This is a tale that seems dreamt up, and yet is very real. Try to wrap your heads around this one. What if you were very rich, managing a large company, with all you could ask for in life, even including your very own yacht?
Now, what if you gave all that up to live with absolutely no money what-so-ever?
This may sound like a holiwood script but is actually true. The man in question is Irish man Mark Boyle.
Talking to Mark, he'd be the first to tell you that only seven years ago, he would have never dreamed of living without money. He had business and economic degrees and was dreaming, like most people, of finding a good job that would guarantee him a "good" life. He worked hard and was soon the manager of a large organic food company, made tons of money and had his very own yacht.
The change in his life came not by some huge event, but by a process of thought that started when he rented a video about Ghandi. There was a quote that really got to him: "Be the change you want to see in the world."
He began thinking about that quote, pondering it. How was he the change he wanted to see in the world. Over time, he started about how the change he'd like to see in the world is to see consumerism going down, while self sufficiency goes up.
Consumers, says Mark, are not aware any more of how their goods are produced. There is too much of a distance between the consumer and the actual production. A huge waste is made that way, with people throwing out products that are a little damaged in favor of new products, creating a huge waste of materials.
That's when he decided to start living a more self sufficient life. Foraging wild food, growing food, bartering and using waste grub. He cooked outside, day or night, on a rocket stove.
He got a caravan from Freecycle, parked it on at an organic farm he was volunteering at, but did not connect it to the electrical grid. He kept warming burning wood. He bathed in a river, and used washed up cuttlefish bone with wild fennel seeds as toothpaste. He used old newspapers as toilet paper, and got around on a bike. At night, he would use beeswax candles for light.
When asked, Mark says he is not anti-capitalistic. He would rather define himself as pro-nature, pro-community and pro-happiness. He says that the past year, living as he has, was the happiest year of his life. He made many friends, he hasn't been feeling ill since he began, never been fitter and has very few worries to attack him day and night.
But when asked if everyone should live like this, Mark wisely admits it is not possible. With current global infrastructure being what it is, we still need people to do their jobs. But, he maintains, a slow transformation that slowly removes modern pressure and consumerism from our lives while slowly adapting ourselves to more self sufficient living is important, and he predicts it will begin to happen with more and more people as the years roll by.
|
The Mystery Behind These Lost Treasures Will Fascinate You
The idea of lost treasure has fascinated people for thousands of years, and we invited you to take part of the excitement with these 8 stories of lost treasure!
When It Comes to Street Art, Location is Everything
In street art, location is everything, and it certainly shows in the work of Jamie Paul Scanlon or JPS. Take a look at his captivating artworks
An Old Man Teaches a Businessman a Valuable Life Lesson
This businessman learned a valuable life lesson from a kind and caring old man.
What a Beautiful Message This Father Relays to His Son
The life lesson that this father teaches his son is one that we can all learn from. So watch carefully!
Ever Hear the Tale of the 6 Elephants?
What is "truth" comprised of? This highly inspiring story will definitely get you thinking about this.
Baby Deer Asks People to Save Her, They Deliver!
This little baby deer walked right up to these people, crying to be saved. See what happened next in this heartwarming video!
20th Century: The MOST Popular Breakfast of Every Decade
Breakfast shape-shifted quite a bit during the 20th century. Discover the most popular breakfast delicacy of every decade in this article
These 18 Bold Predictions Were Actually Proven to Be False
Some of the great and good of science, industry and entertainment made bold predictions in the past that proved to be completely false. Take a look.
Video Box: The Most Amazing Guinness Records!
Don't miss these 16 world record-breaking feats, performed by both humans and animals alike!
Amazing! 7 Facts That Have Changed Since Your School Days!
Over time, facts we consider to be completely true can change. Here are 7 facts that have changed since your school days.
Experience the Dramatic Moments of WWII in Moving Color
This 13-episode television documentary series recounts the major events of World War II in HD color.
INTERACTIVE: The Musings of Philosophers Through the Ages
The great thinkers have imbued the world with greater knowledge and different perspectives. Learn about what the wisest men in history had to say.
I Just Wanted to Say: Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Choose from our lovely selection of greeting cards and share your deepest wishes with your friends and family, to celebrate this blessed time of the year!
Every Common Phrase Started Somehow...
The origins of these common phrases are fascinating.
A Fascinating History of Clothing in the Ancient World
Ever wondered what fashion was like in the ancient world?
12 Genius Ancient Chinese Inventions We Use to This Today
In this article, we'll focus on 12 surprising everyday items we all use that got their start many centuries ago in Ancient China...
The Eerie, Spiritual, and Sometimes Fun History of Masks
Let’s get to know some of the most famous masks in history and the civilizations that created them.
