29 life lessons learned in travelling the world for 8 years straight

[pauldun170]

http://www.fluentin3months.com/life-lessons/

[shmike]

Possibly the best link you've ever posted. :dthumb:

Thanks, Paul, sincerely.

[anthonyk]

Definitely good stuff.

[Particle Man]

cool site

[Method]

This guy has it spot on. Thanks for the link.

[Archren]

Awesome, awesome. :dthumb: Thank you for sharing.

[Captain Morgan]

Good read

[azoomm]

Good find man. Definitely worth the +uno

[Mr Lefty]

awesome. i wished more people believed this

[goof2]

Stupid hippie.redflip

[Captain Morgan]

I've also felt like TV is a black hole and have been thinking more and more about ditching TV altogether when my contract with Dish expires. I've already made a decision not to let any "new" shows into my viewing habits to help prepare me for the cut.

[tallywacker]

The how to live like a bum your whole life story. Wonderful

People like him didn't build the space shuttle, didn't walk on the moon, didn't invent the telephone, didn't create the internet, didn't build the first car, didn't design the gasoline engine, etc....

Sure we all could go back to being nomads and living in caves, but who really wants to?

[Mr Lefty]

The how to live like a bum your whole life story. Wonderful

People like him didn't build the space shuttle, didn't walk on the moon, didn't invent the telephone, didn't create the internet, didn't build the first car, didn't design the gasoline engine, etc....

Sure we all could go back to being nomads and living in caves, but who really wants to?

ok... I get what your saying... but honestly... has any of those truly enriched your life? I don't mean convenience, I mean increased the quality of.

I'm not discounting the feat of those creations and discoveries... I'm just saying that for some, life is about more than possessions, and material goods.

it's about opening your mind and self discovery.

Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.- Mark Twain

[Captain Morgan]

The how to live like a bum your whole life story. Wonderful

People like him didn't build the space shuttle, didn't walk on the moon, didn't invent the telephone, didn't create the internet, didn't build the first car, didn't design the gasoline engine, etc....

Sure we all could go back to being nomads and living in caves, but who really wants to?

I don't think it's so much about "how to live like a bum," but more about seeing the things that really matter in life, such as personal relationships and opening your mind to more possibilities. This world needs all kinds of people. Extreme goal oriented people need others to show them that life is about relaxing and enjoying it a bit more. People who relax too much need others to show them how to set goals a bit more. Life is about balance. Too much of any one thing is bad for you. Besides, how do you know this guy hasn't helped a multitude of people, in some way or another? Just because he didn't build the space shuttle or invent something, that doesn't mean he hasn't served a purpose in life.

[derf]

Sure we all could go back to being nomads and living in caves, but who really wants to?

I'm not exactly wanting to live in a cave, but a tent with a small matress and a pillow would be nice. I am personally never going to fly into space or cure disease or anything like that, but a worthwhile goal would definately be to experience the world, try new things see new sights, eat new foods and meet new people.

Is it selfish? You-betcha it is but its my goal

[OneSickPsycho]

Stupid hippie.redflip

I'm glad I'm not the only one... though I'd guess you're joking...

I read it... twice... the 2nd time was in an attempt to find the part(s) that the first few people in this thread were circle jerking about... Both times I found it completely uninsightful and lame. I guess I was looking for something that would actually make me think or teach me shit I don't already know.

[LeeNetworX]

Great find; I enjoyed reading his take on life.

[goof2]

I'm glad I'm not the only one... though I'd guess you're joking...

I read it... twice... the 2nd time was in an attempt to find the part(s) that the first few people in this thread were circle jerking about... Both times I found it completely uninsightful and lame. I guess I was looking for something that would actually make me think or teach me shit I don't already know.

