Imagine living a life completely different from the common. An experience where aesthetics is not so significant but, mere tools to create harmony with humankind.
Imagine a world where traditional celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, Father’s or Mother’s Day, Christmas and the New Year are no more special than any other day. Imagine if you could sit for a while and realise that all these events are man-made, and you could live in an alternate reality — a reality that offers a deeper connection to oneself and the world.
Imagine a life free from the burdens of loans, mortgages or any form of debt. There
is no doubt that financial stress is a significant cause of anxiety in our modern world. In this alternate reality, there are no banks to dictate your life choices, or to trap you in a cycle of endless repayments. Without the pressure of financial obligations, individuals are free to pursue passions, hobbies, and work that genuinely fulfill them, rather than being driven by the need to make ends meet.
Imagine a life devoid of alcohol, processed food, or preserved drinks.
The health issues that plague modern society —obesity, diabetes, and heart disease — are often linked to our diets. In this imagined world, people consume only what nature provides in its purest form. Fresh fruits, vegetables and natural water sources are the staples of daily consumption. This shift not only benefits physical health but also fosters a greater appreciation for the earth’s natural resources and cycles.
Imagine a world with no television, newspapers, news, or conventional entertainment. In a society saturated with information, much of it negative, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and disconnected. Without the constant bombardment of media, people have the chance to reconnect with themselves and each other on a more profound level. Conversation, storytelling, and communal activities become the primary forms of engagement, fostering stronger social bonds and a sense of community.
Imagine a world where the focus of education is primarily on using technology to teach people practical skills — how to grow their food, build their own houses, and source clean water from natural reservoirs.
This form of education emphasises self-sufficiency and sustainability, equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills to live independently and harmoniously with nature. Such an education system not only prepares individuals for a self-sustained life but also instils a deep respect for and understanding of the natural world.
Imagine a world without fluoridated water. Controversies surrounding water fluoridation have led some to believe that removing it could lead to a purer, healthier life. In this envisioned reality, people rely on natural water sources, free from chemical additives. This ensures that everyone has access to clean, uncontaminated water, promoting overall well being.
This imagined world might seem utopian, but it poses an important question: What aspects of our current lives are genuinely necessary for our happiness and well being? By stripping away the excess and focusing on the essentials, we can find a new form of harmony and balance.
This alternate reality encourages a return to simplicity, where the value of life is measured not by material possessions or societal milestones but by personal fulfillment, health, and the strength of our connections with others.
Living such a life requires a radical shift in perspective and priorities. It challenges us to reconsider what we truly need to be happy and fulfilled. While it may be challenging to completely detach from the familiar comforts and norms of modern society, adopting even small aspects of this imagined reality can lead to significant improvements in our quality of life. It invites us to imagine, and perhaps create a world where simplicity and sustainability are at the forefront of human existence.
*Karlos The Great
E-mail: karlsimbumusic@gmail.com.Uncommon Sense is published bi-weekly in the New Era newspaper with contributions from Karlos Naimwhaka. YouTube channel: Karlos Lokos