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.
|
A Heartfelt Message from Jane Goodall on the Environment
Listen to this beautiful and inspiring story about the current pandemic narrated by world-famous Jane Goodall herself!
This Beautiful Tale has a Strong Lesson to Teach Us All
This inspirational tale tells the story of a young woman who got advice from a wise old storyteller. This moral is one we can all learn from.
This Story Will Touch Your Heart and Make You Think
Here's a story about a husband who missed something very important in his life. This is a story we could all learn something from.
A Zen Tale: This Story Taught Me a Great Life Lesson
Everyone of us will be able to relate to this story.
How Blind People Imagine Their Loved Ones
This fun little experiment attempts to bridge the inevitable perceptual gap between blind people and their loved ones who can see.
Meet Virginia Oliver - a 101-Year-Old Lobster Lady
Virginia Oliver is 101 years old, and she is Maine's oldest lobster trapper.
Can You Guess the Meaning of These 20 Common Surnames?
We kind of take surnames for granted, as they are just passed down to us. But every name has an origin and meaning, and some might surprise you.
Don’t Throw Away Your Used Teabags Just Yet
Teabags aren’t only for making delicious cups of teas. Find out what other uses they hold in this helpful video.
Did You Know these 10 Facts about Alexander the Great?
His father conquered and unified Greece, but he wanted to conquer the world. Alexander the Great was a truly fascinating man.
From Food to Science - The WORST Misnomers You’ll Find!
Whoever named these objects must have seriously run out of imagination!
This Amazing Maze Has Taken the Internet By Storm!
Watch this intriguing video which features a maze of marbles and magnets.
5 Assassinations of World Leaders that Shook the World
Read through these five infamous assassinations of world leader shook the world.
7 Still Unanswered Questions About JFK's Assassination
There are many questions surrounding John F. Kennedy's death that remain unanswered. Here are 7 of the issues that are yet to be addressed.
Incredible Photos of Veterans from the Napoleonic Wars
Take a look at these incredible and only photos of veterans during the Napoleonic war.
Cousteau: The Man Who Revolutionized Diving Forever
The life and works of Jacques-Cousteau, a man who single-handedly revolutionized diving technology and research
14 Photos That Prove Just How Tough Winter Can Be!
Winter, as these photos undoubtedly show, is one of the toughest times of the year!
10 Difficult Words in English Everyone Should Know
English has many difficult words with meanings that are nearly impossible to guess, which makes them super tough to remember. Here are 10 such words
15 Latin Phrases We Use to This Day Without Even Realizing
As an English, speaker you likely know more Latin than you ever thought you did. Just look at these 15 Latin phrases and see if you know what they mean...
13 Insightful & Thoughtful Quotes by John F. Kennedy
In this article, we will explore some of the best quotes by John F. Kennedy, which reveal the depth of his wisdom and his dedication to public service.
Watch This Couple Go Through 60 Years of Aging...
This young couple found out with some magical help from talented makeup artists. The results are remarkable, and the ending filled my eyes with tears.
The 10 Most Successful Battle Tactics of the Ancient World
In this video, you'll learn about the 10 most powerful tactics used in ancient battle, a battle with no artillery or guns.
Step Back In Time: A Glimpse Into '50s and '60s New York
New York City was a vastly different places in the 1950s and 60s. These black and white photos by Vivian Maier captured it perfectly.
Men vs. Women: What Does the Science Say?
10 studies and articles that dive into the real differences between the sexes, asking the meaningful questions and looking at real data.
23 Extraordinary Vision Facts That'll Open Your Eyes Wide
The eye is an amazing body part, but did you know how amazing? These 23 facts will open your eyes to the extraordinary truth.
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.
Watch These Old Historical Photos Come Magically to Life
Russian animator Alexey Zakharov has managed to achieve something amazing: he animates old photos and turns them into film. You've got to see this.
51 of the Tastiest Cheeses From All Over the World!
In this article you’ll find 51 of the tastiest cheeses from around the world. Some you have probably heard of, while others will be totally new to you!
21 Tips to Make Your Golden Years the Time of Your Life
Many seniors will offer a different piece of advice on life. This collection of tips will allow you to live the most wondrous golden years imaginable.
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.
Incredible: 100 Days Building an Underground Hut
Watch the incredible structure these men build in the video and how it was made in this fascinating video.
10 Incredible People You Never Heard Of!
Here are 10 people who have, in their own ways, saved countless lives and at times, the entire planet. They deserve to be known.
When an Ancient Egyptian Tomb Was Opened, This Was Inside
Finding Tutankhamun's tomb was one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in history. These recolored photos capture those incredible days.
12 Rules for Basic Etiquette that Should Still be Practiced
It feels like people forgot the meaning of politeness, well these 12 rules of manners should be read, remembered and acted upon.
10 World War I Inventions We Still Use Every Day
From trench coats, to pilates and blood banks, all of these 10 things we think of as very modern were actually conceived during WWI.
This Song By Frank Sinatra is So Beautiful
Sing through the lyrics of Frank Sinatra's Young at Heart here.
14 Creepy Facts That Will Send Shivers Down Your Spine
These 14 surprising facts about the world may definitely send shivers down your spine, but they are still important to know and recognize!
History: The Full Story of Napoleon's Epic Defeat
The full story of the battles Napoleon fought that eventually lead to his ultimate defeat.
This Triple Spiral Domino Is Driving the Internet WILD!
Hevesh5 is a professional domino artist that is tearing the internet apart with this amazing display! I have never seen anything like this!
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.
These Optical Illusions Made Me Question Everything I See!
These optical illusions really give credence to the notion that the human eye is far from infallible. Here are 20 mind-bending optical illusions for you to try.
Did You Know How Incredible You Were in Your Youngest Days?
Your baby self was incredible! Here are some facts to back this statement up...
These 3 Breakthroughs Are Making Historians Jump for Joy!
Learn about some of the most fascinating findings that archaeologists and historians have recently uncovered. Get ready to be amazed!
These 10 Children Already Made Outstanding Achievements
Some people achieve great things at a shockingly young age. Check out this list of records broken by children to get inspired.
Send Christmas Wishes to Your Friends This Festive Season
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. Send this video to your closest and dearest friends to let them know that you're thinking of them.
Witness the Might of the World's Greatest Empires
The world's greatest civilizations and empires had a marked effect on history and shaped the world as we know it today. Watch these informative videos.
Learning to Trust Again - Rehabilitating an Abused Dog
Ralph the abandoned dog learns to trust again...
The Stories of These Women from History are Inspiring
Read the inspiring stories of these amazingly strong women.