tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post8044549326459873645..comments2024-03-10T21:44:15.133-04:00Comments on Adventures in Voluntary Simplicity: LET'S START A REVOLUTION!!!!!!!!Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140071411706781433noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-857875301302177612009-07-05T07:34:36.608-04:002009-07-05T07:34:36.608-04:00Hummmmmm cant be a Liberal...they only give away s...Hummmmmm cant be a Liberal...they only give away someone elses money. (couldnt resist that), tho you did say we'd be surprised..so maybe you are the random one. Whatever...I dont' think you are suggesting "poverty" as one commenter thought. It's living a lifestyle within your means? I know I could save several hundred a month if I got rid of the satellite TV, DSL and home phone. Thinking seriously. We have "free" cell phones, and upgrade when they offer us more free ones. Don't spend hundreds on "in" phones and gadgets to go with them. No Ipods etc. Just junk you have to keep replacing to "keep up with"..<br />We spend weeks or months on a small boat..no TV, no ice,no AC and very little heat. we live simply and love it. Why not at home?Carolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16774903259772280962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-11975659297936178962009-03-24T15:38:00.000-04:002009-03-24T15:38:00.000-04:00You spoke of (eventually) working a low-wage job, ...You spoke of (eventually) working a low-wage job, for the sake of simplicity. Well, just let me tell you: poverty sucks. I've actually had to miss job interviews for lack of bus fare,, ($2.00). Had my daughter drop out of her sport for lack of transportation, (and she was good, too)... Have not been able to take pets to vets for years. Can't pay rent, electricity, internet bill, (that's the only one I care to pay)... well, you get the idea. One good thing about poverty is you don't have bills: there is no hope of being able to pay them, so you just don't! Please don't leave yourself so poor you have to suffer as much as I've had to suffer. It is not simplicity; it is terror. You can't imagine until you've been there, but trust me, you don't want to go there. Good luck though.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-59694942514023128982009-03-17T09:16:00.001-04:002009-03-17T09:16:00.001-04:00It is not crazy...it is very liberating. I did it...It is not crazy...it is very liberating. I did it to the extent that I could. I sold the house, sold possessions (including the dishes and flatware), gave away jewelry and other possessions (the charities loved me), and threw out the rest. I took a laid back job that allowed me the freedom to travel and just enjoy. It lasted about two years and I have slowly been working my way back into the mainstream (I had to put a child through college so I could not completely check out). Still, my house is small, simple and by most standards rather bare. I do not collect "things" I don't have a bunch of "stuff" hanging around. I will do it again on a larger scale next time...that's for sure....<BR/><BR/>How did this all start??? <BR/><BR/>DIVORCE -- gave him what he wanted and walked away without any ties to him or any shared possessions (gave up a bunch of alimony too).<BR/><BR/>I'm very happy now. Vive la Simplicity!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05511004073385437701noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-67846552411884330252009-01-05T17:39:00.000-05:002009-01-05T17:39:00.000-05:00I accept your CHALLENGE! Thanks!I accept your CHALLENGE! Thanks!Charihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00148087840882038446noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-67504331514897533612008-12-19T09:49:00.000-05:002008-12-19T09:49:00.000-05:00I used to give to a couple reputable charities eve...I used to give to a couple reputable charities every year but this year I decided to try to find the MOST helpless of God's children out there. And I can't think of anyone more helpless than <BR/>1) abandoned pets and 2) the wrongly imprisoned. <BR/><BR/>So this year I gave to the ASPCA and The Innocence Project. But on a daily basis, when I find the opportunity, I try to make anyone feeling invisible, aware they're not. Specifically homeless people, who yes are asking for handouts a lot and yes often for liquor (I'm a recovered alcoholic so I don't fault an active one for feediing his addiction). But what I attempt to share is really just a friendly conversation. <BR/><BR/>I ask them how they are, and almost to a man (or woman) they will gladly, eagerly, chat me up. And frankly they're often hysterically funny, or just plain sweet. So of course I gladly give them a couple bucks for the pleasure of their brief company. <BR/><BR/>I know what it's like to feel invisible. I wasn't on the street long, but I was there (for a day once and then for a week...) and it's not the hunger that kills your spirit. It's the sense that no one cares. It's being invisible.<BR/><BR/>Jack, you rock. Keep it up!<BR/>xo,<BR/>CaseyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-75716549073803483532008-12-10T19:42:00.000-05:002008-12-10T19:42:00.000-05:00Naomi,Interesting. There is definitely something ...Naomi,<BR/><BR/>Interesting. There is definitely something to be said for "intimate" giving. My little project was rather sterile, but maybe that was the point. I think I will probably be more intimate when I give away my furniture to family and friends. And I think we are in agreement re: moderating comments.