Modern life has created a lot of unnecessary middlemen.

Where can you cut them out to live better?

(Short Thread )

Sobering thoughts from Tyson Yunkaporta, author of "Sand Talk":

"You used to have family and community, now you're gonna have the economy and the state. And we're gonna provide all the things for you that land used to provide, but you have to sell us a third of your life..."

"You're gonna have to spend another third sleeping. Oh, and by the way, a sizable chunk of the third that's left over you're gonna have to spend commuting, life maintenance tasks...and you're not gonna be getting any exercise anymore, so you need to set aside an hour for that..."

"That's alright we're gonna provide you with these little shitty indoor spaces where you can lift heavy things that don't need lifting, and peddle on a bike that goes nowhere, and run even though nothing's chasing you, and you're not chasing anything, and you're not in a hurry."

"You're gonna do all these pointless tasks, and you're gonna do them over and over and over until you fucking die, and that's progress."

His new book is called "Sand Talk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World"

I've been thinking about his quote a lot lately:

Going to a gym to lift heavy things that don't need lifting.

Peddling on a stationary bike that goes nowhere.

Running on a treadmill even though nothing is chasing you, and you're not chasing anything, and you're not in a hurry.

Interestingly, people in @bluezones have cut out the middlemen in many ways.

Exercise = Gardening and natural nudges throughout the day

Commuting = Walking to friends' houses

Gardening = Growing your own food

Where can you cut out the modern middlemen?

The Ikarians may be some of the sanest people on the planet: https://www.sloww.co/blue-zones-ikarians-simple-living/

Long healthy life

Minimal impact on planet

Meaningful relationships (us vs me)

Gardening w/ plant-based diets

Walkable communities & socialize w/ family & friends

Clear purpose based on satisfying low-level needs

No care about time

Find joy in everyday chores

Enjoy nature