American Traditions
Being confined to one way of living is important to many people. However, yes, ethics and morals are important. But, sometimes there isn’t anything wrong with not wanting to be confined to just one way of living your life. Simplicity is different. It has different meanings for different people. Some may think living the right way is spending less money for example. Then, you have those who say live life to the fullest. They don’t care about how they spend; they just want to be happy.
I think I fall into both of these categories. Sometimes I want to live by the rules and laws of saving for later. But, then there are those times when I want to just to live it up. Kind of like the differences between the Puritans/ Quakers and the Transcendentalists.
Puritans and Quakers: The religious sects who have different beliefs at least believe in one God. No matter what they say which separates them from one another; it is the duty of the believer, “To serve God diligently in one’s profession, skill or vocation.” (David Shi, The Simple Life. P. 9) It is my duty, then, to serve God in everything I do. My character and moral value is predicated upon my works to the lord. A true believer in Christ I am. I know moral character and ethical responsibility is important in practicing my faith, so I must be mindful of this as I go throughout the day.
It is said; Puritans and Quakers differed theologically, meaning they had different religious beliefs. However, if one is to live without the lord and with the Lord- then at least they believe. This is why I relate to the religious sects and believe they can co-exist amongst each other. If we look around us, how many times do we see struggle and fighting all because of religion? David Shi asserts, “Yet if the Puritans and Quakers differed theologically, driving each other to fury, they at the same time both promoted a Christianity writ plain. The Friends echoed Calvin and the Puritans in emphasizing the virtues of thrift, sobriety, and hard work at one’s calling. And, it was only natural, they agreed, to enjoy the fruits of one’s labor. God did not intend man to be poor and uncomfortable. But, they also stressed that the material world of daily toil and daily bread was, after all, only transitory, and one’s heart should be set upon eternal treasures.” (Shi, The Simple Life, p. 29)
What does this tell me? Does it mean I can work all day and spend all my money in one place? Sure it does! However, if I live by money alone how can I be totally free? The problem however is money alone is not happiness for me. I need other things. I need spirituality, and I need reason. I want to live the simple life as much as possible, but there has to be a blueprint for the plan to do so.
As George Fox put it, whom by the way was the founder of the Society of Friends, I.e. Quakers. “Neither be cumbered nor surfeited with the Riches of the World, nor bound, nor strained with them. Fox realized, “after Riches do increase, take heed of setting yours Hearts upon them, lest they become a Curse and a Plague to you.” (Shi, The Simple Life, p.29) This then was “Designed to teach The Society of Friends how to live rather than how to make a living. Simplicity would not only serve as a testament to the rest of the world against the evils of conceit, greed and superfluidity, but also to promote social justice.” (Shi, The Simple Life. P.29)
Even then, way back hundreds of years ago; people were trying to distinguish themselves from being greedy and conceited, from just living a simple life. This is the struggle a lot of us have. We do not know how much is enough? In my situation, the learning curve is to limit the spending to live comfortably later. The simple life is just that in my opinion. Live according to your means. Not outside of them.
Transcendentalists: Just as our way of living evolves, so do the beliefs and practices we share begin to change, as well. The Quakers and Puritans believed in the simple life as living within moderation along with certain rules of “how to live in a complex, yet tempting material world without coming to love it.” (Shi, The Simple Life, p.29) Our Transcendentalists friends however differ slightly.
“As Ralph Waldo Emerson, the philosopher put it, in 1844, “there was in all the practical activities of New England for the last quarter of a century, a gradual withdrawal of tender conscientious from social organizations. These tender consciences imbued with a romantic emphasis on naturalism, immediatism, individualism, and perfectionism, espoused a more spontaneous and liberating version of the simple life than that
promoted by conservative moralists.” (David Shi, The Simple Life, p. 125)
This is appealing to me because we as individuals can view simplicity very differently. I stated in my introduction some people choose to spend wisely and save for the future, while some people want to live it up now and live in the moment. The transcendental way of thinking is a progressive way which is predicated on movement away from the norm. If I want to live the simple life, I must decide on how and which way I want to do these things. I too, like the Romantics and/or Transcendentalists “view simplicity as a personally chosen, rather than a socially imposed, way of living.” (Shi, The Simple Life, p.125)
In other words, who wants to be controlled or governed on how to live? The ideas of the church versus the individual are and will always be front page, but they can co-exist. Living in simplicity can be viewed very differently, however, it all comes down to the individual and what he/ or she believes in. “Life is a selection,” wrote Ralph Waldo Emerson. (Shi, The Simple Life, p. 128) This was a great idea back when, and it still is a great idea now. How and what we do with our life is up to us. No one else is responsible. As Emerson put it, “there are two selves- inner and outer, spiritual and material, imaginative and physical. Each is essential to the human experience.” (Shi, The Simple Life, p. 131)
I have the ability to determine the simple life and what it means. Do I follow my spiritual or my material self? Do I follow my imaginative or my physical? It’s all up to me.
