Back to Basics

Synopsis

Over 200,000 copies sold-fully updated! Dye your own wool, raise chickens, make your own cheddar cheese, build a log cabin, and much much more.

Anyone who wants to learn basic living skills-the kind employed by our forefathers-and adapt them for a better life in the twenty-first century need look no further than this eminently useful, full-color guide.

Countless readers have turned to Back to Basics for inspiration and instruction, escaping to an era before power saws and fast-food restaurants and rediscovering the pleasures and challenges of a healthier, greener, and more self-sufficient lifestyle.

Now newly updated, the hundreds of projects, step-by-step sequences, photographs, charts, and illustrations in Back to Basics will help you dye your own wool with plant pigments, graft trees, raise chickens, craft a hutch table with hand tools, and make treats such as blueberry peach jam and cheddar cheese. The truly ambitious will find instructions on how to build a log cabin or an adobe brick homestead.

More than just practical advice, this is also a book for dreamers-even if you live in a city apartment, you will find your imagination sparked, and there's no reason why you can't, for example, make a loom and weave a rag rug. Complete with tips for old-fashioned fun (square dancing calls, homemade toys, and kayaking tips), this may be the most thorough book on voluntary simplicity available.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Simplicity Trap

* Argues that modern society's obsession with efficiency and productivity has led to a loss of human connection and authenticity.
* Example: A corporate executive who realizes that his relentless pursuit of success has left him feeling empty and isolated.

Chapter 2: Digital Detox

* Explores the negative effects of excessive screen time and social media use on mental health and wellbeing.
* Example: A teenager struggling with anxiety and depression who finds relief by cutting back on her phone usage.

Chapter 3: Analog Revival

* Advocates for a return to tangible experiences and physical interactions.
* Example: A group of friends who start a weekly board game night to reconnect and reduce screen time.

Chapter 4: Mindful Consumption

* Examines the environmental and social costs of consumerism and encourages intentional purchases.
* Example: A family that reduces their consumption of single-use plastics and focuses on supporting local businesses.

Chapter 5: The Art of Slowing Down

* Emphasizes the importance of rest, relaxation, and enjoying the present moment.
* Example: A yoga teacher who incorporates mindfulness meditation into her daily routine to reduce stress and improve focus.

Chapter 6: Nature Immersion

* Explores the benefits of spending time in nature for physical, mental, and spiritual health.
* Example: A hiker who feels renewed and refreshed after a weekend spent exploring a national park.

Chapter 7: Human Connection

* Discusses the vital importance of face-to-face interactions and meaningful relationships.
* Example: A group of coworkers who establish a "no phones at lunch" rule to encourage conversation and connection.

Chapter 8: Self-Reflection and Growth

* Encourages readers to take time for introspection and to identify their true values and priorities.
* Example: A woman who embarks on a solo retreat to reassess her life and make positive changes.

Chapter 9: Creating a Back to Basics Lifestyle

* Provides practical tips for implementing the principles of back to basics living in everyday life.
* Example: A family that sets up a screen-free zone in their home and dedicates certain evenings to family activities.

Chapter 10: The Joy of Less

* Argues that material possessions do not bring lasting happiness and encourages readers to embrace a simpler and more intentional lifestyle.
* Example: A couple who downsizes their home and donates many of their belongings to charity, feeling a sense of freedom and lightness.