It is yes and no on the kidding. While his article is "something to think about" it isn't particularly deep. I'm not going to get all worked up over "foreign people are fundamentally just like you and me" and "too much TV watching is a waste". My guess is for a lot of people his words carry more weight because on some level they wish they could live their lives like he does. I don't.:shrug:

[tommymac]

I'm not exactly wanting to live in a cave, but a tent with a small matress and a pillow would be nice. I am personally never going to fly into space or cure disease or anything like that, but a worthwhile goal would definately be to experience the world, try new things see new sights, eat new foods and meet new people.

Is it selfish? You-betcha it is but its my goal

My take is its all about balanceyou have guys like this who dont realy contribute much to th egreater good but feels fulfille dand has seen a lot of things. Then you get the person who dedicates their life towards science or technology. Guy may have cured cancer but is a socail retard and probably hasnt seen much of anything outside of his lab.

[OneSickPsycho]

It is yes and no on the kidding. While his article is "something to think about" it isn't particularly deep. I'm not going to get all worked up over "foreign people are fundamentally just like you and me" and "too much TV watching is a waste". My guess is for a lot of people his words carry more weight because on some level they wish they could live their lives like he does. I don't.:shrug:

Agreed 100%.

[Homeslice]

Good article, agreed with 70-80% of it.
Nobody is going to lie on their death-bed going "I wish I had bought a 60-inch TV instead of a 32-inch, or an Audi instead of a Toyota"........They are going to go "I wish I had spent more time with so-and-so, or learned more about this, or travelled there, or done this, etc."

[tallywacker]

So how did this guy fund his trip around the world? Trust fund?

[Huy]

The how to live like a bum your whole life story. Wonderful

People like him didn't build the space shuttle, didn't walk on the moon, didn't invent the telephone, didn't create the internet, didn't build the first car, didn't design the gasoline engine, etc....

Sure we all could go back to being nomads and living in caves, but who really wants to?

Guess you kinda missed his point in number 5 then

The world is much more fun with people of varying interests and beliefs. Despite my scepticism, in my travels I have hung out with astrologists, palm readers, very religious folk, conservatives, and people who hate technology. And my life and experiences are enriched so much because of it.



While he may not cure cancer, discover alternate fuels or solve global warming....he's certainly enriched several lives HERE :idk:


It takes all kinds of experiences to shape a person into who they eventually become. And if they don't close their mind, they can continually evolve.

[pauldun170]

So how did this guy fund his trip around the world? Trust fund?

http://www.fluentin3months.com/about/


degree in Electronic Engineering...


I have had plenty of other jobs in the last decade such as English teacher, Mathematics teacher, French/Spanish teacher, photographer, youth hostel receptionist, tour guide, yoga store manager, first aid assistant, electronic engineer and several others. Before attempting to support myself from this blog, I was a location independent freelance translator of technical documents. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be rich to travel the world!

[tallywacker]

Guess you kinda missed his point in number 5 then



While he may not cure cancer, discover alternate fuels or solve global warming....he's certainly enriched several lives HERE :idk:


It takes all kinds of experiences to shape a person into who they eventually become. And if they don't close their mind, they can continually evolve.

I love arguing with hippy professors about their do nothing lifestyles that contribute nothing to society.

The "I'm better than you because I have an open mind to be a lazy faggot" mentality is hilarious. I've lived around the world AND worked my ass off while doing it and contributed to something atleast.

If you want to pay for me to travel the world, smoke weed, and learn languages I'll take you up on it. Until that point I'm going to continue earning a living and enjoying myself

[tallywacker]

http://www.fluentin3months.com/about/

Don't mind me, I didn't mean to break up your circle jerk in here. I just don't want his life.

[Homeslice]

I have had plenty of other jobs in the last decade such as English teacher, Mathematics teacher, French/Spanish teacher, photographer, youth hostel receptionist, tour guide, yoga store manager, first aid assistant, electronic engineer and several others. Before attempting to support myself from this blog, I was a location independent freelance translator of technical documents. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be rich to travel the world!
One criticism:

Good luck funding a decent retirement with that.

