A quote from the preface of “Living The Good Life”:
“We have not solved the problem of living. Far From it. But our experience convinces us that no family group possessing a normal share of vigor, energy, purpose, imagination and determination need continue to wear the yoke of a competitive, acquisitive, predatory culture. Unless vigilante mobs or the police interfere, the family can live with nature, make themselves a living that will preserve and enhance their efficiency, and give them leisure in which they can do their bit to make the world a better place”
From the chapter “We Search For The Good Life” where they are reflecting on the transition from “summer folk” to “year rounders”:
“Only the well-to-do can go to the country, buy a farm, install a water supply, a bathroom, a refrigerator and electricity, tear down the chicken coop and pig pen, convert the barn into a studio and garage, paint the entire place white, leave on Labor Day and return the second week of the following June. We were not well-to-do, and we had burned our bridges and moved to the wilds on a year-round basis. How were we to keep going?”
They thought about selectively cutting trees from their property a little at a time for an income, but ended up learning how to collect Maple sap to make Maple syrup and Maple sugar with, and decided to make the money they did need by doing that, which worked out quite well for them.
More quotes from this wonderful book to come!
