In the spirit of Helen and Scott Nearing’s The Good Life, Coperthwaite lives life by his own hands. He discusses how to make our society more democratic, so that it’s truly of, for and by the people. For example, he shares his design for a “democratic hatchet” that can be cut out of sheet metal and fastened to a handle by anyone with a few basic tools. Like the Nearings, Coperthwaite strives to live simply. Finishing the bread labor first (Any work that has to do with the actual business of life, like eating, clothing, shelter,) and using the spare time left in the day for spiritual and leisure pursuits. Aside from the inspiring text, it’s a beautiful book, with serene, wholesome pictures. Check it out sometime, it’s worth the read!
The Handmade Life
Handmade Life Original Framed Art by blueberryshoes
When I saw this adorable, framed artwork by Hollie of Blueberryshoes, I was immediately reminded of one of my favorite books: A Handmade Life by William S. Coperthwaite.
I like how Hollie’s artwork seems to embody the feminine aspects of a Handmade life, while William S. Coperthwaite focuses on a masculine ideal of taking care of the bare essentials and of living simply, without adornment. I worship Coperthwaite’s and the Nearing’s spare, authentic lifestyles, but I am, as of yet, too frilly to rip apart my own chicken and cook it. I’m very glad to pay another authentic person to rip apart a chicken for me, though! In the meantime, I’ll continue to can tomatoes and ketchup and pickles and to use my hands to create useful things, because a Handmade Life is really just another name for a Life of Fulfillment. When the activities you spend your time and life energy on are closely tied to, what I call, the Actual Business of Life, you’re filled with a greater sense of fulfillment. Something as simple as cooking your own dinner from vegetables that you grew brings a sense of accomplishment to your day that is very different from the feeling you get from handing money to a person and receiving a meal for it. You’re still eating, but the connection to Living is lost in the second example. I really like lists of things, and I think I’ll make a drawing like Hollie’s, but with all the things that make up a Handmade Life for me. I’ll post it next week! In the meantime, I’d love it if you’d share what it means to you to live a handmade life, what are the things you do everyday, maybe without even thinking about it, that bring you closer to the Actual Business of Living?