I studied economics in university. Among other basic tenets, it teaches that specialization is good. Concentrate on doing one thing really well and then trade that thing for other goods and services. This has made our society more efficient. It has also made us softer, more detached and dumber than ever. Sometimes I dream of building my own log cabin in the woods. I’ve been meaning to patch the holes in a favorite old coat so I don’t have to head to the store and buy a new one. I imagine having a garden large enough to feed myself with bushels of fresh food.
For some, this do-it-yourself ambition is a road to freedom. Self-sufficiency means no more dependence on systems that may be unsustainable or somehow corrupted by our modern throwaway society. I applaud people who live by this ethic, but for me, this isn’t the whole picture. I really love the taste of grapefruits from South Africa. My hiking boots were made in Italy and they’re super comfy. There’s much more to this diversification of skills thing than freedom from relying on others.
Think of the connection I’d have to my home after felling, stripping, notching and stacking all the logs that make up its walls. I can’t imagine it would be the same feeling I’d get from a meeting with a real estate agent, mortgage broker and subdivision developer.
To continue reading this articel that first appeared in the Spring 2013 issue of Canoeroots, download our free iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch App or Android App or read it here.