Essay: How Much Is Enough?
I know how much is enough. It is enough to satisfy our human hearts. It is enough to clog our arteries with substances that are like pieces of plaque and deadly. It is enough to bankrupt our pockets and we still want more. It is enough to put a smile on our faces while we are dying inside. It is enough to forget about the common man and the desire to have compassion for him. It is enough to teach our children over-consumption until their bellies are protruding the pants. It is enough to watch our land and resources shrink only so we can call ourselves the wealthiest.
I want to say thanks. Thanks to Alan Durning for his compassionate, yet unrealistic assumption of the American people. We Americans are the cruelest and most demeaning people ever to walk the earth. There is no hope. Forget about riches in love, honesty, family, faith, and character. Or, as Durning puts it, “Traditional measures of success, such as integrity, honesty, skill, and hard work, are gradually supplanted by a simple, universally recognizable indicator of achievement-money.” (Alan Durning, How Much Is Enough. p. 13) Money has now become the true measure of a man and its money that drives the blind mindset that says, “Net worth equals self-worth.” (Durning, p. 13)
Durning is really on to something here. He knows we can do it! He knows we can save the earth, the animals, and the plants. But, how do we do it I ask? If we are consumed by the acquisition of goods, how can we treasure what it took to get here? The rich in America can look a poor man in the eye and say they do not have spare change. I’ve seen it. Michael Jordan once famously said on the Oprah Winfrey Show. “A man once asked me for change. I said why you can’t say, hi, welcome to McDonald’s. The nerve of this guy! Does he not think- maybe this guy once bought a pair of my shoes?
I think this is the attitude of the rich American. The same attitude Michael Jordan showed to this stranger is the same way the affluent look at saving the earth and recycling for tomorrow. They simply do not care. The mind of the rich is only on the rich which is why we can’t explain the poor people in this world having such a disparity between the classes. Honestly, can we factually say the poor and middle-class are contributing to rising greenhouse gases, and a climate that is being destroyed?
They do not drive the majority of the cars. They do not consume the majority of meat and/or grain feed animals which in turn lead to “the associated soil erosion, water consumption, pesticide runoff, groundwater depletion, and emissions of the greenhouse gas methane.” (Alan Durning, How Much Is Enough. p. 16) And, who would think consuming beef could lead to all of this? I sure didn’t know it. But, thanks again Alan Durning. Of course, this is a very serious situation that I am taking very seriously. My attitude towards the subject just happens to be that of complete astonishment!
I knew the American people were the biggest consumers of all resources; I just didn’t know it was this much. I am part of the problem and I’m not rich. If the rich can create so much chaos, how can I do the same? I’m ashamed of myself. I’ve looked the poor in the eye and done nothing. I’ve consumed that awesome steak and ate at the big chains without a thought of the poor. Well, maybe the answer to this question is actually right here. How Much Is Enough? Maybe, just maybe, it is enough when we share with those who are less-fortunate and we begin to erase the gap that separates us.
There are reasons to do so. The poor have fewer reasons to waste resources because everything matters that much more to them. They can’t afford to be wasteful. The poor cherish what I and the rich can afford to throw away. And, there are things we all could learn from those who do not have what we do. The less fortunate sometimes do not have to worry about stroke, cancer-causing meats and heart disease because they are not consuming all of their calories from fat. Plus, our world could be greener without all the environmental damage done because of urban sprawl. If we treat our water, food, transportation and use resources with respect; we all can have a better and more self-serving place to live.