[tallywacker]

http://i.imgur.com/nvOjD.gif

[Homeslice]

lol wut

[pauldun170]

Don't mind me, I didn't mean to break up your circle jerk in here. I just don't want his life.

I don't post things to start circle jerks. I post things to start discussion.

[pauldun170]

One criticism:

Good luck funding a decent retirement with that.

This is Europe we are talking about....

[anthonyk]

Good article, agreed with 70-80% of it.
Nobody is going to lie on their death-bed going "I wish I had bought a 60-inch TV instead of a 32-inch..."

No, but I think that most times I lie on my couch.

[Homeslice]

This is Europe we are talking about....

He's a Euro citizen? Fair enough, I assumed he was an American.

But another critique:

Good luck doing that after age 35 or so. It's pretty easy to be a travelling bum when you're in your 20's, since you've got a support network of other travelling bums, English teachers, and even locals your age who will hang out with you and give you a place to crash.

[fasternyou929]

I love arguing with hippy professors about their do nothing lifestyles that contribute nothing to society.

The "I'm better than you because I have an open mind to be a lazy faggot" mentality is hilarious. I've lived around the world AND worked my ass off while doing it and contributed to something atleast.

If you want to pay for me to travel the world, smoke weed, and learn languages I'll take you up on it. Until that point I'm going to continue earning a living and enjoying myself

You're coming across with a much bigger "I'm better than you" complex than the author while simultaneously sounding like a mental midget. Congrats, strong work. What have you created in your time that has changed the face of society? Did you invent the space shuttle, the internet, cure a disease, or win the Nobel Peace Prize?

Fact is, less than 1% of the world's population has the ability to contribute the society altering benefits for which you are trying to hold him accountable. You are not one of them.

The acid test: If you were dropped on a wooded, deserted island with nothing but a hatchet and some stone tools, how long until you post another stupid comment on TWF?

[tommymac]

You're coming across with a much bigger "I'm better than you" complex than the author while simultaneously sounding like a mental midget. Congrats, strong work. What have you created in your time that has changed the face of society? Did you invent the space shuttle, the internet, cure a disease, or win the Nobel Peace Prize?

Fact is, less than 1% of the world's population has the ability to contribute the society altering benefits for which you are trying to hold him accountable. You are not one of them.

The acid test: If you were dropped on a wooded, deserted island with nothing but a hatchet and some stone tools, how long until you post another stupid comment on TWF?

I think many of us do make more of a contribution to society be it direct or indirect. We may not be THE guy who re invents the wheel or something like that.

I will use the ER as an example as ateam were savig live and/or fixing things to give aperson a better quality of life. That way this person can still do thier thing, provide for their familes and so on. And you can go down the line from the probviders/nurses all the way to the guys who sweep the floors, theyre all doing a part that helps in the bigger picture.

Even this guys blogging may open peoples eyes to do or change their lives or look at things in adifferent light.

hell all th ebanter here is helping me kill time at work and thats a good thing too :lol:

[tallywacker]

You're coming across with a much bigger "I'm better than you" complex than the author while simultaneously sounding like a mental midget. Congrats, strong work. What have you created in your time that has changed the face of society? Did you invent the space shuttle, the internet, cure a disease, or win the Nobel Peace Prize?

Fact is, less than 1% of the world's population has the ability to contribute the society altering benefits for which you are trying to hold him accountable. You are not one of them.

The acid test: If you were dropped on a wooded, deserted island with nothing but a hatchet and some stone tools, how long until you post another stupid comment on TWF?

Damn I didn't mean to offend your Messiah

[pauldun170]

He's a Euro citizen? Fair enough, I assumed he was an American.

But another critique:

Good luck doing that after age 35 or so. It's pretty easy to be a travelling bum when you're in your 20's, since you've got a support network of other travelling bums, English teachers, and even locals your age who will hang out with you and give you a place to crash.

