Work Six Weeks A Year – that's all

July 12, 2011 in Finding Passion with 26 Comments

Is getting more “stuff” always a reasonable goal?

Henry David Thoreau spent the better part of his life writing about man’s attempt to find truth and meaning through simplified living.  At some point he discovered he could live within the harmony and beauty of nature with a clear conscience and only work six weeks a year to support his lifestyle.

Henry found it difficult to find a teaching job that matched his style so he worked briefly in his father’s pencil factory.  At age 28, Thoreau built a small house on Waldon Pond and began to devote his time to his writing.  Advocating the simple life, his “Walden” journey began with: “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately………..”

This does not describe the typical journey of a college graduate today.  Rather, the expectation is an immediate six figure income and the lifestyle that accompanies “success.” We live in a society that embraces indulgent consumption as a visible status symbol.  The fabulous house tells everyone you have arrived, even if it takes two incomes and being trapped in an unfulfilling job to make it work.  The house then sets the expectations for the country club membership, private schools for the children and attendance at the right social events.  We work longer hours to pay for the new “stuff” and then have less time to enjoy it.  We plead with God to bless us, but the only relief from the self-imposed pressure would be to win the lottery.

Where do we draw the line on consumption if we can “afford” the extras?  Do you really need all the house you “qualify” for?  Should we really thank God for providing when we finance a car purchase equal to an annual income?  Is a vacation in the Caribbean that much more satisfying than spending a week on a needy Indian reservation?  Is it truly God’s will that we buy into the bondage of debt?  How can we give generously when payments are overdue?

Perhaps we, like Thoreau, could take time to savor the beauty of nature around us and to smell the fresh roses of everyday life.  “Simplify, simplify.”  “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.”

What would your life look like if you really had a simple life?

 

Related posts:

  • Cindy Hirch

    That is one awesome blog Dan! I’ll be the first to admit it’s difficult to come out of a lifetime mold of people screaming you must acquire “things” to be successful, but with each intentional step you take to simplify it really does get easier. Having less “things” allows you the freedom to invest your time, money and resources into things that really matter. 

    Reflecting on a missions trip I took to West Africa several years ago there is still a very clear image of the children. They didn’t possess all the stuff our children seem to have, but what stood out is that possessed something that seems to elude us today and that is joy. There was joy in the simplicity of what they had, or better yet didn’t have. They were excited about the little things that we clearly take for granted.

    Living simply doesn’t necessarily mean living in the woods or secluded, although that may be the desire for some people. For me it’s the simplicity of watching a sunset, taking a drive to my favorite place (on the back roads of Amish country in OH) and soaking in all that experience brings. It’s a walk on the nature trails locally, and actually listening to the birds. Those are some of the enriching experiences that bring life to my soul.

    Yes, I have a desire for things, but not for the reason of self preservation and to say I’ve arrived. My greater desire it to live a life pleasing to God and to have the additional resources to bless others because of what I have.

  • http://www.FamilyLifeLearners.com NamasteMamaRose

    I love this – it’s really stood out to me lately as my family is looking at how much money we need to survive, and then how much money we really want to make.  The gap isn’t so big anymore – I want to travel and see the world, but nope, definitely don’t need a 4k sq. ft house and four cars, even if I had the money.  I’ve been watching my friends at http://www.TheNonConformistFamily.com live on a budget of only $2k/month…and take long trips across country to enjoy life from different perspectives.  I love the concept, and am enjoying focusing on family and the small things in life vs. how much money is in the bank. 

    • http://www.thenonconformistfamily.com Joshua Gordon

      Ashley – living on as little as possible is a really important aspect of our family. It’s funny, as you said – we’re living on $2k per month, but we’re still looking for ways to cut back… Henry David Thoreau said that a true measure of happiness is what you can do without. This approach to simplicity and life is something that is increasingly attractive to our NonConformist Family.

      Thanks again for your influence in our life!!

  • http://www.facebook.com/brawn.lide Brawn Lide

    I love this idea I am trying to keep the mindset of “How can we live on less so that we can LIVE FOR MORE”- It reminds me of going to Haiti on a mission trip.  While there are many things we feel sorry for them for, I felt they had many things right – the joy that a lot of people had there was deep from within not based on all the stuff we are used to.  One guy I was talking to about the heat even said this “you Americans are prisoners to your air conditioners”.  How true is that!  I know I even say to my kiddos its too hot to go out play.. man what am i robbing them of. – thanks for the reminder Dan.

