On Monday 22 October 2001 20:27, Gerry wrote:
> Yes, this is true. I live in Singapore where there is not even land to
> farm and land prices are one of the highest in the world. How does one
> live outside the system as advocated by Daniel Quinn in Ishmael?
I've forgotten what Quinn advocated but can discuss "living outside
the system". This is just one persons opinion so i'm not suggesting
it is the "best" path.
My response is to understand how culture is propagated and what
factors influence us. Then, adjust my life to balance personal
contentment and social change. The goal isn't to "step outside
the system" or fight the system. For me it is more a matter of
being aware and making responsible decisions. At least, that is
todays thinking <grin>. The implementation of this simple goal
has been a full time job.
> I am at a
> loss to actually practice this. One needs money to survive here and
> already that mindframe feeds into the system.
Yes, access to land is a growing problem and our basic survival
activities often support the vary system we feel is unfair.
Our life is a minute spec of dust drifting in the river of
time.
Dust, As fragile and transitory as it seems, it offers us a
lasting and powerful lesson in how the world is made.
-- Gary Thorp (from ZEN book "Sweeping Changes")
jeff
> >> There are many groups pushing for ecological causes
> >> but few of them actually live a ecological lifestyle.
> >> This is a strange paradox.
> >>
> >>
> >> All of these philosophies have roots in industrial society,
> >> but the largest group of people living somewhat ecologically
> >> are indigenous people world wide. Often native people do not
> >> have choices and given the resources would be as destructive
> >> as other groups. Where a consistent philosophy does exist we
> >> often view it as primitive or uncivilized.
> >
> > Yes, Jeff! This defines part of the problem. It is shades of 'Ishmael'
> > We are all part of this system. It seems impossible to operate outside
> > of it. Or maybe I should ask the question 'Is it possible to operate
> > outside of this system?
> >
> > Money is a component of it. While, there are lots of solutions for
> > sustainable living or whatever you want to call it, getting the land is a
> > big problem. We live in a world where we believe we own the earth. I
> > talk this we hardly have the vocabulary to talk or think otherwise.
> >
> > Permaculture sells its knowledge. I can go to the library and read about
> > it but to be part of this community it is necessary to take the courses
> > which cost about $1000. Thus it becomes an exclusive group for those who
> > have the bucks.
> >
> > There are lots of wonderful solutions as you mentioned but how do we get
> > around the connections to 'System'?
> >
> >
> > Richard