I have a friend who has been doing this for as long as I've known him. His stay in the US was the longest (3-4 years?)he'd ever been anywhere in his adult life.
Hes in his late 30's.
He seems satisfied enough.
Travel is cheap over there.
Plenty of places to stay...always some sort of work to make some cash.
He doesn't come from money yet he has this nomadic lifestyle (while still going on cruises, ski vacations..visiting friends in various countries) that he can still get along comfortably.

[askmrjesus]

Damn I didn't mean to offend your Messiah

:scratch:

JC

[fasternyou929]

I think many of us do make more of a contribution to society be it direct or indirect. We may not be THE guy who re invents the wheel or something like that.

I will use the ER as an example as ateam were savig live and/or fixing things to give aperson a better quality of life. That way this person can still do thier thing, provide for their familes and so on. And you can go down the line from the probviders/nurses all the way to the guys who sweep the floors, theyre all doing a part that helps in the bigger picture.

Even this guys blogging may open peoples eyes to do or change their lives or look at things in adifferent light.

hell all th ebanter here is helping me kill time at work and thats a good thing too :lol:
Oh, that's not lost on me and I don't disagree at all.

However, I do not believe the author is somehow wasting his life or living a life of less meaning than Lord tallywacker.

Damn I didn't mean to offend your Messiah
Zing! :tremble: Now back to your daily self-worship.

[tallywacker]

:scratch:

JC

Not you, his new nomadic one

[tommymac]

Not you, his new nomadic one

be careful hes been looking to smite someone for a while now :lol:

[askmrjesus]

Not you, his new nomadic one

I doubt he's reading this.

But since I'm here, I find your views on extended world travel to be quite narrow.

The guy's doing his own thing, fuck do you care?

JC

[tallywacker]

I doubt he's reading this.

But since I'm here, I find your views on extended world travel to be quite narrow.

The guy's doing his own thing, fuck do you care?

JC

I care enough to shit on those that worship him

[Homeslice]

I have a friend who has been doing this for as long as I've known him. His stay in the US was the longest (3-4 years?)he'd ever been anywhere in his adult life.
Hes in his late 30's.
He seems satisfied enough.
Travel is cheap over there.
Plenty of places to stay...always some sort of work to make some cash.
He doesn't come from money yet he has this nomadic lifestyle (while still going on cruises, ski vacations..visiting friends in various countries) that he can still get along comfortably.

That's cool.........as long as you have some marketable skills beyond just waiting tables. Otherwise I wouldn't want to be that old, begging for menial temporary jobs all the time. Even if you got hired you wouldn't really be "accepted".

Beyond that........Good article, with some good advice.

[fasternyou929]

I care enough to shit on those that worship him

lol, then rock on because nothing hurts more than posts from some bitter, jealous stranger online.

[shmike]

That's cool.........as long as you have some marketable skills beyond just waiting tables. Otherwise I wouldn't want to be that old, begging for menial temporary jobs all the time. Even if you got hired you wouldn't really be "accepted".

Beyond that........Good article, with some good advice.

Being accepted: definitely what the guy is all about.

18. Trying to be cool or following trends is for mindless sheep

Peer pressure is for people who are afraid of their individuality. Stand up for yourself, and go against the flow if that’s what you feel is best. What’s cool now will be frozen over in a few years.



&

26. Doing anything specifically to impress people is stupid

People will never give you the validation you seek if you try to be a dancing monkey for them. Saying how many languages you speak, how rich you are, who you know, where you studied or what you do for a living, or trying to show-off in any other way to get someone to like you, or working for these things just for the bragging rights will leave you really disappointed.

[askmrjesus]

I care enough to shit on those that worship him

Why? Because the guy decided he didn't want to "live" like normal people who hate their jobs, and don't have the wits or the balls to survive on the road?

JC

[pauldun170]

That's cool.........as long as you have some marketable skills beyond just waiting tables. Otherwise I wouldn't want to be that old, begging for menial temporary jobs all the time. Even if you got hired you wouldn't really be "accepted".

Beyond that........Good article, with some good advice.