  • http://www.freeagentacademy.com Kevin Miller

    With 7 kids, a growing business and income, we’re set for increase!! But instead, we’re getting rid of any extra ‘stuff’ and seeing what more we can hand make, and what less we can buy.

  • http://www.suttonparks.com Sutton Parks

    I have a friend that bought a new, million dollar home across from the Govenor’s Club in Brentwood a few years ago.   Six weeks after his family moved in, he told me he only slept in the new home four nights!  He was so busy traveling to Asia on business that he was never home. While living in my car I watched another friends dogs while he was on vacation.  Another million dollar home, and I spent ten days there!  No mortgage, electricity bill, water bill or property tax to worry about.  Just ten free days and time to lay out by his pool, read and swim.  I was very thankful he worked so hard.  Great post Dan, a definite top 10!

  • Sheila

    I came to the US from the Philippines 10 years ago with the “dream” of having what Americans have – a big house, two cars, better paying jobs, etc. But boy, that “dream”came with a price ~  relationships lost, a foreclosure, a $20,000 debt, therapy sessions, career coaching sessions, my soul crying out in the night.
    I picked myself up, dusted myself off, received Christ’s forgiveness and started the BETTER life. Two years ago, I sold a lot of my stuff and moved to a tiny apartment but with more access to nature. I live way below my income, paid off my debt in January and now, working towards purpose rather than security as a free agent! Thank you Jesus! Thank you Joel Boggess, thank you Kevin and Dan Miller!

    Sometimes, I think, my life in the Philippines was a far better one than in the US. Sometimes, I want to move back home…..

    • Brian P W

      I’ve spent time in the Philippines, and I wonder if the friends I’ve met there are to be envied. I saw some living at the sea, gathering fish, loving their kids and enjoying relationships with God and people. No, life is by no means easy, and I’m grateful for many comforts and conveniences…but I would say my life is far from simple. 
      Thanks for sharing. 

  • http://gainbusinessskills.com/ Darren

    To me, a simple life means a life free of clutter and time to do things that are truly important to me.

    Lately, this means doing away with tv, having time to read good books, and spending more time with friends.

    Life should be more about memorable experiences than gathering possessions.

  • Bsilcox

    This is beautiful. Thanks!

  • Fwibos

    You are constantly taking things out of context and considering them “inspiring.”  he borrowed the land from a friend, during a time when one could just wander off into the woods. He built his house at a time when building codes were much less strict and when his home was not much different from a suburban or urban dwelling. And during a time when all you needed was an axe, a hammer, and nails.  He grew his own food at a time when this was viable. Sorry, buddy, I don’t have a friend with land, the tools to build a house, or the lumber.

    It’s all well and good to be a pie-in-the-sky dreamer (or at least pretend to be one, in order to bilk suckers), but why don’t you tell me something inspiring that doesn’t rely on random chance or the largesse of friends and family. 
    Enough with the Faerie tales. 

    • Bobloder

      You so don’t get it, and I predict you never will, Fwibos. Maybe you need to look elsewhere for your inspiration. Here’s wishing you happiness. You need it.

      • Musinguzip

        I think living simply has to be taken in varying contexts because comparing countries with simple lives like rural India and the US might not cut it!

    • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1547779441 Rachel Whitcomb

      I think you’re missing the point of the article.

    • Gary

      Wow Fwibos.  You are really stuck on the sour gear aren’t you.  Come on now, get past yourself and into reality.  This article is not only inspiring, and can help you change your perspective, but it presents an actual practical life style that any one can really have, even today.  I have several friends who do, in fact, live this way.  Not in New Jersey or Washington DC mind you, but other areas of the country where this is entirely possible. But beyond that fact, there is a meaning here that can help you see alternatives many people have not contemplated.  You only hurt, and limit, yourself with your cynicism. No one else is affected, other than to say, “that poor fellow.”  Good luck.  

    • The WD

      Fwibos, as long as you’re looking at life in that way, that’s exactly what you’ll get out of life — just a faerie tale.  You will never see the great possibilities, experience the impossible dream, or achieve your true potential.  You are, in short, paradigm deficit.
       
      BTW, I know plenty of people who are growing their own food, in the city and in the country, as well as building their own houses, and living at minimal expense.  They are living their dreams.
       
      So, maybe you should come out of your cave and take a look.  You’ll be glad you did.

