This week I finished:

The Way Home: Tales From a Life Without Technology, by Mark Boyle: I learned of Mark Boyle probably years ago and I think watched his TEDx talk. Recently a guest suggested I connect with an Australian woman, Jo Nemeth, who is living with no money. I connected with Jo, which led to engaging conversations.

Jo describes Mark as a hero, which prompted me to read this book. I also want to read his first book The Moneyless Man, but the library had this one first.

I found this book engaging, enlightening, fun, and sometimes playful. It’s been too long since I read Walden and Civil Disobedience, which rank among the most influential books I’ve read. This one is in their league. Coming centuries later, it doesn’t have the scope of breaking such territory, but it’s of our time so more related.

Mark shares his experiences after years of living without money, living with minimal technology. I felt myself thinking toward him how many people express themselves to me: I’m not ready yet to go that far, but I appreciate what you’re doing.

I haven’t disconnected to the extent he has, but the increase in love, freedom, connection, and other friendly emotions and experience he describes mirrors mine, as does the misunderstanding of nearly everyone else.

I recommend the book.

Right Thing, Right Now: Good Values. Good Character. Good Deeds, by Ryan Holiday: This book matches the first two in his series in meaning and accessibility. I don’t want to write too little, but the praise I gave of them applies to this one.

I’ll add that nearly every chapter describes my life and work. I met Holiday once briefly at Strand Bookstore in New York City, but I should try to meet him again. I think he would appreciate what I do more than the average person. I think also he might feel compelled or inspired to take on sustainability with courage, discipline, justice, and more. I could imagine him finding it a big part of his life.

I’ll have to figure out how to connect with him directly.

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