<BR/><BR/>Nea,<BR/><BR/>Thanks!<BR/><BR/>HBW,<BR/><BR/>Interesting perspective. Not sure if I will hit all your points, but here it goes:<BR/><BR/>@ money was dropped off in DC, Baltimore, Philly, NYC and rest stops along the way. Don't own a car so didn't see the point to head out to less 'wealthy places'; besides, that wasn't the point.<BR/><BR/>@ when i mentioned that it doesn't matter whether I grew up rich or poor I was referring to the fact that it wouldn't matter to the person who found the envelopes or the organizations that benefited from this project.<BR/><BR/>@ your point re: the "homeless man" wasn't all that clear to me. Do comment again and clarify.<BR/><BR/>@ "but i am not wrong bc ive experienced both sides of the coin n it is true that the grass looks greener on the other side.. with success comes responsibilities and headaches but does that mean w/ out it there must b freedom?"<BR/><BR/>very good point. I don't think I'm in a position to say that I will find real freedom by leaving success; but I am certain that by leaving "success" I will find freedom from certain responsibilities and headaches. That is a start.<BR/><BR/>@ burning the diploma; treated this issue to death a couple of posts ago. Dude, it's a just a piece of paper. Still a lawyer. Doing what I did doesn't really mean anything, etc....<BR/><BR/>@ I can tell you are not a frequent reader. Will be "using my education" to help others.Jackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11140071411706781433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-23206458277716660752008-12-09T04:23:00.000-05:002008-12-09T04:23:00.000-05:00Xzdear jack,i was so inspired by ur story that i d...Xzdear jack,<BR/>i was so inspired by ur story that i decided to start my loving acts of kindness by offering u a piece of advice:<BR/><BR/>if u havn't alrdy given away all ur possessions, perhaps u should consider splurging a little on a couple hours on the couch. bc u need it.<BR/>either that or next time u ride ur bike after a long week of sitting on ur ass counting ur money, y dont u take it to a place where there r ppl who have real problems instead of goin to the third wealthiest city in america.<BR/><BR/>i read the comment that u made asking whats the diference if u grew up rich or poor, a have or have not.. <BR/><BR/>umm.. not much.. just about every aspect of ur life.. its quality,ur potential, ur beliefs.. <BR/><BR/>the point is that the only way u would think ur fortunate circumstances r irrelevent is if u were one of the trust fund babies u categorized n judged n tucked away in ur mind to focus on a homeless man...<BR/><BR/>ya he looks like somone u can learn a lot from, huh? especially since u already noted ur obvious lack of real life experience..<BR/><BR/>mayb im entirely wrong in this but at least id consider that possibility before blindly throwing myself into some "plan" to drastically change my life.. but i am not wrong bc ive experienced both sides of the coin n it is true that the grass looks greener on the other side.. with success comes responsibilities and headaches but does that mean w/ out it there must b freedom?<BR/><BR/>u should b thankful for what u have n appreciate the positive things.. not take them away.. do u have any pride in urself or accomplishing what u have? clearly not if u really burny ur diploma that is sad.. <BR/><BR/>people like me who put themselves through school n struggle to reach their goals would kill u before they watched u set their diploma aflame.. its just the value of what it stands for but when u have everything handed to u i guess that would seem just as insane as u sound to me..<BR/><BR/>if u rly wanna make a difference y dont u use the education u should b fortunate for having n help ppl w / it instead of jus giving away money.. but then u might have to get off ur high horse n risk brushing up against the rest of ushuh?Xzhbwhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16871348524973264992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-88098556416335955322008-12-05T01:40:00.000-05:002008-12-05T01:40:00.000-05:00oh, i am so behind on my blogging (i see your sabb...oh, i am so behind on my blogging (i see your sabbatical post and i did the same). this is AWESOME!Nicolahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02044553646998556989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-70007239452915246962008-12-02T21:04:00.000-05:002008-12-02T21:04:00.000-05:00I didn't come across this until after now, but as ...I didn't come across this until after now, but as someone who's giving my stuff away, I can relate to not knowing how much the other person needs what I'm giving away.<BR/><BR/>I think I've been lucky so far because I know what I'm giving away has a better chance of being appreciated by the person I'm giving it to. I've made a personal connection with each of the people I've given things to. Some of them are becoming friends. It's a win-win situation: I get space and less stuff, and they get something they want. None of this would have been possible if I hadn't decided to do this.<BR/><BR/>I approve of moderating comments, too -- although aside from the spam ones my filter catches, I've only gotten one I had to delete outright. People will say nasty things when they can do so anonymously, and it does nothing to further the discussion.