You'd Best Think Twice Before Consuming These Delicacies!
Here are 10 dishes that can give you an adrenaline rush stronger than that from any roller-coaster, while testing your luck better than the lottery.
A Few Beautiful and Flowery Thoughts on Positivity...
In life, you have to give yourself the space to allow your beautiful, positive thoughts to bloom like a beautiful flower. Watch this video to understand more.
10 of the Fiercest Ancient Celtic Gods and Goddesses
Here we look at the most influential ancient gods and goddesses from the ancient Celtic pantheon.
Good News Alert! 11 Positive Things You Need to Know About
If you look for good news, you’ll always find it. Here are some wonderful things happening around us right now.
Ten Reasons Why Japan's Schools Are Spectacular
How is it Japan is so special? Perhaps it is all down to their unique education system. Here are 10 amazing things about Japan's schools you never knew!
From the Photo Albums of Very Famous People...
See how celebrities looked in their youth, in photos from their everyday life before fame.
12 of the Most Inexplicably Weird Things Ever Discovered
In the world, a lot of discoveries often raise more questions than they answer. Here are 12 of the most inexplicably weird things and places ever found.
Can The Mysterious Voynich Manuscript Ever be Cracked?
This is the world's most mysterious book, written by an unknown author in a singular alphabet and illustrated with puzzling images. What is its secret?
12 Accurate Facts That Sounds TOO Weird to Believe
With authentic facts like these, who needs fiction?
Benjamin Franklin's Wisdom Has Echoed Throughout the Ages
In addition to being one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, Benjamin Franklin left many a thought to ponder. Here are 15 of his most famous quotes.
10 Richest People From History You Should Know About
A look at 10 of the richest people that lived in history. From emperor Mansa Musa to Muammar Gaddafi, it presents the insane sums these people had.
You’ll Love Learning New Things With These Awesome Charts
It's time for a brand new collection of fascinating charts and guides.
Wrapping Up the Major Events of 2022 in a 7-Minute Video
Another year has come to an end. Vox has edited 2022 in its entirety into a 7-minute video. Let's take a look.
I Just Wanted to Let You Know: I'm Thinking of You
Is there anyone in your life whom you're thinking of deeply right now? Send them a little greeting to let them know.
Dare You Enter 7 of the USA's Most Haunted Houses?
Dare you read all about 7 of the United States most terrifying properties?
13 Books That Will Make Your Time Fly
These times of social distancing are perfect for catching up on your reading. Check out this list of 13 must reads to get started.
15 Unique and Powerful Armors Worn by Heroes and Warriors
Here’s a treat for history buffs! Check out the most amazing types of armor throughout history.
26 Vintage Celebrity Photos Filled with Undeniable Charm
Let's take a look at 26 vintage photos filled with undeniable charm.
Wow! Look at the Size of These Massive Fruits & Veggies!
These massive fruits and vegetables could feed you for an entire year!
Phrases We Use Without Realizing It’s a Shakespeare Quote
William Shakespeare had a huge impact on modern English, so much so that most of us are quoting the great bard every day without even realizing it!
WATCH: This Is One Free Gift That Everybody Yearns For
If there's one thing you can do to provide solace, comfort, and love to someone else, it's by cuddling them. Watch this video for more about wonderful hugging.
17 Inventive Wedding Invitations No One Would Say No To
Some wedding invitations are pretty bland, but not these genius creations. Here are 17 invitations that no one would ever turn down.
20 Weird Facts You Didn't Know You Need to Know
20 Historical, modern, weird & funny facts for your enjoyment.
Full Documentary: The Real Story of Thanksgiving
Discover the real history behind the most popular holiday in the USA, through this fascinating documentary, courtesy of the History Channel.
Each Of These 35 Places Represents a Worldly High or Low
When it comes to records, these countries and cities stand at the top (and bottom) of the tree.
20 Cognitive Biases Ruining Our Decision Making Process
If you find it hard to make a decision, these cognitive stumbling blocks could be what's affecting your behavior.
7 Notable Han Dynasty Inventions That Changed the World
Here, we look at some of the great inventions from the Han dynasty of China that had a great impact on the world.
Why Do I Suddenly Need Subtitles for Every Show I Watch?
Have our ears gone bad, or is it simply bad acting? Neither. It's the tech - it's just TOO advanced.
Take a Look At the Many Secrets of Life in Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egypt always fascinates us. But do we really know how daily life in that civilization was like? Watch his video to learn more.
25 Old Photos That Show How Different the World Used To Be
Check out this amazing collection of vintage pictures that show us how much the world around us has changed.