I really like zen habits and Leo Babauta but this time I WANT to disagree =)

This article is based on http://mnmlist.com/need-less/.

My thoughts appear italic.

  • The television: if you got rid of this, not only would you free up hours of your time, you’d spend less (on cable or DVDs). You’d have room for reading, exercise, spending time with others.
  • I ask: Is tv THAT evil? All the time? Don’t we NEED some wasted time sometimes? Is reading by itself better than watching? What about reading Tom Clancy and watching Sesame Street?
  • All your clothes: could you wear just a few items? I do, and nobody seems to care.
  • I wonder: Is this a question for men?
  • Food: instead of eating out or buying convenience food, could you pick a dozen whole foods and make a weekly menu based on it? Think: beans & rice & veggies, or whole oats with nuts & berries, or salads with nuts & beans, or fruit & nuts.
  • I say: Thats what I do - might be a question of education & culture.
  • Furniture: what is the absolute minimum you could get by with, and still live a happy life? What are your core activities (sleeping, reading, eating?), and what do you need for each?
  • I say: Men are practical. And what if more is beautiful?
  • Gadgets: Once upon a time, you lived without them. What would life be like if you went back to that lifestyle? Would you have more distraction-free time?
  • I say: YES =)
  • The computer: OK, sure, this seems to be a necessity these days. But is it? Sometimes I wonder if I could get by with 1-2 hours of computer time a day at my local library. I really think I could, but I haven’t taken that brave leap yet.
  • I say: Not if you need it. I am student. I have to use the computer. And I also like games.
  • The car: Many people live happily without it. It is a resource hog, uses tons of your money (and the work that goes to earn that money), contributes to global warming, is dangerous. Could you give it up someday?
  • I say: I REALLY would prefer train/bus/whatever but unfortunately they suck (not available in villages/often too late/bad connections)
  • The washer/dryer: Could you hand-wash your clothes each day? It takes about 10-15 minutes.
  • I wonder: Could I kill my meal by throwing stones on it - i could. Honestly that is not luxury.