Summary

The author is planning to adopt a self-sufficient lifestyle, inspired by Walden, as a response to the world's current socio-economic and environmental crises.

Abstract

The author discusses their decision to embrace a lifestyle reminiscent of Walden, focusing on self-sustainability and harmony with nature. This choice is a direct reaction to the global challenges such as pandemics, economic inflation, war, and climate change. The author reflects on the necessity to disconnect from the modern world's issues and find solace in a simpler, more self-reliant way of living. They have already begun this transition by moving from a mega-city to a small town and now to a village, with plans to build an eco-house in the woods. The author acknowledges that while this lifestyle change won't prevent global calamities, it offers personal hope and resilience in the face of potential catastrophes.

Opinions

The author views the state of the world with concern, citing the pandemic, economic issues, the war in Ukraine, and climate change as reasons for their lifestyle shift.
They believe that human actions, such as deforestation and disruption of ecosystems, contribute to the emergence of pandemics.
The author criticizes the modern approach to life, suggesting that the pursuit of material wealth and conventional vacations is incongruent with the current global suffering.
They advocate for a "soft Walden" approach, which is a more gradual transition to a self-sufficient lifestyle, as opposed to the extreme asceticism of a "full Walden."
The author values the connection with nature, self-sufficiency, and preparedness for potential economic or societal breakdowns.
They express a desire to be in a natural environment rather than a mega-city if a catastrophe were to occur.
The author emphasizes the importance of creativity, family time, and solitude, and suggests that others should also contemplate their lifestyle choices in light of the current global situation.

Why I Decided To Become Walden And Show The Middle Finger To Our Modern Life

If you want to survive the next decade, plan to become Walden

Last week, my good friend phoned from Washington DC , and we talked about our plans this year. She told me her vision is to travel to a different locations, go to famous places, and enjoy life.

“And you?” she asked.

“I’m preparing to live surrounded by nature, build an eco-house, become self-sustainable, and just hope to survive the world as it is now because it will get much worse.”

“You sound pessimistic,” she responded.

“Yes, I suppose I was sounding a little gloomy, but if you look at the state of the world, pandemic spreading, economical price inflation, the war in Ukraine began, and climate change on its way,” I went on.

“Therefore, this year I become a Walden and show the middle finger to our modern world.”

The discussion got me thinking, and I told myself the silent, yes. That is the only thing I want to do this year.

How can anyone go on vacation and have fun while also witnessing suffering across the world?

Suffering is obvious, and world events such as pandemics, conflicts, economic depression, and climate change catastrophes are on the way. There is no doubt about this.

We read about this every day in the news, on online sites, and even here on Medium.

Maria Gracia Sotelo writes in her article from 2020, not even currently:

“And humans still don’t understand how damaging entire ecosystems, caused not only by deforestation but also by climate change, are leading to the close contact between humans and animals that cause these pandemics.”

Sean Kernan writes in his article Your money is losing value fast:

The short version: it’s a combination of pent-up demand from the pandemic, too much money being printed, supply chain shortages, and devaluation of the dollar (which causes more expensive imports).

Paul Mason, states in his article on Ukraine from a few days ago:

Is there a threat to global war?

Yes. We need to call for de-escalation and restraint on all sides. But we also have to criticize and punish the aggressor: Russia — just as our grandparents did to Nazi Germany. The NATO countries cannot and will not fight for Ukraine. The Ukrainians are on their own here — but they have a big army and will fight if attacked.

So, here you have it. It’s all white and black, with a not so bright future ahead of us.

Few days ago, I read an article from Charlie Brown about her late fantasies to go full Walden.

According to Charlie Brown, full Walden is to live deep in the woods, Spartan-like life fetching for your food, and survival in the wilderness while living in a 300sqft cabin.

I agree with Walden, but instead of going all out, I am going easy-the soft Walden.

I am already one foot in. I mean by this that I already have staged the transition:

Moved from mega city (Washington DC) to small-town (Granada) 2018
Moved from small town (Granada) to the village (Guejar Sierra) 2020
Moving from the village to the woods and building eco house 2022

My ideal property would include a permaculture garden, chickens, and goats, as well as being self-sufficient and tranquil. In addition, it will be solar-powered. I converted to an e-bike last year, too.

Why Walden?

It won’t change the current events from happening?

Yes, you are right, and it is the truth.

Shit will still happen, but it offers me a hope.

I’ll step away from all of the calamities and catastrophes approaching humanity, be being closer to the mother Earth, so that I may have a faith again.

If the catastrophe hits, I want to be in the nature, not in the mega-city.

If the economy breaks, I won’t need deep pockets because I will survive on little.

If war comes, at least I have a natural place to hide, wait, or die in tranquility.

In the meantime, I can be creative, have the internet only for a few hours a day, spend unlimited time with my family away from the hustle, pollution, and high prices. I can spend hours in solitude with my animals, or writing.

I don’t tell you to become a Walden, sell your possessions and go on living in the woods, but make you think about the era we live in and how we can prepare for it.

Or you can plan your next vacation, visiting famous places while having fun, and I will continue to plan my Walden.