Minimalism is a popular trend that advocates living with less stuff and more meaning. But what if you find yourself tempted to go even further and abandon modern life altogether? What if you want to follow in the footsteps of Ted Kaczynski, the notorious Unabomber who lived in a remote cabin and sent bombs to people he deemed responsible for the ills of society?
If you are feeling this way, don’t worry. You are not alone. Many minimalists struggle with the desire to escape the rat race, the consumerism, the pollution, and the stress of modern life. But before you pack your bags and head for the hills, consider these reasons why you should resist this urge and stay in civilization.
You have responsibilities
Unless you are a hermit, you probably have some people who depend on you or care about you. Maybe you have a family, a partner, a pet, or a friend. Maybe you have a job, a business, or a project that you are passionate about. Maybe you have a cause, a mission, or a vision that you want to pursue.
Whatever it is, you have responsibilities that you can’t just abandon. You have people who need you, who love you, who value your contribution. You have a role to play in society, a purpose to fulfill, a legacy to leave. You can’t just walk away from all that and expect everything to be fine.
You need community
Humans are social animals. We need connection, interaction, and belonging. We need to share our thoughts, feelings, and experiences with others who understand us. We need to learn from others, grow with others, and help others.
Living in isolation can be detrimental to your mental and physical health. It can lead to loneliness, depression, anxiety, and paranoia. It can also make you vulnerable to dangers such as wild animals, natural disasters, or hostile intruders.
You don’t have to live in a crowded city or a noisy suburb to enjoy the benefits of community. You can find like-minded people who share your values and interests in smaller towns or rural areas. You can join online groups or forums that cater to your niche or hobby. You can volunteer for a cause that matters to you or start your own initiative.
You can still enjoy nature
One of the main reasons why minimalists want to abandon modern life is to reconnect with nature. They want to experience the beauty, the peace, and the simplicity of living close to the earth. They want to breathe fresh air, drink clean water, and eat organic food.
But you don’t have to give up modern life to enjoy nature. You can still find ways to incorporate nature into your daily routine. You can go for walks, hikes, or bike rides in nearby parks or trails. You can plant a garden, grow some herbs, or raise some chickens in your backyard. You can camp, fish, or kayak on weekends or holidays.
You can also reduce your environmental impact by adopting eco-friendly practices such as recycling, composting, or using renewable energy sources. You can support local farmers, artisans, or businesses that produce ethical and sustainable products. You can advocate for environmental causes or join movements that fight for climate justice.
You can create your own version of minimalism
Minimalism is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It is not a set of rules or guidelines that you have to follow blindly. It is not a competition or a contest to see who can live with the least amount of stuff.
Minimalism is a personal journey. It is about finding what works for you, what makes you happy, what adds value to your life. It is about creating your own version of minimalism that suits your needs, preferences, and goals.
You don’t have to abandon modern life to be a minimalist. You can still enjoy the benefits of technology, innovation, and progress without being enslaved by them. You can still appreciate the comforts, conveniences, and opportunities that modern life offers without being overwhelmed by them.
You can choose what to keep and what to let go of in your life. You can decide what is essential and what is excess in your life. You can determine what is meaningful and what is trivial in your life.
You are the master of your own life. Don’t let anyone tell you how to live it.