Extreme or Not?

People in the same generation usually have similar lifestyles and similar habits. For example, in our generation everybody uses the Internet, everybody likes sweets, everyone uses money, and everyone watches TV. Life without these simple items of our everyday lives seems impossible, however, it is not. These people are examples to show that life can be experienced differently:

Life Without the Internet

Like many members of his generation, Paul Miller has spent most of his life connected to the Internet. He discovered the world of the Internet when he was 12, and at the age of 14, he was working as a web designer. However, when he reached 26, he felt that he was ‘missing’ something in life. He felt that the Internet was making him unproductive. So, he decided to make a very brave move. He unplugged his ethernet cable and lived ‘offline’ for one year! Of course, it wasn’t always easy. At first, he felt lonely and a bit bored, but, eventually, he could see the advantages of this. His boredom encouraged him to do ‘real’ things. He started writing, and spending time with others. He also noticed that his attention span has expanded. Now he can read 100 pages in a sitting without getting distracted. What do you be sold. it worth trying?

Life Without Money

It is hard to imagine a life without money when the whole world revolves around it. A German woman in her 50s proved that it can be possible. She was able to live without money for 16 years! Heidemanrie Schwermer comes from a wealthy family. Throughout her life, her fortunes continued to go up and down. When she was in her 50s, she decided to do an experiment and see if she could live for one year without using any physical money. She quit her job as a psychotherapist, gave all her possessions away, including her apartment, and kept only a small suitcase. She started her life without money by doing small jobs like cleaning shops, and washing dishes in return for food. She did not accept money for her work. She usually got clothes from friends, and donated her old clothes as she received new ones. Although her initial plan was to try a money-free life for only a year, it’s been 16 years now. And, she says that she hasn’t looked back, and doesn’t want to go back to her previous life. She says, “I noticed less and less I needed money.” Now she travels a lot and gives public speeches to share her philosophy with people who are interested.