Jesus, I long for a simple life.

[The Lone Liberal]

Why do we create more complexity when even a basic life is complex. We fill our life’s with crap that neither makes us happy or satisfies. Believe me this is no cry from some Luddlite I like the progress. I just hate things that have nothing to do with making life better. An example you ask? How about digital cable that is a perfect example--350 channels of undiluted bullshit--does it make me happy--no--all does is depress me. On and on my list could go, but I will not bore you further. Perhaps you disagree?

[Name removed]

1. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[NashVegas]

2. Misunderstandings about Luddites

Look at the most famous of them all - Tolkien. Surely he had no trouble with the progress that made the printing press.

In the last 20 years, there are more and more machines that, rather than assisting us in our tasks, we assist the machine in its task. This is the de-skilling of all of us.

Me, my beef is with what I call 'strategized' living. We must have a srategy for everything now. A strategy for education, a strategy for romance, a strategy for shopping, a strategy for everything under the sun is required now, in the age where all people compete against all other people. The rat race used to be just for the high-climbers, AFAIK, and those of us who wanted no part of it went off into our own little niches. Now, the rats want those spaces, too.

[Rabrrrrrr]

3. Yes,. to the point that we now have, though they are not named this,

"high performance vacation sites" for the yuppie Type-As, who want be in the country at a B&B, but also still have to have their days scheduled, high speed, and demand the B&Bs serve foie gras and vintage wine adn they go "antiquing" not for beauty, but just for posession. Or the Ty7pe-A campers, hikers, and "outdoorsmen" who are destroying the spots that normal people hold dear as they "conquer" them in their $300 LL Bean SuperShoes and $250 LL Bean Hiking Shirt and $600 LL Bean GPS device, etc.

Maddening.

I don't like the rush of current life. All you need is food, a decent place to live, some clothing, and then lots of time to enjoy the creation God has given us and time to enjoy one another.

We desire too much "stuff", and instead of making us happy, it's killing us.

[The Lone Liberal]

5. It is also depriving us of our humanity

Things come between social discourse and us. We are losing the understanding of our connection to one-another and the world.

[Rabrrrrrr]

6. says the Lone Liberal, ironically,

over the internet, using a computer, being read by another guy, on his computer...

But yes, you are right. In the last couple weeks, apart from posting to DU a lot at work, where I have to be there anyway, I'm rarely on my home computer, in an attempt to read more, go outside more, and not be chained to email, etc.

it's working nicely - always nice to actually hand-write a letter on really good paper to a good friend. And to walk in the park. And to go out to eat with friends. And go to plays.

[NashVegas]

7. Haha

But but but ..

I've taken the time to meet a few people I've gotten to know somewhat over the net. And a couple of them have become dear friends, offline. It's a matter of how we will use this community-making tool.

[The Lone Liberal]

8. The interaction on the net is nothing compared to

looking a person in the face when discussing some issue. The net is impersonal and sterile.

[The Lone Liberal]

4. BINGO --- We have a winner

Great statement.

[Ellen Forradalom]

10. Don't forget 'system' and 'manager'

The words 'system and 'manager' are applied to any technology whose usefulness is not obvious. For example, Windows 3.x 'Presentation Manager.' Huh?

[NashVegas]

11. "Because We Can" Progress

I can't think of anything that's wasted more of people's time and productivity than that crap.

Powerpoint, etc: am I mistaken, or has that replaced a task that managers previously would have had their more creative assistants do? In that case, there's a job that's been cut out of the payroll, AND more work for the manager. Oh yes, thank you Powerpoint, for making everyone's life so much easier.

[greatauntoftriplets]

9. I don't think life lacked complexity 100 or 200 years ago,

although it may seem that way to us because of all the machines we have to amuse us. I have no cable, watch little television other than news. But, thanks to the wonders of radio and CD players, we can hear whatever music we want at any time; with telephones we can talk to people instantly (as long as they're home) or get help in an emergency; thanks to computers we have a world of knowledge at our fingertips and yet another way to connect with friends.

[catzies]

12. Your post reminds me of something I saw Thurs. on ESPN

There's a show called "The Life," where they follow an athlete through his or her life. The show I saw was on Allen Iverson of the NBA's Philly 76ers. He was saying "People think this is all great, playing ball for a living, well I got problems too." He talked about all the people he has to support.

His driver was taking him to the arena, and AI was on his cell phone calling one of his 2 stylists, saying his hair was coming out (braids or cornrows) so come to the arena and fix his hair because he's gonna be on TV.

I laughed and thought to myself, "AI, shave your head man! That way you simplify your life and reduce your payroll!" I'm sure though that wouldn't happen. He was just venting and probably has no intention of firing anybody or shaving his head.

[trof]

13. Here's your song:

GIVE ME THE SIMPLE LIFE

I don't believe in
frettin' and grievin';
Why mess around with strife'
I never was cut out
to step and strut out.
Give me the simple life.

Some find it pleasant
dining on pheasant.
Those things roll off my knife;
Just serve me tomatoes;
and mashed potatoes;
Give me the simple life.

A cottage small is all I'm after,
Not one that's spacious and wide.
A house that rings with joy and laughter
and the ones you love inside.

Some like the high road,
I like the low road,
Free from the care and strife.
Sounds corny and seedy,
but yes, indeed-y;
Give me the simple life.
;-)

[KG]

14. it can be done.

i live a very simple life. helps that i've been single most of my adult life. just decide what you can live without.

first thing: throw away your TV.