They have that social safety net over there. Combine that with higher saving rates vs here in the US then retirement isn't so bad..even for those who spent their lives on the low end of the wage scale.

[LeeNetworX]

I care enough to shit on those that worship him

Worship? lol I see plenty of one-line comments from people appreciating what he has to say based on his personal experiences. In your mind, that is worship?

[Homeslice]

Being accepted: definitely what the guy is all about.



Being accepted doesn't just mean being popular.

It also dicatates whether or not you'll get hired in the first place.

Tons of places won't hire "older" people because they're afraid they won't "fit in" with younger co-workers. Either that or they claim you're "overqualified" or that you wouldn't be satisfied with the job.

Also, as far as wandering the world, bumming favors from strangers.........Being in your 20's it works, because you can play off the whole starving student image, even if you're not actually a student. There's always other 20-somethings you can party with, because they're single and stuff. Doesn't work as well when you're older --- people would probably just pity you, and/or avoid you.

[tommymac]

Being accepted doesn't just mean being popular.

It also dicatates whether or not you'll get hired in the first place.

Tons of places won't hire "older" people because they're afraid they won't "fit in" with younger co-workers. Either that or they claim you're "overqualified" or that you wouldn't be satisfied with the job.

Also, as far as wandering the world, bumming favors from strangers.........Being in your 20's it works, because you can play off the whole starving student image, even if you're not actually a student. There's always other 20-somethings you can party with, because they're single and stuff. Doesn't work as well when you're older --- people would probably just pity you, and/or avoid you.

a 40 something doing that would seem creepy or make you think hes just a homeless bum or some sort of criminal.

[Huy]

In your mind, that is worship?

Sounds more like envy :idk:

Hell I envy the guys mental and financial freedom.

[azoomm]

Worship? lol I see plenty of one-line comments from people appreciating what he has to say based on his personal experiences. In your mind, that is worship?

Dude, shhhhh we're all now God's in Tally's head. That is, those of us that are on Google+ I mean, I've gotten more than five plus_ones there. :lol:

Worship

:jerry:

[tommymac]

Dude, shhhhh we're all now God's in Tally's head. That is, those of us that are on Google+ I mean, I've gotten more than five plus_ones there. :lol:

Worship

:jerry:

you heathen :lol:

[udman]

The sad reality is that this guy is going to wind up with a show on the Discovery channel and multiple book deals. We are all going to sit on our asses on Tuesday nights watching his show and buying his books while never doing any of the things he talks about. Meanwhile, for all his salt of the earth talk there's a Bugatti in his 10 car garage within 5 years. Mark my words....

[tommymac]

The sad reality is that this guy is going to wind up with a show on the Discovery channel and multiple book deals. We are all going to sit on our asses on Tuesday nights watching his show and buying his books while never doing any of the things he talks about. Meanwhile, for all his salt of the earth talk there's a Bugatti in his 10 car garage within 5 years. Mark my words....

He will have to compete with the idiot abroad show now :lol:

[Homeslice]

The sad reality is that this guy is going to wind up with a show on the Discovery channel and multiple book deals. We are all going to sit on our asses on Tuesday nights watching his show and buying his books while never doing any of the things he talks about. Meanwhile, for all his salt of the earth talk there's a Bugatti in his 10 car garage within 5 years. Mark my words....

/thread

All because 8 years (alleged) of travelling makes him an expert.

[Particle Man]

The sad reality is that this guy is going to wind up with a show on the Discovery channel and multiple book deals. We are all going to sit on our asses on Tuesday nights watching his show and buying his books while never doing any of the things he talks about. Meanwhile, for all his salt of the earth talk there's a Bugatti in his 10 car garage within 5 years. Mark my words....

Truth

[Mr Lefty]

It is yes and no on the kidding. While his article is "something to think about" it isn't particularly deep. I'm not going to get all worked up over "foreign people are fundamentally just like you and me" and "too much TV watching is a waste". My guess is for a lot of people his words carry more weight because on some level they wish they could live their lives like he does. I don't.:shrug:

While I don't think it was particularly deep either, I value the insight, and it's deeper than some people bother thinking. I do want to live my life like that... I don't feel a need to add to the world, or leave a mark, rather I want the world to leave a mark with me. I want to experience things I've only seen in pictures or movies.