<BR/><BR/>Best of luck to you.<BR/><BR/>http://blogs.timesunion.com/simplerliving/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-60360324069078930922008-11-30T17:14:00.000-05:002008-11-30T17:14:00.000-05:00Jerry,Yeah, some of these new comments are clearly...Jerry,<BR/><BR/>Yeah, some of these new comments are clearly coming from fellow lawyers. Actually very sad.<BR/><BR/>Anonymous,<BR/><BR/>Woa...going to have to plead the fifth on these questions. I promise that you will get more answers as time progresses.<BR/><BR/>Lex,<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the kudos. Yes, kids would make this even more complicated. I am in the corporate law area.Jackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11140071411706781433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-22146611369825063602008-11-30T17:11:00.000-05:002008-11-30T17:11:00.000-05:00Anonymous,No kidding.Chris,Thanks man. Anonymous,...Anonymous,<BR/><BR/>No kidding.<BR/><BR/>Chris,<BR/><BR/>Thanks man. <BR/><BR/>Anonymous,<BR/><BR/>Well, I have a feeling that being randomly kind is not something that we think about doing all that often. Maybe people need the time to really ponder the whole issue.Jackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11140071411706781433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-90893757718655681202008-11-30T17:09:00.000-05:002008-11-30T17:09:00.000-05:00Carrot,Interesting idea. A portion of the money I...Carrot,<BR/><BR/>Interesting idea. A portion of the money I gave away did go to some good causes, just not that one. Maybe next time I win the lottery I will think about that idea more carefully.<BR/><BR/>Cali,<BR/><BR/>Yeah, well, the note I added was sort of a pass it on challenge. I guess I could have made it more direct...And thanks!<BR/><BR/>Anonymous,<BR/><BR/>Your perspective. Totally respect it. As for anonymity, OF COURSE I don't want my firm to know. That's like saying the sky is blue. Let me remind you that you, yourself, are posting anonymously for a reason. <BR/><BR/>As for craving attention and being a child of privilege, even if was craving attention and grew up wealthy I am still not sure how that changes anything; what does that have to do with giving money away? Will the people who found these envelopes really care? Are these not just personal attacks? Seriously, what else can they be?; how else would they be relevant to this whole conversation?Jackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11140071411706781433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-16559395946286683222008-11-20T16:03:00.000-05:002008-11-20T16:03:00.000-05:00Go Jack go. I'm excited to watch you embark on th...Go Jack go. I'm excited to watch you embark on this journey of finding out what matters to you. I often wonder if I didn't have kids whether I might ditch it all and do as you are doing.<BR/><BR/>But, I do. And, my passion for revolutionizing the legal world is keeping me energized to get up and out everyday.<BR/><BR/>I can live vicariously through you!<BR/><BR/>What was your practice area?Lexhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11969444841469949239noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-39967484157173225042008-11-20T15:35:00.001-05:002008-11-20T15:35:00.001-05:00Hey Jack:I think it's hilarious AbovetheLaw called...Hey Jack:<BR/>I think it's hilarious AbovetheLaw called you crazy as batshit. Haha, I thought that word only applied to Britney Spears. Yeah, this blog smells of attention-seeking, but seriously, how many people with free time on their hands don't court attention? You're getting a kick out of this blog and so are we. So, that's cool. I am curious to your next plans: Where do you plan to work? How will you select a non-profit? Do you really know how to define the type of meaning you are searching for? When will you know if you've found it?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-39197276952729365202008-11-20T15:35:00.000-05:002008-11-20T15:35:00.000-05:00You seem to have hit a nerve with some people. Yo...You seem to have hit a nerve with some people. You must be doing something right!Jerry Critterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01870618647449723147noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-30403988016768728512008-11-20T15:32:00.000-05:002008-11-20T15:32:00.000-05:00Are you amazed by the number of people who say the...Are you amazed by the number of people who say they need to think about ways to be randomly kind? That surprised me. I like the lady who cleaned up the park. Golf claps to her.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-16087953962624562722008-11-20T14:38:00.000-05:002008-11-20T14:38:00.000-05:00I don't know how much sense this plan makes, and I...I don't know how much sense this plan makes, and I'm sure it doesn't matter (how much sense it makes). <BR/><BR/>What you are doing seems awesome and fun. That's what matters. What a great random idea.<BR/><BR/>Mad, mad props. <BR/>ChrisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-59432930615681182692008-11-20T13:30:00.000-05:002008-11-20T13:30:00.000-05:00comment moderation has been enabled.nice. good ca...comment moderation has been enabled.<BR/><BR/>nice. <BR/><BR/>good call bro.