#cosmic variance

Apologies for the long break, but sometimes life catches up to you. I'd like to discuss the previous article I linked, discussing a lifestyle approach called the "21 day journey." I thought the article was very well written and I'm impressed by the detail and dedication observed both by Cosmic Variance the The Minimalists

But, just like everything in life, there's no real panacea and things will have to be altered. In my case, some may just call it lazy, I call it practicality.

Could I give up my 3 laptops and a desktop? Yes, I could. Will I? Partially. I'm giving up 2 laptops. That's simplification. I also have a kindle and hardback books. Clearly that could be minimized. I have enough room for many books. But it's simply not practical.

No one should feel bad for living well. Society has progressed. While looking back to the "golden days" is fun and all (don't get me wrong I LOVE retro stuff) we have to realize that the reason we got where we are today is that people wanted to live better. Thoreau lived simply, yes, but he didn't live like a caveman. In that time I'm sure that Thoreau's living situation was quite nice. Cheap, nice locale, nice garden... sounds like the life to me. 

Joking aside, my point remains. Just like Cosmic Variance and The Minimalists have said, do try and introspect on your life. But as hinted by Cosmic Variance, don't become flat. You're a human and by definition you have needs, wants, desires, hopes, dreams, and a bloody soul. Use these! Minimalism is a lifestyle, sure, but my belief is that it shouldn't turn you into a robot.