Independence from a World Economy

The Nearings make their change in lifestyle soon after the Great Depression. They note that the decision is made because of their desire to free themselves from the world's financial system so that they are dependent on themselves rather than on the world's dependence on money as a way of achieving and attaining goods. Toward this end, they buy a rundown farm in Vermont and set out to make it an independent enterprise that will provide them food and shelter. It is because of their desire to live this lifestyle that they are willing to make the choices that make their life possible. Their lives are filled with work, but these chores are largely aimed at self-sufficiency. For example, they choose to grow their own vegetables and to build whenever possible with materials at hand rather than buying those things. Another point made by...