The Forge Blog July, 11, 2025

 

There was a time when living simply wasn’t something you had to explain. You fished because you needed dinner. You hunted for the same reason. You went outside because it was there — not to post a picture about it.

Now? Try telling someone you’d rather hangout on a river bank than scroll TikTok, or that your idea of a good Saturday is tracking a deer in the cold and wet morning instead of running errands or getting brunch, and you’ll get that look — part confusion, part pity. Like you’re some sort of caveman or lost soul.

But here’s the truth:

Living simply is the most defiant thing you can do in a world that profits from your distraction.

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Simplicity Isn’t Weak — It’s Intentional

This isn’t about running away from responsibility. It's about choosing what actually matters. Slower doesn’t mean stupider. Quieter doesn’t mean less capable. It means your energy isn’t wasted trying to impress people you don’t respect.

The people out there calling you a redneck or a recluse? Most of them couldn’t survive a weekend without a charger. They wouldn’t know what to do if the Wi-Fi went out — let alone the power grid.

But somehow you’re the radical one for wanting a full freezer, a warm fire, and a clear head.

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The Modern World Fears Stillness

Simplicity threatens the whole machine.
If you don’t need constant entertainment, you’re harder to sell to.
If you find peace in silence, you’re not easy to manipulate.
If you find value in dirt under your nails instead of digits on a screen, you’re dangerous.

And that scares them — because it means you’re harder to control.

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“Convenience” is a Trap with a Pretty Label

Everything now is about speed and ease. Fast food. Same-day delivery. Drive-thru therapy. And hey, we’ve all used it — this isn’t about purity.

But what they don’t say is: convenience comes at a cost. You stop learning how to do things. You stop paying attention. You trade away competence and connection for comfort and clicks.

And then they look at the guy gutting fish on his porch like he’s the problem?

Nah. We’re just remembering how to live.

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Reclaiming the Simple Life

You don’t need a cabin in the woods to live simply. You just need a backbone. Say NO, more often. Own less. Grow something. Fix something. Cook your own damn meals. Learn your neighbor’s name. Sit in the quiet and not flinch.

Start there.

The simple life isn’t glamorous. It’s not flashy. But it’s real. And in a world full of filters and fake ass people, that’s enough to make you a threat.

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Final Thought

If they think you’re radical for slowing down, turning inward, and choosing clarity over chaos — good. Wear that like a badge. Because the truth is, simple isn’t small. It’s strong. And in the end, it’s your life you choose how you want to live it not them.