Posts Tagged ‘living’
Diogenes of Sinope: the first freegan
Diogenes in his barrel, where he slept and lived
The mascot of Home-free Living is Diogenes of Synope, a Greek philosopher and “Cynic” (he is actually the originator of the word cynic, more on that later) and a perpetual vagabond and wanderer.
Diogenes may have been the world’s first official freegan-–he was the first espouser of freegan philosophy, at least. He is reputed to have slept in a barrel and eaten for free off of others’ plates. Diogenes was famously skeptical of capitalists, finding it incredulous
“…that misers blamed money but were preposterously fond of it.” [...] He often condemned those who praise the just for being superior to money, but who at the same time are eager themselves for great riches. (227)
The Hardest Part
If there are other people out there reading this and considering their own transition to the home-free life–whether for personal, political, environmental or economic reasons–they might be inclined to ask, “what’s the hardest part?”
Well, I’ll be honest about what the hardest part for me is, mentally.
The hardest part is imagining sleeping without the usual degree of safety.
AFAQ
Playing Devil’s Advocate with myself, I thought I’d write up a list of anticipated frequently asked questions (AFAQ) regarding The Adventure. I have gleaned the essence of some of these possible critiques from other websites, where many enterprising individuals who have similar stated goals of homelessness have faced berating from others online. I hope to address any of these potential concerns thoroughly, as I assure you that I have thought this out well beyond the point of naïveté.
considerations on the ideal lifestyle
A friend asked me a few days ago what my goal was in forgoing my house.
My reply was: “So I can be free.”
And I then added, “Free as in Speech, not as in ‘buy one get one.’”
Travels
I have a variety of places in mind that I’d like to go and spend some time writing and relaxing (while homeless).
As for the towns and cities in which I’ll rest my head, the only real requirement is that I have somewhere to write. This means almost anywhere except a dark cave or excessively rainy place (e.g. Seattle). In cities I will probably write on my laptop, in cafés, meaning I’ll need about $3 a day for tea to give myself some legitimacy as a café patron. I’m hoping to busk in order to make this money. I may also do walk-ins offering my services as a dishwasher.
When I’m in remote areas, I’m going to be writing in analog–via pen and paper, that is.
Manifesto
Home-Free Living:
A Manifesto in Favor of Homelessness as a Lifestyle Choice for the Privileged Class
by Kristen Cheep
