In Bryce’s post, about why you should be self reliant , he already mentioned three great reasons: simplicity, security and survival. I’d like to add my two cents on the subject of self reliance from a more psychological, and dare I say, spiritual point of view.
Self-Esteem
Too much in our lives is done by other people. We can’t fix our own cars, medicate our own bodies, heck – many people go to therapists to fix their problems for them. In some ways, its sad really – many capable adults can’t cook, clean, or do their own taxes.
To me, the Do-It-Yourself movement is more than economical persuasion. A significant portion of why I strive to be self reliant is about achievement and self esteem. (Its noteworthy that Earl Nightingale taught how all self-esteem problems are rooted in the lack of achievement.)
When you did DIY – what ever it is – you own all the glory, experience and personal satisfaction from doing it.
It just feels good.
Connectedness
When you eat a burger, do you really get the sense of what work had to go into bringing to you? In many cases, consumer products are created from parts made all over the world and constructed by processes you probably don’t even understand. A McDonald’s meal has enough chemicals to make your head spin.
Outside of the health risks in not knowing what’s in your food, when you become part of the creation – of anything – you appreciate it more. Even if you don’t see a project from cradle to the grave, you understand your part in the totality of it. There is a very humanizing element to creating your own goods, specifically food. When you grow vegetables, you feel connected and rooted to the earth. I’ve found that even small amounts of farming have sparked my understanding of the grandeur of life, and the sublime nature of death.
Instead of just ownership, when you make something, you feel connected.
Freedom
I admit it. I’m a bit of a rebel. I like to play the devils advocate, j-walk, and do things my way. Mind you, I no survival isolationist or teenage punk rocker – I just like to play life by my rules. I hate being forced and manipulated and caged.
There is a reason why people often call work “slaving for the man” and “the rat race”. Many are imprisoned by their debts and uncontrollable desires. They work too much at a job they hate to pay for the mortgage to a house that’s too big for their needs. If they don’t keep the hamster wheel spinning, the bank forecloses, the kids don’t eat, they can’t afford gas to find a new job.
Self reliance means that you can rely on yourself; for money, food and the necessities of life. When you’ve trained yourself to manage your finances, soon you’ll notice a hefty safety net. You can’t throw in the towel and never work again, but you won’t worry about losing your job. You know you’ll outlast the drought. When you learn cooking skills, you don’t have leave for a restaurant in search of a good meal.
To me, self reliance isn’t about doing it all yourself, but about BEING ABLE TO CHOOSE. Being self-reliant allows you to walk to the beat of your own drum if you don’t like the music being played. You have greater flexibility in designing your lifestyle the way you want to. Your life should be constructed consciously, deliberately. Isn’t That’s what Emerson said about his trip to Walden in the book “Self Reliance” ? ” I went to the woods to live deliberately.”
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