'I gave up cash after selling my house 17 years ago - I live off nature instead' (original) (raw)
'Moneyless man' Mark Boyle decided to quit cash altogether following a lifechanging conversation, and now lives a life without running water, electricity or the internet
Mark Boyle has left all modern technology behind
A man who gave up cash almost 20 years ago now lives in a remote 'wasteland house' without running water or electricity - and hasn't looked back.
Business and economics graduate Mark Boyle, 45, had initially intended to take up a 9 to 5 job, but a conversation with a friend in 2007 changed everything. After talking through some of the world's most pressing issues, Mark came to the realisation that money was at the root of all such evils - and so decided to avoid it altogether.
Mark, originally from Ballyshannon, County Donegal, Ireland, decided to take the first step towards a cash-free existence by selling his house and moving into an old caravan. Although he was determined to make a change, the drastic switch didn't come easily, and Mark initially missed the comforts he'd become accustomed to, including coffee.
A conversation with a friend in 2007 changed everything (
Image:
Daily Mirror)
The 'Freeconomist' gave up 90 per cent of his worldly possessions (
Image:
Daily Mirror)
Mark didn't give up on his mission, however, and, as he settled into his new routine, things gradually got easier, as reported by the Galway Beo. Writing of his experiences in 2010, Mark shared: "But after a few months, everything became very easy, I completed all my daily tasks. Ironically, I have found the past two years to be the most fulfilling of my life."
Then in 2017, Mak went even further with his new lifestyle - moving to an old wooden house in a remote area of County Galway, far away from modern conveniences such as electricity, running water and the internet. Although some have described Mark's alternative way of life as 'simple', he doesn't view this as strictly accurate.
Giving up coffee proved tricky at first (
Image:
Daily Mirror)
Mark, who is often referred to as the 'Moneyless Man', often writes about his experiences for The Guardian, detailing his views on 'Freeconomics', as well the more practical aspects of a life lived foraging and fishing, rather than shopping. The author, who published The Moneyless Man: A Year of Freeconomic Living in 2010, said: "My previous life in the city was quite simple but made up of thousands of complicated things such as: smartphones, sockets and plastic items.
"Now I create a rather cumbersome life where I have to do everything. But they are simple and easy to find." Although Mark is well aware that his way of life might not be everybody's cup of tea, going forward he hopes that his story will inspire others to consider becoming less dependent on money. According to Mark: "I don't romanticise the past or the future. I know which way of life brings me the most peace and satisfaction."
Mark hopes his story will inspire others to become less dependent on money (
Image:
Daily Mirror)
In an interview with reporter Serena Renner, Mark, who gave away 90 per cent of his possessions after starting on his new path, reflected upon the qualities needed to live a 'moneyless life'. He shared: "Living moneyless is a lot easier than being a rocket scientist or a brain surgeon in the city. Even crossing the road in the city takes navigation. If you think of all the complexities that make a city function, that requires masses of resources and different people with different skills.
"But here, you walk down the lane and there's a few berries on the side of the road and you pick them. And there's a few ramsons [wild garlic] over in that patch where you always get them from, and you pick those. It’s not that complicated."
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