From the mind of a Harvard Divinity School graduate, here's somebody trying to comunicate with you:

http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/07/19-2

And why is it your opinion that he is trying to communicate with me?

I come from a long line of conservationists on both sides of my family, both in their private lives and a few career-wise. I've lived my whole life pretty frugally recycling and reclaiming. The carbon footprint my whole life will leave on this earth is probably smaller than the carbon footprint that Al Gore leaves in one year.



Well, humankind was given dominion over the Earth and all living things. And then humankind traded it to Satan. Satan is the interim CEO. Most of the world is just too blind to see it...or believes they'll get higher investment yield from him than from The Owner.

I'm quite comfortable, in fact I am most comfortable, walking a road of balance, restraint, and humility in every aspect of my life. For me that happens when I am seeking and following God's will according to His Word.

I am continually preparing spiritually, physically, mentally, financially, and practically for tougher times. I have great peace about the future that surpasses all understanding, because in the end God's grace is sufficient for me.

Besides, I've known how this story ends for quite some time now.

It is so amazing that you don't charge people to bask in your glory.

Glory? What are you talking about? I was raised to live conservatively and frugally as were many, many others, some out of necessity, some by choice. My biological grandparents were all legal immigrants, coming here with little more than nothing, and my parents lived through the Depression. It's not uncommon to find rural Midwest people living conservatively.

Isn't that the lifestyle the author is advocating, and I presume you are endorsing and encouraging? I am just assuring you that is the lifestyle I choose to live (since you appear to believe the author was trying to communicate with me). The older I get, the more minimalist I become. I find it a much less burdensome lifestyle. Plus, I have no intention of leaving my children a lot of crap to dispose of.

Do you think I have the power to force the world to live frugally?

You're preaching to the choir, Geezer.
And you were the one who made it about me.

Too bad you don't, conserationists everywhere would appreciate it. But keep on truckin'.

I've never read anything that I can remember that would indicate that you live differently than you say. That is, conservatively and conservationally. Perhaps even frugally (although you have indicated enjoying some of the finer things). It would seem that there is a power to force the world to live frugally, though. It's a regressive tax system that rewards wealth. Sure, a small percentage of the population won't live very frugally, but it's hard to get camels through needles anyhow. Then everyone else can live happily and frugally (albeit forcibly). Just thinking out loud...

Just because one is blessed to be able to enjoy some finer things in life (and that's a relative phrase) does not mean that one cannot also practice thrift and an avoidance of mass consumption and waste (which meets the definition of "frugal").

One imaginary S&M master traded for another? lol

Clock now ticking on obligatory Iky Barack Obama reference: Tick tick tick tick...

I can see that frugality and the finer things aren't mutually exclusive. That doesn't mean that they hand in hand either. Like I said, I have no reason to say that you aren't frugal.