We watched the short clip today in class that advocated "simple" living in the modern day. Thoreau, and the other transcendentalists took this idea of living "simply" (without luxuries and close to nature) very seriously. His ideas resonnate loudly in the modern world. As our society has gotten more and more complex, Thoreau's message that the best things in life are found in simplicity and nature ring even more true than ever for many people today.
Here's the clip:
The speaker is arguing that a fulfilling life is one that is not overcomplicated with technology, brand products, high-powered careers, or material things that we've come to rely on in the modern day (cell phones, computers, ipads, nice clothes, cars, big houses, etc). So what do you think? It's ok to disagree here...these ideas are philosophies, not statements of truth, and there's room for argument.
First, respond to this:
1. Do you agree that we should "reduce" our needs and get rid of the things that aren't completely necessary in order to live a fulfilling life or not?
2. If you were to "live simply" in the woods for a month or more, what would be the easiest thing to do without? What modern convenience would be easy for you to live without?
3. What would be the hardest thing to do without? In other words, what modern convenience are you completely dependent upon?
i agree with what he is saying in the video. he isnt saying give up all electronics and live in the middle of no where, he is just saying to give it up sometime and go out into the world for a few days a year. thats it. if we are able to take time without technology then we could live a simplier life.
ReplyDeletewhat i could live with out would be homework. i dont like homework and wouldnt mind living without it.
my phone would be the hardest to live without because it is my everything; my texting, my computer, grading portal. also my family and friends. my family and friends are always there, living without them would be very hard.
1. i think that we should keep some of the things we need and not keep the things we don't need.
ReplyDelete2. computer and micerwave because i can start a fire.
3. cell phone and tv because i like to text my friends and i like to watch tv so it would be hard to do with out thoughs things.
1)I believe that sometimes people should reduce what they have. I think this because you need to appreciate life. With all the things you can’t do that. With a little struggle you can live life to the fullest like Thoreau did. But, I also think that some people work hard to get items and things that they want, with that struggle of working, you, are also living life to the fullest.
ReplyDelete2)I think the easiest thing to do without is lamps and light sources. This is a really hard question because there are so many things that you just would not want to give up. But, with light it is an easy thing to give up because during the day you have the sun even when it is cloudy. At, night you can use a fire or candles.
3)I think that living a month without cell phones, computers, and televisions would be hard but I can do it. The one thing that I would not want to live without is hot running water for a shower in a bath. I just like hot water and showering in cold water can be almost painful feeling.
I think that generally it is a good thing to reduce ones needs, because the world was made the way it was, and living a simple life is less frustrating. It is also the life we were originally given, and how some people were forced to live. The advance in technology has changed our ways of life and is hurting the world that we should be seeing the natural beauty of. I do see many benefits in some of the things we use, however, and think that some of the things we have can help us, but because most of the things we have hurt us as well, and many people abuse the power of being eligible to have and use man made things, it would be good to return to simpler times.
ReplyDeleteThe easiest thing to live without is a schedule, because when you don't have to do what you're use to, you can improvise and do whatever I want out in the open world.
The hardest thing to live without would be the computer/internet because it has so many options that I always use it and rely on it for information and entertainment. Without it, I wouldn't know what to do during my free time.
1. I believe in what he is saying. I think it is important to reduce our needs in order to appreciate the things we have and live a fulfilling life. He isn't saying give up all the things you don't need and live in the middle of nowhere. He is saying give up some of the things you don't need and go to a more peaceful calming place for a day.
ReplyDelete2. If I were to "live simply" in the woods for a month or more, it would be easy for me to live without a microwave, oven, refrigerator etc. Because I have been taught to not have to depend on those things. Another thing I could live without for a month is my computer. Even if it would be difficult, if I had to, I could live without it for a month.
3. One thing I couldn't live without would be my cellphone. This is because even though i do not have internet on my phone, it is still my main source of communication. I like to stay in touch with friends and family I don't get to see on a regular basis.