1 of 10

Yes

Write now Article Tools

A simplified (not simplistic) life is actually the only cure for globalization. Thoreau's idea of simplicity lives on with us even to this day. It's the underlying idea, not the practice of living in the woods, that matters.

So, simplify what? It begins with one's sovereignty over one's own mind. If one's thoughts are "cluttered", "jumbled", and formed by external causes, then one's life will be confusing. We're all quite familiar with stories of several people being in the same situation and all having different attitudes. "It was so difficult," says one. "What a miserable experience," says another. "It's a miracle we survived to live another day. I'm so grateful," says a third.

Case in point, the movie "Life is Beautiful". The film writer lived through the Holocaust with one goal in mind: To shield his son from the tragedy. Audiences had mixed reactions. Some were offended that someone could make light of such a devastating tragedy. Others were touched that a father loved his little boy so much that he'd do just about anything to make it bearable.

These demonstrate quality of thought. That was Thoreau's premise. An individual who is thinking is creating his life, so the thought habits had better be aligned with principles. The individual can exist without society, but society cannot exist without individuals. So which is supreme?

Since the individual is supreme, then s/he has tremendous power. It is this very power that is coveted relentlessly by governments, corporations and tyrants. (To get an idea of what I mean by "relentlessly", think Agent Smith in "The Matrix: Revolutions", or the head-banger in the climax of "I am Legend".) Why else would government unconstitutionally take over so many minute details of education; media content and distribution [1]; food production, labeling and distribution [2]; drug regulation; repeatedly engage in election fraud [3]; land, air and natural resources; utilities; communications; transportation; banking, lending, and interest rates [4]; and the list goes on ad nauseum [5].

At the outset, I suggested that simplifying life is the cure for globalization. I'm not suggesting that international fair trade practices are bad; exports and imports are critical to the nation's wealth. But there are entities that are seriously vying for global power through fascist means [6]. And the world's bureaucrats pull many of the strings (but hardly all of them). They are also strung along. So, while we're told that we can't look back, can't

• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Could Thoreau's idea of a simplistic life work in today's society??
We want to hear your view. Write now!