I met these 4 young men in the redwood forest of California. They belong to a religious sect called the Bretherin back in Pennsylvania or Ohio who choose to live culturally about 50 years behind the rest of us. I got a fair glimpse of the depth of their convictions by engaging in a protracted discussion.
Now imagine the courage it takes to disengage from roots like this and "make it" in the modern world.
I learned that such an individual was in camp and living in this high tech--one of a kind sprinter--Mercedes van. What makes it one of a kind is that it has no side doors--- ordered from the factory that way---for a special reason--which I will show.
He espouses the value of simplicity---had it printed for all to see on this special gray paint job.
I could not arrange an interview so I brought Laurie with me to open doors.
Meet Lester Smith---an individual I stand in awe of. I think you will too when I reveal a bit more about him.
He shows us his self engineered living facilities. That is the water supply and kitchen area.
He eats mostly raw foods---cooks almost nothing.
This is a super efficient state-of-the-art Engel refrigerator.
His potty system is also super efficient and sanitary----closes shut out of sight.
Nothing is more complicated than it need be. Note the simple hand pump for water.
The single bed/couch is behind the driver's seat. Now you can see the wisdom of no side doors. All these facilities would have to be located elsewhere.
Looking rearward is storage. Behind that wall is a bicycle. He enters and exits the rear doors.
This was a surprise---he had this tattoo put on his arm---it is a symbolic summary of his life values. He told me what it meant but I forgot.
So far I've not revealed any heroism. Now I will.
He is a hero for having left the known and comfortable for the unknown. That is what Heroes do.
He was drafted into the army and did alternative service as a conscientious objector and at the end of his term chose to stay in the outside world. He began the business of renovating classic houses and was very successful. Between jobs he began adventuring by bicycle, going further and further till he crossed the nation, East and West and North and South several times.
Then he got really bold and went to India and bicycled clear around that nation---sleeping at nights wherever he found himself. He went to Nepal and crossed that nation.
At some point he had accumulated sufficient resources to retire. So he purchased that special vehicle and engineered it to his simple needs. With any luck it should last him the rest of his life.
Now he sets new challenges for himself. While I was in camp he set his sights on that 8000 ft peak you can see in the distance behind the tail of that airplane----AND IN A SINGLE 9 HOUR PERIOD WALKED ALONE TO ITS TOP AND BACK DOWN. Soon he will depart on another bike adventure.
RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: Heroes hear a call to adventure and respond.
Heroes rise above their culture and conditioning.
Heroes adapt to whatever their circumstance---wake up their creativity---assimilate wisdom---build character---enjoy life---find ways to contribute. This is a healthy human being and his adventuring makes him ever more healthy. I'm inspired---delighted he crossed my path.
9 comments:
"Hero
A hero or heroine refers to characters who, in the face of danger and adversity or from a position of weakness, display courage and the will for self-sacrifice—that is, heroism—for some greater good of all humanity."
And you think he qualifies ???
Andy: This guy left a comfortable KNOWN and launched out into the UNKNOWN. He adapted and thrived and then thrust himself into really huge Unknowns. Yeah I call him a hero. Help me out with another word if you will.
1. "RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: Heroes hear a call to adventure and respond.
Heroes rise above their culture and conditioning.
Heroes adapt to whatever their circumstance---wake up their creativity---assimilate wisdom---build character---enjoy life---find ways to contribute. This is a healthy human being and his adventuring makes him ever more healthy. I'm inspired---delighted he crossed my path."
And how is it that he is contributing ?
2. ALL of us are launching into our own unknown, no matter where we are and what we do.
I don't understand what exactly you think is such a "huge Unknown" that he has thrust himself into.
3. On the other hand, perhaps all of us are heroes. I certainly am.....(lol)
"This is a healthy human being and his adventuring makes him ever more healthy."
Another interesting label and assumption.
What's your definition of healthy ?
I agree with Andy on the definition of hero, although these people did have the courage to give up the comfort of the known, into something new and uncharted. Randy, you seek the unique, but resort to a cliche to identify them. In this day of conformity and meme, why not abandon the derivate and create something a little more organic, such as Individual: Someone who thinks and decides for themselves. Or for that matter, "Self-Thinker".
As always, your posts give cause to pensive thought.
Randy I can see how this guy would be "your" hero. He is creating meaning in his life by doing really cool stuff, which is a major theme for you. And yes, he faces danger and displays courage. But he is not making any effort to better the world or help anyone else, so generally speaking, "hero" is likely not the best word to use. I would call him an "adventurer". At least you, Randy, are sharing something of value with the world by acting as a reporter of things we might not otherwise learn about.
Dan: I see your point but I disagree. My dictionary says that a hero is a very brave person. Consider Joseph Campbell's famous book: HERO OF A THOUSAND FACES. It is about people who leave the known and adventure---sometimes learning something and bringing it back to his people.
On a more mundane plane, the Sprinter is well done. Curious, looking at the toilet setup, is there a seperate blackwater tank and if so, under the vehicle or behind the wall, any idea?
thanks
Jim
Anonymous: Re the toilet: He has a sizable holding tank beneath the van.--Easily good for a month or more.
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