An article about the minimalist life

[highdesertranger]

mr. noodly in #17 you sound like George carlin with all that stuff.  I had to giggle.  I have to agree for the most part.  people are chasing after more stuff and that's their whole life.  kind of sad.  that said, I am a sucker for a good deal on used tools and prospecting equipment.  highdesertranger

 

[OldbutDurable]

Well said Owl. &nbsp;So many think that shedding their worldly belongings is the new Utopia. &nbsp;Undoubtedly it is for some. And that's good for them. &nbsp;But I have many friends who are VERY happy with all the trappings of so called consumerism. &nbsp;It works for them as well as not having things does for others. &nbsp;Each life style has&nbsp;pluses&nbsp;and minuses and neither one is "better". &nbsp;My motto is if it works for you, then go for it and leave everyone else alone about it. &nbsp;Knocking someones lifestyle because it doesn't conform to yours doesn't make yours good and theirs bad. &nbsp;If your not happy with it the way it is now, work on changing it and leave every one else's alone.&nbsp;<br><br>ObD

 

[Scoundrel]

From my own point of view, living a minimalist life style also includes sharing what you have with others and borrowing what you need.&nbsp; For example, I don't need a drill, I need a hole.&nbsp; Why buy something I'd only use a few times a year when I could borrow or even rent one from a friend?&nbsp; This creates a community.&nbsp; We all have things and skills that could benefit others and we all gain by sharing.<br><br>Maybe some of you see this as being about independence and that's all well and good.&nbsp; In fact, I'm all for it.&nbsp; But, we all need friends from time to time don't we?&nbsp; Isn't that part of the reason we post here?

 

[highdesertranger]

well scoundrel,&nbsp; I myself don't like to borrow tools.&nbsp; if you borrow a drill and it breaks,&nbsp; then I have to pay to repair it or replace it and I still don't have a drill even though I just bought one.&nbsp; if you don't want to buy tools then get someone to help that has the correct tools and let them drill the hole.&nbsp; some form of compensation should be involved for wear and tear.&nbsp; however, &nbsp;I have several friends that I would not think of charging money, for me to give them hand and they act in kind.&nbsp; highdesertranger

 

[Scoundrel]

Break a drill?&nbsp; My father has a drill that's probably 50 years old and it still works fine.&nbsp; What kind of abuse would it take to break a drill?&nbsp; I just can't see buying something I'd use only a couple times a year.<br><br>I used to be in a motorcycle club.&nbsp; The club had a full shop with every tool you'd ever need to fix your bike and we all shared them as well as the space to do the work.&nbsp; None of us could have afforded that kind of equipment on our own, but as a group it wasn't so costly.&nbsp; If you don't want to lend or borrow things, that's cool.&nbsp; But, I think it's a great way to keep costs down.&nbsp; And I wouldn't mind throwing a friend a few bucks for use of the tools.&nbsp; So, renting tools could be a source of income for someone.

 

[MrNoodly]

Sharing is fine as long as there's someone around to borrow from. Since van dwelling is a mobile life for most that do it, one's network of friends would need to be huge, particularly if you boondock.<br><br>Ring-ring. "Hi Steve. I was wondering if I could borrow your torque wrench so I can finish repairing my transmission. I can't come get it because I'm stranded here on BLM land about 300 miles away. Would you be able to bring it to me?"

 

[highdesertranger]

that drill that is 50 years old still works, &nbsp;because it is 50 years old and probably a quality drill.&nbsp; my boss back when, &nbsp;bought a 1/2 inch cheap drill for a job I was doing.&nbsp; it didn't last 3 hours.&nbsp; since I was on the job by myself I took it back and paid the difference for a Milwaukee, &nbsp; paid my boss what he paid for the el cheapo drill and kept the Milwaukee.&nbsp; that was about 20 years ago and I still have the Milwaukee.&nbsp; highdesertranger

 

[MrNoodly]

Having things that last rather than frequently replacing cheap things is certainly part of a minimalist lifestyle. But each person has their own math as to what attributes and costs are most important to <em>them</em>.