Thursday, June 21, 2012

Is it possible to live without money?

This is a question I've been asking myself a lot over the past few years. I've been getting by with very little money myself, and while it's been been very difficult, I do think it's possible. Especially for someone with no addictions, who is truly willing to work in exchange for needed goods and services. Anyway, something to think about in uncertain economic times.



Heidemarie Schwermer Has Been Moneyless For 16 Years

"How does she do it? Schwermer barters a few hours of cleaning and gardening in exchange for food. For shelter, she wanders from place to place offering small services for a bed. Sometimes, she relies on the hospitality of people she meets along the way. Her friends occasionally give her clothing, so she keeps what she needs and donates anything that's too burdensome to carry around."

http://livingwithoutmoney.org/

[h/t: nhne-pulse.org]

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

That's very interesting. I really would like to know more about her story. Is she from Germany? Is she Swiss? I think her being trusted comes more easily because she is a woman, and a bit older. Perhaps people find themselves feeling more comfortable to do the exchange of chores / cleaning for a bed and/or food because of that reason. She really is remarkable. I also wonder if it would be easier in european countries that are more affluent to achieve this? Maybe they feel more sure of themselves and it makes them more confident in sharing what they have?

It would be fantastic one day if there was no money! It's amazing to think that money doesn't actually exist. Even if you could hold a gold / silver coin in your hand it has no value unless you place value on it. If we all just began to choose not to then we'd realize how silly and insane it all is.

Economic problems? Only numbers on paper change when vast digits of invisible money come and go, reality is still all here.

Jody Paulson said...

The lady is German. To find out more, just follow the links.