tell the world about his experience. No matter how much this way of life was for him, or how much he enjoyed living alone, he still wrote a book about it in order to create commentary with other people.
Above all else, living alone in the woods wouldn't be a struggle for me. I would find it enjoyable, in fact it is something I actively seek. I spend time on the Appalachian Trail overnights when possible and I find nature and the solitude to be refreshing.
Regardless, I don't think anybody should be told how to live (as long as it isn't a detriment to other people) and if technology is too ingrained in your daily life, or you just don't like nature than you shouldn't feel regret for not wanting to live this way. While I think we as a people have deviated from a simple lifestyle that is best for us, that doesn't mean anyone has to agree with me.
I agree that there is definitely a sense of peace when you are around nature and away from technology. I think if you could just up and go to a cabin in the middle of nowhere by yourself, it would be a great learning experience. I also think it would be a lot easier said than done. I think right now in the world we live in it is really hard to just pick up and go and ignore the world not for the fact that you would not have technology but like you said for the fact that we would miss socializing. I know I am not used to be alone. I barely get a moment to myself at college. It would definitely be something I would probably have to get used to. I also agree with the fact that people should not be told how to live, unless of course its detrimental to ourselves.
ReplyDeleteI think you bring up a valid point that when you are alone in the wilderness it is a lot more peaceful. You don't have to worry about meeting any deadlines, your life runs on your pace, not someone else's. I think that if everyone went back to the basics we would find ourselves less stressout, happier, and at peace with ourselves.
ReplyDeleteI really like that you point out that no one should tell you how to live, i agree 100%. I feel like it would be really refreshing and enjoyable to be out in nature, especially after being jammed in as tightly as most of us are in college. It would be an excellent way to relieve some stress after finals (spring finals!).
ReplyDelete@Mariah- I think you would be surprised how easy it is to drop all of our daily habits and move into the woods. It's really not so hard as keeping up with all the crap in my daily life now.
ReplyDelete@Callie- It's funny you say that, I do already have plans to spend my spring break on the Appalachian Trail. And you're right. We can talk about how we think it's best to live all day but in the end anybody's opinion is just as good as everybody else.
As much as I would like to be in the woods alone and enjoy the peacefulness I don't think I can do it. I think I'd be more paranoid than anything. No one around me to talk to and keep me company would freak me out. Especially in the dark. I think doing it though would give me a more appreciation for nature. No stress just peace and quiet.
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