How to Be Free, by Tom Hodgkinson August 28, 2007
Posted by CamdenKiwi in : Reviews , trackbackFreedom, at least in affluent places where liberal democracy runs strong, is a state of mind. Why then do so many erect their own prisons of debt, career, and other obligations which return little pleasure? In this book the editor of the Idler gives his advice to those who would like to cast off these self-imposed shackles and lead a freer life. Some ideas are very obvious (cut up the credit cards), others less so (learn the ukelele). Sharing my home might be difficult given its size, but I like the idea of lighting a candle so the lack of housework is less obvious.
He’s a bit idealistic about the wonders of Ye Merrie Olde Englande, but although I’m not convinced that people were happier when they had no choice but to grow their own vegetables, and pray their crops weren’t flooded and didn’t die of drought, choosing to do so now certainly seems to keep allotment owning friends happily entertained.
Despite CCTV and draconian anti-terror laws, we in this time and place have as good a chance as anyone ever has of living free, unencumbered lives and sometimes its good to be reminded of that.
Comments»
The idea of lighting a candle to hide lack of housework definitely appeals! I have a friend who says “Sometimes, when I don’t have time to dust, I just sprinkle glitter.”
[...] window pane, especially on a Monday mornging when I would usually be at work. Cathryn has lent me “How to be free” by Tom Hodgkinson, a green and inspiring book, which caps Schmacher’s “Small is beautiful” with [...]