  • rrdfw

    Wow “Fwibos” talk about missing the point of the article. Oh well, to each their own. Thanks Mr. Miller. An excellent reminder to keep to the path we’ve chosen for ourselves, somewhat “forced” though it was, haha. But now, I’m so grateful. :)

  • Anonymous

    Oh, geez, Fwibos, there is reading the story and taking it literally and there is reading a story and gleaning the lessons in it. C’mon, you can do it! 

  • http://www.trentthomas.tv Trent Thomas

    It would look like it does now, Dan.  My wife and I have no debt, except a house that we can afford.  I make a decent living doing what I love both as a teacher and a life and career coach.  My wife is in nursing school, but our savings is enough to take care of the whole thing.  I am content and living off less than I make!
    http://www.1stepcoach.com

  • Kevin Troupe

    Fwibos, if you feel you are a sucker being bilked no one is forcing you to visit this website…leave room for those of us who build each other up with encouragement. Oh, and by the way, create a great income doing the work we love for our families by doing so…if that is the result of pie-in-the-sky dreaming…I would like another slice of pie.

  • matt delaney

    I remember when I was in junior college at the tender age of 26 when I first studied and read about Thoreau, I actually lived this lifestyle that he talked about in Concord, Ca, went to school, walk to and from work, because the bus systems in the contra coasta area ran every hour, so I could actually walk faster to school than take the bus, and also you never knew if the bus was going to be on time…. basically I became like John Muir because I walked everywhere…with my books, motivated by soundstracks like topgun, and vision quest, the police, U2 and any other inspiring music that you could find. The good ole college days, late bloomer I was…… now I work 40 hr weeks at Verizon Communication, trying to become a College Football commentator on the side… my new website is called dailycollegefootball.com, theres ustream viedos once a week, where I will talk about the latest sports on college football for th 2011 season. My inspiration comes from the 4 hour work week book, Dave Ramsey saving me money, Deb Ingino, my career coach, and Dan Miller, oh I can’t forget to mention James Tapleshay, Palm Desert,CA. teacher at C.O.D. American Literature……. God Bless.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Matt-Delaney/1347542727 Matt Delaney

    I remember when I was in junior college at the tender age of 26 when I first studied and read about Thoreau, I actually lived this lifestyle that he talked about in Concord, Ca, went to school, walk to and from work, because the bus systems in the contra coasta area ran every hour, so I could actually walk faster to school than take the bus, and also you never knew if the bus was going to be on time…. basically I became like John Muir because I walked everywhere…with my books, motivated by soundstracks like topgun, and vision quest, the police, U2 and any other inspiring music that you could find. The good ole college days, late bloomer I was…… now I work 40 hr weeks at Verizon Communication, trying to become a College Football commentator on the side… my new website is called dailycollegefootball.com, theres ustream viedos once a week, where I will talk about the latest sports on college football for th 2011 season. My inspiration comes from the 4 hour work week book, Dave Ramsey saving me money, Deb Ingino, my career coach, and Dan Miller, oh I can’t forget to mention James Tapleshay, Palm Desert,CA. teacher at C.O.D. American Literature……. God Bless.

  • Sean McCreary

    The simple life, that is where we have come to after many years and 4 kids.  We have a small house, but it is paid for, we have 2 vehicles all with high miles but working and paid for.  My wife takes care of the home and homeschools our kids, we don’t take the fancy vacations and have extra money etc but when hard times came (loss of my primary job) we were apply to transition to fairly easily to what we had been working on for 2 years which is the first of our three businesses we are working on or starting.  The primary business, Business Security Information (www.businesssecurityinformation.com) we went ahead and started work on generating income from the site as well as starting a local tech business, Ironclad Tech Services and are also in the planning stages of another website business called American Family Survival which is geared towards prepping and survival information for families.  My point of this is that if we were not living the simple life we could not have looked at doing this, I would have had to immediately sought another primary job.  Thanks for the work of encouragement and the great information you have provided over the many years I have listened to you.  

  • Pingback: A Simple Life (Part 1) | Lou Mindar

  • Chasing_dreamer

    I have begun to read Walden by Thoreau, what a great read!!! I have a question that’s a little sidestep of this post, does anyone know where to buy that yellow shirt posted above because it’s so awesome!!!

    • Anonymous

      No problem – I should have embedded the link.  Here you go - http://www.tshirts.in/xtees/mens-tshirt_mt00139/there-is-more-to-life-than-simply-increasing-its-speed-t-shirts.htm

Switch to our mobile site

Close
Remind Me Later
Remove Ad Permanently