I could care less what everyone else does... I don't think that mentality is for everyone... and I'm not saying what ANYONE chooses to do with their life is wrong/right... I'm just saying I wished some people were a little more open minded about the world. In America we suffer greatly IMO because of our in ability to keep our minds open. so while his words weren't all that deep, for some... they'd drown in them.

just my opinion... but I do envy his ability to leave... mine comes in 10-12 years...

[tallywacker]

Dude, shhhhh we're all now God's in Tally's head. That is, those of us that are on Google+ I mean, I've gotten more than five plus_ones there. :lol:

Worship

:jerry:

:lol

[anthonyk]

Also, as far as wandering the world, bumming favors from strangers.........Being in your 20's it works, because you can play off the whole starving student image, even if you're not actually a student. There's always other 20-somethings you can party with, because they're single and stuff. Doesn't work as well when you're older --- people would probably just pity you, and/or avoid you.

You haven't spent much time on couchsurfing.org, I take it. There are plenty of folks in the world happy to take on someone, even if they're not in their 20's.

I've got a friend who does this from time to time, and it's really not that hard for him to make do (at least in Europe) bouncing from place to place and working for cash.

[101lifts2]

Was a cool read...

[goof2]

While I don't think it was particularly deep either, I value the insight, and it's deeper than some people bother thinking. I do want to live my life like that... I don't feel a need to add to the world, or leave a mark, rather I want the world to leave a mark with me. I want to experience things I've only seen in pictures or movies.


I could care less what everyone else does... I don't think that mentality is for everyone... and I'm not saying what ANYONE chooses to do with their life is wrong/right... I'm just saying I wished some people were a little more open minded about the world. In America we suffer greatly IMO because of our in ability to keep our minds open. so while his words weren't all that deep, for some... they'd drown in them.

just my opinion... but I do envy his ability to leave... mine comes in 10-12 years...

As you said, you are viewing from the perspective of someone who wants to live like that to some degree. I don't see anything wrong with that. My perspective is different. For me it isn't the place, it is the people who are there. When my time comes I don't believe I will wish I had seen this place or that place, though I have seen a lot of places. What I suspect I will appreciate/regret most is the time, or lack thereof, I was able to spend with the people I care about.

My primary issue with this guy's essay is in my view he spends far too much time trying to justify the way he has chosen to live. Two items in particular are below.

Possessions own you: He wants to live his life out of a backpack, that's cool, but I like a lot of my stuff. A lot of it even fulfills me and none of it is a search for validation from others as he chooses to believe.

TV is the greatest black hole of time available to mankind: Sure, it can be. It doesn't have to be though. Sometimes I watch crap, but other times I watch things so I can learn or come as close as possible to experiencing something I will never personally go through. To dismiss an entire form of media as worthless is pretty narrow-minded.

What bothers me isn't that he has chosen to live this way. I couldn't care less about that and I actually think it is great he has been able to live his dream. It is that, on some level, he is dismissive of those who do not share his same dream.

[Mr Lefty]

My primary issue with this guy's essay is in my view he spends far too much time trying to justify the way he has chosen to live. Two items in particular are below.

Possessions own you: He wants to live his life out of a backpack, that's cool, but I like a lot of my stuff. A lot of it even fulfills me and none of it is a search for validation from others as he chooses to believe.

TV is the greatest black hole of time available to mankind: Sure, it can be. It doesn't have to be though. Sometimes I watch crap, but other times I watch things so I can learn or come as close as possible to experiencing something I will never personally go through. To dismiss an entire form of media as worthless is pretty narrow-minded.

