Great
video and lesson! I love his assessment of the 'corporate' world in light of it's competitiveness, especially at the upper income levels.. a Wall Street trader said the millions became only 'marker's in the social status game. Also having worked in the corporate world, the nature of the business often requires a cutthroat attitude (note I said 'often'... but the exception typically proves the rule ;). This guy could SEE an alternative, and FEEL his own dissatisfaction... rare 'talents' I think.
Yes, he's unusual, in having a generous financial cushion, I'm sure, and skills enabling him to earn an income, and also to give away his
experience ....which seems to be all to the good of
permaculture.
Re: 'farmer' vs 'gardener'.. I agree it is semantics. A hundred people using one word, 'farmer', will have a hundred different pictures in their minds attached to the word, while under the delusion they are discussing the same thing. I think we need to start every conversation with our personal definitions !
I also think this story, coming from an atypical source, is invaluable for the growth of
permaculture. Sort of the way that the upper-crust persona and delivery of Martha Stewart gave other 'high-end' women 'permission' to see beyond their culture. That culture always told them that only poor women sewed their own clothes, cooked, gardened, crafted, used
cast iron, etc., and only because it saved them money (as many think only poor 'hippies' do
permaculture because they can't afford Whole Foods :). Stewart removed that 'stigma', and created a lot of deep DIY gratification for a whole new social
class of women.... plus making a lot of $ for Stewart ;)
So if this guy can plant a seed in his 'fellow millionaires' noggins (we typically listen only to our own kind), widen their view of possibilities, show life outside the status rat race, resonate with deeper 'make/create' needs (other than buy and compare) ..... I say, "hooray!!"
2
-Art Donnelly
