For some reason I've had the thought of joining the military stuck in the back of my head. I'm the last person I would ever expect to even consider a military career. Not to mention I'm someone who really doesn't fit the bill. An idealist left-wing obama lover? I'd be keeping my politics well to myself. Then I take a look at actual military life, and the interest goes right out the fucking window. I think I'm just in love with the idea of being a warrior. Standing and fighting...for something. (It also became very apparent that military life doesn't really involve fighting much).
I've often dreamed of reducing myself to a very "Spartan" existence. A blank desk, a cot, pen, ink, and books, that's it. No internet, no Facebook, no cell phone, no bullshit. Just once every 7 days I get 45 minutes to use my laptop. Print out whatever articles I need, and catch up on anything I feel is pertinent.
Without all the distractions and willpower sucking bullshit around me, my productivity would shoot through the roof. I could definitely pull up a lot of anecdotal evidence supporting this. (Think about it, willpower is finite. It takes willpower to tear yourself away from something and it also takes willpower to do shit. This would effectively reduce my withdrawals of the National Bank of Willpower).
At the end of the day, I really enjoy being productive, and I'm not really seeing benefits to fucking around on Facebook and shit (more importantly I'm fucking pretty well and hooked on this crap). This could prove to be a very worthwhile experiment. Live a warrior's life. A little research, quite a bit of prep, and some writing (a case study of sorts).
Tell me what you think! Good idea? Bad idea? Words of Encouragement? Pitfalls? Throw me a comment! Please! Feedback is appreciated!
I've had similar contemplations. I would just say that-
ReplyDelete1) Cot is probably unnecessary. Any Spartan would have gladly opted for a modern bed.
2)Completely cutting off internet probably isn't smart. If anything I would just suggest a really strict internet filter on your own computer. Only permit a select few news websites or other arguably "productive" web pages that are hard to waste time on.
In sum though I think it's a great idea and I've tried and failed many times. If you try it I hope it works out well. Personally I don't think it's the lifestyle for me. There's a lot of wiggle room between Spartan and Consumer Whore in which one can live responsibly and comfortably.
I agree with the internet filter, maybe have someone else set the unlock password.
DeleteThe cot was more of an aesthetic standpoint, bare bones kind of idea.
I feel like I've done an awful job of balancing my lifestyle out, but I've noticed (at least for me) that going cold turkey for a while tends to help me find that balance.
Thanks for the comment sir!