What bothers me isn't that he has chosen to live this way. I couldn't care less about that and I actually think it is great he has been able to live his dream. It is that, on some level, he is dismissive of those who do not share his same dream.
I'm not sure I read it the way you did. though it maybe because, as you said,
you are viewing from the perspective of someone who wants to live like that to some degree. I didn't think he was trying to push an agenda so much as just get his, realizations out... though I can see your point.

I agree, I don't believe my posessions own me. I buy things I like, and I enjoy.... case in point trading in the 600RR for the DRZ. but I think he has a point with many people today. People buy things with recognition first, rather than their wants/needs... ie the 1000 as a first bike syndrome.

T.V.... ehh for me it's what ever. I don't care for most of the crap on TV, and the New's is the worst of any of it. I do think we as a culture spend a lot of time absorbed in it we could invest in each other, a hobby, or education with a much better return on our investment...

I agree with your last point to a degree... I don't know that he was dismissive, but his tone can be interpreted that way. I THINK his intent is to sound dismissive to the ignorant way of life. at least that was my mindset. But very common from the stories I've read and heard from world travelers to sound, condescending about their "enlightenment" when IMO it's meant as more of a statement of astonishment about how ignorant people can be.

[goof2]

I'm not sure I read it the way you did. though it maybe because, as you said,
you are viewing from the perspective of someone who wants to live like that to some degree. I didn't think he was trying to push an agenda so much as just get his, realizations out... though I can see your point.

I agree, I don't believe my posessions own me. I buy things I like, and I enjoy.... case in point trading in the 600RR for the DRZ. but I think he has a point with many people today. People buy things with recognition first, rather than their wants/needs... ie the 1000 as a first bike syndrome.

T.V.... ehh for me it's what ever. I don't care for most of the crap on TV, and the New's is the worst of any of it. I do think we as a culture spend a lot of time absorbed in it we could invest in each other, a hobby, or education with a much better return on our investment...

I agree with your last point to a degree... I don't know that he was dismissive, but his tone can be interpreted that way. I THINK his intent is to sound dismissive to the ignorant way of life. at least that was my mindset. But very common from the stories I've read and heard from world travelers to sound, condescending about their "enlightenment" when IMO it's meant as more of a statement of astonishment about how ignorant people can be.

I get where you are coming from and I think there is some value in what the guy is saying. I just think he is shooting it a bit too much through his own prism and ends up taking it too far as a result.

[Mr Lefty]

I get where you are coming from and I think there is some value in what the guy is saying. I just think he is shooting it a bit too much through his own prism and ends up taking it too far as a result.

fair enough.

[Homeslice]

As you said, you are viewing from the perspective of someone who wants to live like that to some degree. I don't see anything wrong with that. My perspective is different. For me it isn't the place, it is the people who are there. When my time comes I don't believe I will wish I had seen this place or that place, though I have seen a lot of places. What I suspect I will appreciate/regret most is the time, or lack thereof, I was able to spend with the people I care about.

My primary issue with this guy's essay is in my view he spends far too much time trying to justify the way he has chosen to live. Two items in particular are below.

Possessions own you: He wants to live his life out of a backpack, that's cool, but I like a lot of my stuff. A lot of it even fulfills me and none of it is a search for validation from others as he chooses to believe.

TV is the greatest black hole of time available to mankind: Sure, it can be. It doesn't have to be though. Sometimes I watch crap, but other times I watch things so I can learn or come as close as possible to experiencing something I will never personally go through. To dismiss an entire form of media as worthless is pretty narrow-minded.

What bothers me isn't that he has chosen to live this way. I couldn't care less about that and I actually think it is great he has been able to live his dream. It is that, on some level, he is dismissive of those who do not share his same dream.

Some people do need to be "dismissed/dissed", because they waste too much time watching junk TV (reality shows, fiction programs that add no value to one's life other than entertainment)...........And they buy things specifically in order to fit in with other people. You might not, but I'll bet the majority of people do. At the very least, they spend more than they need to, which drastically reduces what they could spend on their hobbies, travel, etc.