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-11462833932864243952008-11-20T13:28:00.000-05:002008-11-20T13:28:00.000-05:00dude, you're so lost... you don't even realize it...dude, you're so lost... you don't even realize it... your message on those letters was like someone searching for some meaning in life and coming away with a recycled halmark card. <BR/><BR/>you think you don't want attention because you don't show your face?<BR/><BR/>Not true. you just don't want your firm to know about you. you crave all this attention...<BR/><BR/>you never responded to the comments about being a child of privelege...<BR/><BR/>if you actually grew up like most people, you would find a lot more to work for...<BR/><BR/>you will be the poor little boy who died of ennui...<BR/><BR/>is this not constructive?<BR/><BR/>(delete)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-28949835701498891722008-11-20T13:24:00.000-05:002008-11-20T13:24:00.000-05:00We had a group at UVA that did Random Acts of Kind...We had a group at UVA that did Random Acts of Kindness, especially during exam time. I think it's a great idea. Organized giving is good, but the funds are filtered through bureaucracy. The power of a random act of kindness is much stronger. <BR/><BR/>Why not add something to the note that says "pass it on." Such a random act of kindness can quickly turn into materialism/selfishness if it's never passed on. <BR/><BR/>Good luck in the coming months!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-88774764061516694192008-11-20T13:20:00.000-05:002008-11-20T13:20:00.000-05:00Hello, buy some land and let people live on it and...Hello, buy some land and let people live on it and farm it organically, Or give that money to a small, radical organization that's really struggling (such as The Hive in Greensboro http://gsohive.org/ this organization is incredible, organized on anarchist, non-hierarchical, anti-authoritarian principals, and helps/empowers an amazing number of community members/homeless people). It must feel very freeing to just be done with it, but damn. That money could do alot of good in the world.Carrothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00660738768087769417noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-68850865159495957842008-11-20T11:25:00.000-05:002008-11-20T11:25:00.000-05:00Just want to say, as a biglaw junior associate who...Just want to say, as a biglaw junior associate who reads your blog religiously (even before it was 'featured' on Abovethelaw) that I find your search inspiring. Please don't be discouraged by the new ATL crowd. There are a lot of us lawyers who get a lot from your blog.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-5293165339625188012008-11-20T10:26:00.000-05:002008-11-20T10:26:00.000-05:00Anonymous,This is still probably on the edge of be...Anonymous,<BR/><BR/>This is still probably on the edge of being offensive but there is enough legitimate criticism for me to respond. First, (and for the last time) I am leaving my firm in a few months. That is already in the cards. Second, goofy pics aside, I am certainly NOT gay (clearly, you haven't read very much of my blog) and even if I was I sort of find your latent homophobia a bit sad. As for bragging about it, please see my response to another Anon above. <BR/><BR/>Anonymous,<BR/><BR/>I take your point. I am happy for anyone making a big salary who is willing to part with some cash by donating it to others. As for the rest, see my responses above.<BR/><BR/>Anonymous,<BR/><BR/>Totally respect your opinion. Let's just hope some of the people who find these envelopes feel a lot better about the whole thing.Jackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11140071411706781433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-29061130468423695812008-11-20T10:19:00.000-05:002008-11-20T10:19:00.000-05:00Anonymous,You took the words right out of my mouth...Anonymous,<BR/><BR/>You took the words right out of my mouth. Directed, organized giving is definitely more effective. But, once in a while, random can be good and novel. I will be back in the fold soon. Promise.<BR/><BR/>Jonna,<BR/><BR/>Probably not! :)<BR/><BR/>Donna,<BR/><BR/>Thanks. Will check a little later.Jackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11140071411706781433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-77213077977942156172008-11-20T10:16:00.000-05:002008-11-20T10:16:00.000-05:00Anonymous,Thanks for the support. One additional ...Anonymous,<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the support. One additional observation. I find it interesting that attorneys appear to be the only people interested in posting negative comments. BTW, I have a policy of accepting all comments so long as they add constructive criticism. Anything that smacks of unmitigated venom I will just have delete.<BR/><BR/>Anonymous,<BR/><BR/>I actually think that's a pretty valid point of view. However, as I have said previously, to question putting stuff up on this blog is to question blogging in general. If you feel that all bloggers are attention seekers, that's ok, but it would probably be best to address this particular criticism to all bloggers at large. Finally, I would be all about attention if I wasn't blogging anonymously.<BR/><BR/>Jennoit,<BR/><BR/>LOVE IT. As a dog lover (and former dog park walker) that actually a pretty awesome thing to do. As for the comments, note that I will respond to all comments, so long as they present legitimate criticism.Jackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11140071411706781433noreply@blogger.com