The Moneyless Man: A Year Of Freeconomic Living (2000) - Plot & Excerpts
Interesting and worthy experiment to see the practical challenges of giving up all money for a year. Where the author seems to be presenting it as something more, as a more general model for human existence, the arguments quickly break down into more emotional stuff. He also negates to acknowledge any of the advantages that the invention of currency has had on human civilisation. His relelentless enthusiasm throughout is impressive, but surely had many readers feeling even more disconnected from him and his programme. Celebrating 16 hour ork days and delighting over sea-beat sorbet occasionally comes off as just trying too hard. All that said, I'd say that dealing with the nitpickers must have been the worst aspect of the whole ordeal. very interesting read. some of the concepts are basic, and sometimes the book comes of a bit arrogant, as if he's really the only person on earth living without money or trying to live a more sustainable lifestyle - somewhat of an obvious first world white privilege lens that he frames his discussion through. but I think at least some of that is partly him coming of age. and part of it is actually genuine because he is living in and writing for primarily first world countries of non indigenous cultures. also it just is naturally a little abrasive to have your whole lifestyle questioned by this guy who decides to live without money. this book really does give you a lot to think about and will make you keenly more aware of your consumption habits. i'm not sure I'm on board with him entirely, but he's got me thinking a lot more consciously than I was. and I thought I was already pretty conscientious, so that's a really good thing.
What do You think about The Moneyless Man: A Year Of Freeconomic Living (2000)?
Really interesting but I was hoping for more conclusions and suggestions at the end of the book.
—kingaaron13
Interesting, but skimmed a bit towards the end.
—phillipsd46
