Man, being back in an urban environment after years of being out in the forest is a real mindfuck.
I just notice the constant human pattern algorithms playing. All of the micro transactions between people, the unsaid normative system at play, the default mode of everyday being that permeates everything. It’s wild to see how the architecture of modernism itself dictates our entire way of being.
Most fucked up is how I’ve missed it. How the comfort of the system of constant appraisal and social cohesion and its overtures towards a nostalgic component of desire that never actualizes. You wouldn’t believe it, but spend a few years living alone out in the forest and you’ll be surprised at what you miss.
Replies (19)
We need each other but we don’t need _this_
Yeah i suppose if everyone came out to the forest such a desire would be satiated.
We can’t all be naked jungle people. But man do we need to be around each other. The network of interpersonal feedback loops of human interaction is hardwired.
I always thought we were npcs
So basically what you're describing is social activity, with normies? What "never actualizes"?
I think it depends on the urban environment as well.
In general I dislike cities, but I love Denver. Perhaps because it is still somewhat close to nature.
Having spent time in rural areas with no cell service or basic amenities, there is both a solace and desperation that resonates in both environments - material and social.
One can adapt or go mad in either.
It's very rare that I'm not socializing with someone. The medium changes but not the fact that I'm engaging with the mind of another.
I'd considered doing social fasts but it would likely be more maddening than healing.
this was an interesting short read.
tyvm
🤙
The largest difference I've notice between living in urban vs rural areas is that people actually acknowledge each other in rural communities. Very common place to say hello when you pass someone on the street. Urban it's head down no eye contact. Always has been awkward for me growing up rural.
The social cohesion in rural communities is maximum, urban communities is minimal.
Depends where you go, what neighborhood. And of course if you’re not from there you’re not gonna get acknowledged the same, just like if you’re a stranger in a rural town you might find the same. I’m originally from NYC, the most urban of urban in my mind. It’s complex and varied. Changes from one neighborhood to the next. Some can be cold and isolating, others have great community and warmth. The best is the myriad of subcultures that are unique, creative, and produce great things. Anything but “normie” or normative. I love going back, but don’t want to live there, can’t handle the energy for too long having lived in the calmer Midwest for many years.
Makes sense to me. The coordination and cooperation to achieve the modern urban environment is really quite remarkable. Despite its constant fiat relics and impacts the reality of it all working despite fiat destruction is a site to behold. Just think what it will be when we fix the foundational coordinating tool.
I enjoy aimless city walks, staying present and observing life’s unfolding narrative. One time I walked from west to east London only using a paper Tube map. That was fun.
Try reading Walter Benjamin’s arcade’s project about the promenades of Paris
I will do sir. Thanks.
Do you have a copy on PDF @`Erik Cason ??
Living in apartment and condo buildings the "community" is basically limited to who live in the building/ on the floor. There are people who sleep 15ft away from me on the other side of a wall that I have never met or heard a peep out of.
There is no community in NYC, LA or Chicago, they are simply too large. There is some shallow communities within buildings or blocks.
Rural communities it's common to know everyone in the town and all their laundry good and bad.
Sounds like you are talking about newer or more affluent areas. Many neighborhoods of NYC, particularly in the Burroughs, people live in smaller 4 or 5 story walk ups, brownstones, or townhomes. Some have families and friends in the area for a few generations. They walk the neighborhood and know and talk to people on the street and in shops. Gentrification has made this more rare but it still exists in many areas. Of course different than a small town where everyone can literally know everyone. Pros and cons of each, a matter of preference. Different, not better or worse in my view.
I'm craving some wilderness time...
Tell me about it😂When you get a good taste of what it is to live alone in the forest around the yeat and all seasons- then, there is no coming back😂👣🙏That kind of freedom and deep connection you can't have anywhere else than staying alone in the nature enough long time. Most beautiful and safe place to me and not lonely at all. 😉
