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I agree that a lot of people need less stuff. But the lifestyle you describe is minimalism for one. Minimalism for two is exponentially different, and minimalis
by qjz 16y ago
I agree that a lot of people need less stuff. But the lifestyle you describe is minimalism for one. Minimalism for two is exponentially different, and minimalism for four is exponentially different to that. I need to keep my kids in one place for nine months out of the year, supply transport to conflicting events, and eventually secure them a decent post-secondary education. A million dollars would come in awfully handy.
I personally don't have much stuff because I think hoarding is a disease. But we're moving into an era where the fulfillment we used to get from stuff is being provided virtually. I don't claim this is bad, but it requires monthly contractual obligations (for internet access and cellphone data plans). We value these experiences so highly that we are still willing to shell out a lot of cash, even though we no longer get anything physical in return, and it would all disappear in an instant if we stopped paying our bills. I don't think the appeal of a sudden windfall of a million dollars is going to disappear anytime soon.
- jshen 16y agoI was about to post something similar but with less kindness. I really hate this self-righteous posts from people that have no kids and essentially no real responsibility except themselves. It's the height of arrogance to preach to other people from such a position.
- qjz 16y agoI arrogantly procreated in my bid for total world domination until I was defeated by my arch nemesis, The Urologist. We're all condemned to preach from our own unique positions.
- jshen 16y agoEmpathy some of us have the ability to recognize this and realize that our position is not everyones, or even most peoples, or even realize that one day we might have kids too, and all those older people that say that life is completely different post kids might be right.
- deleted 16y ago[deleted]
- byoung2 16y agoI was referring specifically to people who want to just hop on a plane but talk themselves out of it because they need more money. People with families will have other reasons to not sell the house and jump on a plane. Who knows, you could probably take the kids along and home school them from abroad. It would be interesting to learn about history and language while visiting the actual countries. World War 2 looks a lot different in Japan or the Philippines.
- ryanwaggoner 16y agoI am absolutely sure that you could, and many families have. I just have no experience there, so I won't comment on whether it's easy :)
- Vivtek 16y agoHar, har. We did the homeschooling-while-abroad thing. It's a mixed blessing. Your kids probably won't thank you for making them the odd ones out when they're teens. Younger ones, sure, that works. But along about 12 to 15 depending on gender and personality, you'd better pick a spot and stay there for a few years. More years if you have overlapping kids.