I began this with a facetious remark to Alan Durning’s work because I know I have wasted earth’s most precious gifts. I know we are not the worst people on the planet. I believe he has hope in all of us. I am inspired to change my life because of his attention to what matters most. I believe, How Much Is Enough, is when we stop turning a blind eye to those who lack and we start to value life and its available resources. I think it is imperative that we heed this calling and simplify our lives, just like those who do not have much. Over consumption does not make us happy, and neither does seeing poverty. Sometimes, having just “enough” is enough and this is what matters.
References
Shi, E. David (1985) The Simple Life: Plain Living and High Thinking in American
Culture- Chp. (1, 2, and 6)
My Ecological Footprint
If everyone on the planet lived my lifestyle, we would need:
= 4.84 Earths
To begin, I didn’t know I was so wasteful and hurting the earth as much as I am. It is very eye opening to see what we use and do not use that can be so instrumental in producing a climate and society that is healthier and cleaner for a better future. I suppose it would be better to start with my transportation needs. It’s difficult to see myself walking or running to work as my job is thirty minutes away along a usual morning drive. The traffic in my city isn’t as demanding as say a big city like Chicago, or New York. However, my job consists of two or maybe three different trips to a warehouse to receive supplies for the day’s agenda. I have no idea how I could accomplish this without my pick-up truck.
Secondly, I live in an apartment building built in the late nineties, so lots of the insulation and greener supplies maybe not used to build this section where I live. It’s possible we could install some recycling water bins, but the appliances here are fairly new with the upgrades and the outside buildings have not been touched. Restoring the siding with better recycled and insulated materials could definitely help in those regards which would lower my score.
Doing things like turning off lights, unplugging unused appliances, and going green on cleaning agents will help lower my footprint, but there are things in my building which are not accessible, such as solar power and wind power. My eating habits are something I am constantly working on and eating organic is something I am trying but with mixed results. Taste is everything and organic does vary in that department.
I know how important it is to save water and I barely wash my truck once a month. I truly believe in only using a full washing machine and I never use the dishwasher. I like to hand wash, but without letting the water just run. I recycle at work and use water to drink that comes in the form of recycled bottles. My footprint will lower as I will now do my best to consume less, and recycle more.
Consumerism
Buying and purchasing fills a void in our life. What we miss in everyday life is all paid for in money spent not saved. Yes, this goes against the “simple” living lifestyle, however buying and purchasing releases those euphoric feelings in us just like getting an adrenaline rush from driving fast or riding a roller coaster. It’s a habit that needs to be broken, but the average American doesn’t know how to do it.
For instance, this is what I see in an overspent society that most Americans unfortunately partake in. There are many other reasons to spend what we do not have, but the list and reasons are a complicated one. When we examine “consumerism” and Juliet Schor’s book The Overspent American, this is what I see.
When we take a look at our neighbors, what do we see? When I look around my neighborhood, I see cars and big homes that are not needed. I live in an apartment community called Adams Farm, but there are homes, townhomes, and condos all tucked around each other like a little tree with many leaves. Each person in this neighborhood shows their wealth buy what they drive and what they can buy. I’m sure a modest car would suffice, but not over here. See, this area is known for people who have money. Yet, the money they are spending could definitely be used for a savings, or like this apartment complex with all these luxurious cars i.e. Mercedes –Benz and BMW’s. But, what for?
Sometimes, I think to myself. If you can have a Benz or BMW; wouldn’t it be better to own a home. Talk about foolish spending. But, my point here is Americans wear their money on their sleeves. The smart ones put the money in the bank and do not worry about what other people think because they know the future is better planned for than not planned for, at all. Nonetheless, I am not saying Juliet Schor’s book is about bad purchases, but I do want to point out who the overspent American is. It’s usually a person who has begun to live outside of his/or her means and needs. And, this is where I liken this essay to The Overspent American and The Ad and the Ego. What I understand to be a society full of people buying things they don’t need; to a set of people who may need to further under financial planning. By the way, this includes me, as well.
