Pai Mei-
Have you read Tragedy of the Commons and commentary on it? Historically, taking only what you need fails because not everyone does what they have to do...
That said, for the past twenty or so years, by living simply for the most part, I have managed to take a year or two off every five years or so. The most interesting part, to me, is the reaction of other people, and the hassle/disbelief from landlords, IRS, employers (when I decide to go back to work), cops, and other parts of the vast machine- which isn't so surprising. It's regular people that react with hostility- as though I were stealing something from them.
When I work, I work hard, put in lots of hours, and put my work near the top of my priorities- I've left jobs and come back two years later at a raise from an employer who was happy to have me back. I make a decent wage, and live fairly well, and save without selling today cheap- nothing that couldn't be done by anyone. Still, when I am not working, most people are angered by it, as though by avoiding debt and living an uncluttered life, I am forcing them to overspend far beyond their means, to work at dissatisfying jobs, to hate their lives.
Ramone
__________________
I used to care... but things have changed.
|