Escape
There is no peaceful way to Escape. History has shown us that the only way to radically change our own lives is revolution. This fact, if I'm being honest, makes me a little sad. How much can people endure before widespread backlash? I think we have a ways to go, yet.
Certain realities are an inescapable part of being a human in these modern times. For one, we live in a society, and thus, we are forced to participate in it to some degree. You will never, for instance, be able to create certain medications yourself. Many of those medications are impossible to synthesize without special equipment and have no viable homeopathic alternative. In addition, we are forced to be born living in already established empires. Governments dictate what we can and cannot do. For now, it's best to obey them. That includes paying your taxes. Oh, how I wish I could simply buy land and own it, but the government insists on its share.
Ideas for Lowering Impact
It is impossible to Escape completely, but we can strive towards lessening the impact capitalism has on our lives.
Do Not Need the Beast
The most powerful statement that can be made is to simply avoid participating in capitalism wherever possible, or at the very least, not giving business to the worst offenders. The largest companies on Earth do not deserve any more money. Do not give it to them. Shop local and small businesses wherever possible. Do not participate in any large, corporate-owned websites or apps (such as any social media) where possible. Instead, seek to make personal connections or support decentralized efforts or smaller providers. Instead of forming community on Reddit, why not do so on independent websites or web rings that you might find here on sites hosted by NeoCities?
Become More Self-Sufficient
The number of people wishing to get into homesteading has exploded in recent years, and I think for good reason. It might be an idealistic goal to go that far; as individuals we only have so much time or skill.
Here's a list of ideas:
- Homestead. Purchase a small plot of land and build your own domicile.
- Live off the land (as permitted by law): hunting, fishing, and farming.
- Build a well / capture rainwater if permitted by law.
- Install a septic tank rather than connecting to city sewer.
- Install solar panels or small hydro-electric generators with batteries.
- Homeschool your children (within reason; we still want a quality education, so you may wish to seek curriculum guidance).
- Do not work a traditional job. This may be quite difficult, as for the time being, we still must make money to spend it on important items such as doctor visits or dental work. You may be able to sell products of the farm.
- Form co-ops or other communities. As more people work together, specialized skills can be taken advantage of and the overall work per person can drop. There is a reason we have found success in groups rather than alone.
- Avoid consumerism. Use money only to buy necessary goods and services.
Final Notes
You may have noticed a lot of blather that included mention of the limitations government imposes on us. Until we reach a greater threshold of unity, a revolution will not happen. Resisting the system before then will result in a lower quality of life (whether by harassment or jailtime). That is why I advocate following the law. At some point, a breakdown may occur, and following the law may no longer be necessary. Until then, assume someone is out to get you.