In her book, The Overspent American, Juliet B. Schor wants us to see ourselves and our actions through what trendy things can do to us. In chapter 4, titled, “When Spending Becomes You. “ It begins, There’s that old, familiar feeling again: insatiable want. And, it all begins with exposure. “The seeds are planted by seeing what people at work wear or drive; by visiting others’ homes and observing their private spaces; by hearing about a co-workers new purchase.” Etc. etc. (Schor, The Overspent American Chp. 4, p. 69)
Therefore, I believe it is the idea of I have to keep up and fit in, I have to be happy at all costs, and I have to be a part of what’s new is what keeps me and maybe other people from living the “simple” life. This is a troublesome assumption by Juliet Schor, but I believe it to be true. Honestly, I have fallen into these traps throughout my life as I’ve had friends who had designer jeans and then I wanted a pair. Also, I’ve wanted a certain car because my friend or co-worker bought one.
I can say the relationships we maintain and put an emphasis on causes most of mine and probably your financial problems if you have any. Conversely, if we put more attention on the old adage; “money can’t buy happiness,” maybe, just maybe, things will get better. (Schor, chp.6 p.165. filling the void)
In The Ad and the Ego, I figured I could give a run down on the important messages brought to my attention here:
- These ads encourage people to spend not save. Unfortunately, even back then advertising executives knew the couch potato would eventually by into the idea of mass spending. The average American is exposed to over 1500 ads every day. This means we unconsciously process information and then comes the impulse to buy.
- This of course leads to unwanted and over used waste. This includes paper and plastic.
- We have to understand that without advertising the world would sit still. The consumer needs to know what to buy.
- We need to know what is available for us to buy, unfortunately being told how and what a certain product will do causes us to overspend on the product.
- Mass production of goods is not always good for us personally. The symbols and imagery created defies this idea as the signs say buy here and spend on this.
- There is a problem that exists which is if we over produce and enough people do not buy then we have excess waste produced.
- The last point is advertising creates anxiety and self-doubt. But, why? In order for us to buy the product, that’s why. See, we are blind to our own fears. The advertising execs have created a fear in us that is only controlled by spending.
In The Ad and the Ego, the use of symbolism and feelings and emotions are what the weapons of choice are because these appeal to us and draw us in. The theory of power associated with symbolism puts one in control of the other acting on their impulses. It’s big business pushing us to act out on what we see. And, Harold Boihem, the author of the film, wants us to see this in its truest form. It’s almost like it is out of our control to do what we want. And, this has a profound impact on what drives us to be happy or sad.
I do agree with the theme of using signs, imagery, sound and thought provoking substance to convey a message of acting on something, but the author of the film leaves out the fact not everyone acts on impulses. Sometimes, we just want to follow the crowd. If everything in our life is driven off of impulses and desires, then the Ad and the Ego plays off of this very well.
References:
Schor, Juliet, B (1998). The Overspent American: Why we want what we don’t need. Harper-Collins Books. New York.
Boihem, Harold (1996) The Ad and the Ego. The United States: Parallax Pictures.
World-Wide Simplicity
To begin, I think it would be best if I talked about the sense of simple living. What we all have in common is just that; the ability to live simply. The five communities discussed in this essay know all too well how to do this. Also, they have the innate ability to source and replant the land. Living in “simplicity” comes to mind as we all know how to do it; we just need to discover the meaning of the word.
See, there has to be an understanding of who we are. The understanding of community, and togetherness all intertwined into something bigger than ourselves. We all have a lot to be thankful for. Perhaps, the happiest of us all are the ones who really and truly know this. As the old adage reminds me; “we are stronger in numbers.” And, this is what makes culture, tradition, and community so important. It is the belief that if we can somehow come together in numbers, find something we all believe in that represents who we are, and lastly, give us hope for the future, then we are headed in the right direction.
Hopefully, this essay will convince you that community and togetherness outweigh any issue or form of misunderstanding that may be present about living in a simple world.
Let’s begin by discussing the act of preserving. I would like to start with the people of the Congo Basin, who protect, preserve and give back by maintaining the land for future use. At GoConsciousEarth, there is a vision and the people here believe in protecting the animals, and land rights because they know the importance of having involvement within the community. Also, the people of the Congo Basin protect their rainforest and have an initiative to provide clean water and education that is sustainable for years to come. But, that’s just part of their mission. Involvement is key here. And, we are invited! The initiatives of groups and people who want to help conserve and protect are already in action helping to cultivate and enact ways for the people of the Congo Basin to have resources and sustainable access to just some of the things I and you may take for granted.
However, what’s important is the people of the Congo have fishing, and farming which are the providers of their communities. This is very important for their region of the world because farming and fishing are great ways to provide for people without all the harm to animals. In the U.S., this is something that we could learn from, too. The lifestyles of the people of the Congo Basin could really be the recipe for success for lots of people unaware of its benefits. It’s almost like saving ourselves from ourselves. Money could be saved and we could transform our lives into a more simplistic way of living.
Kudos to the Congo community for sharing their beliefs and believing in themselves. And, the possibilities are endless as we move to the next community of people living in Salinas de Guaranda. In this region, we have the focus of value on community and solidarity which moves to define who the people of this region are. It’s really a town where people can come and visit and understand the customs and beliefs which are monumental in defining the locals here. The businesses here thrive off of exporting goods to other regions.
What is worth noting about sustainable living off one’s own land is the pride and self-esteem made evident by the market which sustains itself. This is what the simple life offers to all of us who can appreciate what it really means. The people of Salinas de Guaranda have their own businesses, products and markets which give their region importance and notoriety. Therefore, I ask. Just what type of a community is Salinas de Guaranda? It just might be worthy of say this place is the epitome of togetherness and community involvement. Their motto, “Where people come before money, the poor come before the rich, the weak before the strong, the sick before the healthy, and the small before the big,” are such great words to live by.
All I can say is, if only my country had the sense to live by this. Oh, how simple a world we would live in then. We could potentially be part of something where class and race wouldn’t matter anymore. Interestingly enough, through another community called the Provision- in Romania; I learned a few things for sure. On their blog, Best Wishes for 2016, I learned the importance of community and giving as a whole. I understand their need for volunteer work, but also to help and lend a hand to students and the hosting of guests. I think this is a perfect example of giving back.
In the Provision, we learn through nature, food, self and community, that we can uplift one another and become a more self-sufficient people. I commend those who help run the Provision (which is a farm based on non-violent and AgroEcology means of living.) But why you may ask? It is because this is how we should learn to live. This is the “true” means to simple living. I urge myself and you to remember how fruitful it is to learn the ways of the “peasant lifestyle.” This undoubtedly means a lifestyle without all the fame and glory we demand here in the states. They teach hard work and togetherness at Provision. Something we all could learn to live intentionally off of.
Another community worthy of mentioning is Bija Vidyapeeth or Earth University. It is located in Navdanya’s learning center located at the Navdanya Biodiversity Conservation Farm in Doon Valley, Uttarakhand. What is unique about this place is nature is the teacher and the healer. Inspiration is drawn from learning about nature and the forest. It’s important we know this so we can always remember where our inspiration and healing comes from. Also, it’s worth noting just how Earth University happens to be a very creative place. Mainly, because it’s a sanctuary for birds, butterflies, insects and soil
microorganisms. Talk about giving back. Here, farmers and other people alike join together to grow crops and learn thru biodiversity where nature is the teacher. There is so much to learn at a place like Earth University; everything from community togetherness, women diversity and earth management. This should be the purpose of teaching people alike about what matters in a community like setting such as this; where the diversity in the ecosystem and nature, considering the benefits of preserving our land and its inhabitants because we care about them, comes first. And, nothing says it better than the Friends of Spannocchia.
Located in the heart of wine country better known as Tuscany; friends and family alike can take to the land and help grow and sustain it. Conserving the land and helping to preserve the way of life is what is important here. And, this is what the epitome of the word “community” is all about. Spannocchia is a place of farming and community activities alike, some of which include touring and hiking. Talk about living the simple life in simplicity! You can taste the wines, make pastries and help feed the farm animals. All I can say is community, community, community.
All of the communities discussed in this essay have one thing in common. It is togetherness by which they live and preserve their way of life. It is a simple life indeed, based and predicated on living intentionally by American author and activist Helen Keller’s famous words. “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.
I believe if we can do what these communities have shown us that work for them; which is to live intentionally, creatively and outside the mainstream. Then, we can say we are living the simple life in simplicity, too.
References
Bija Vidyapeeth, Earth University—India
Go Conscious Earth!– Republic of Congo
Simple Living In A Complex Age 