- Details
- Written by: Kamran Mofid
- Hits: 2330
'Remember, no matter where you go, there you are.'– Confucius
My Quest for a Simpler Life: The Story I must Tell
How Pursuing a Quest Can Bring Purpose to Your Life
'Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.'-Confucius
A Simple Manifesto for a Simpler Life: Why Simple Life Matters
Photo:oursimplehomestead.com
Simpler life, Simpler times: How we got from there, being nothing, to where we are today, being us: in the hope that all who desire a life of quality and meaning and who are willing to meet the cost for such a life will receive what they long for.
‘I gave away our stuff’: the minimalists doing more with less- The Observer, Sunday 29 September 2019*
‘Growing numbers of people, partly inspired by Marie Kondo, are ditching consumerism for a simpler life’. More on this later.
I relate to a lot of this article. The words and sentiments resonates with me. Why, you may ask? To answer this question, I need to go back in time, when, over twenty years or so ago, I faced, possibly, the biggest challenge to my way of life. It could have been very disastrous. But now looking back, one consequence of that very sad time, was the fact that ‘Simplicity’, ‘Living Simply’ which was forced on us, has turned out to be the biggest gift we could have ever had.
Let me recall, what I had noted about this awhile back:
Life is so full of unpredictable beauty and strange surprises
As many people, wiser than me have noted, our lives and the world in which we all live, are so unpredictable. Things happen suddenly, unexpectedly. We want to feel we are in control of our own existence. In some ways we are, in some ways we're not ... Life, it can bring you so much joy and yet at the same time cause so much pain.
I was so devastated that after this wonderful journey, full of joy and happiness, achievements and success, due to some reasons beyond my control, I started to feel unwell, unhappy, not enjoying what I was doing and teaching, especially when I lost all confidence in the value of moral-free economics that I was teaching my students, and more.
In 1999 I voluntarily resigned from my post at Coventry University. It goes without saying that, I was heartbroken and extremely hurt that I was unable to nurture and develop further what I had envisioned and built.
Looking back, reflecting on what has happened, I think, somehow, somebody, somewhere, had planned it so that I, too, should have a life, similar to the life of Coventry itself: fall and rise again,...Continue to read
Yes, I left my employment. I lost my income. But, in the process, I discovered more about myself. I rediscovered the love of my wife, my children, family and a few friends that had decided to remain with me. My wife and myself were pushed into opting a far more simpler life that we had ever imagined before. This has encouraged us to become more aware of who we are, what we are and also what the most important and precious in life are. For all these, I cannot be more grateful and thankful.
All in all, for the last couple of decades, we have been living a (relatively) simple life, or to put it another way, we have been living a simpler life, that we may have not been living, if life had not played the card, as it did, all those years ago, as I noted above.
Thus, as the complexity of my life grew, and I renewed my commitments, I chose to lead my life more simply. I could, I suppose, have found solace in artificial lift-ups, drugs and alcohol. I am grateful I did not. I chose love, I chose mother nature, volunteerism, taking action in the interest of the common good. I chose to share and tell my story. I founded the GCGI and in the process found the best, most beautiful friends I could have ever imagined I could have.
Living a simple life is about paring back, so that you have space to breathe. It’s about doing with less, because you realize that having more and doing more doesn’t lead to happiness. It’s about finding joy in the simple things, and being content with solitude, quiet, contemplation and savoring the moment.
Of course, these are not the only gifts you’ll receive for living a simpler life. The best ones are the ones you will discover yourself. Try simpler life and see what happens — I think you’ll find out something beautiful about yourself, and about life.
In short, the best kind of simplicity is that which exposes the raw beauty, joy and heartbreak of life as it is; not the Facebook and Instagram life, but life as it should be: real, authentic, ups and downs, love and being loved. Carpe Diem!
Below, for your interest I have noted a few Blogs I have written in praise of the simpler life:
But, before that, I very much wish to share an email I sent to our GCGI Friends, whilst on holiday in the Greek Island, Crete, last May, very relevant to our story today:
‘So often, we exhaust ourselves and the planet in a search for very large pleasures - while all around us lies a wealth of small pleasures, which - if only we paid more attention - could daily bring us solace and joy at little cost and effort. But we need some encouragement to focus our gaze…’
A Simple Manifesto for a Simpler Life
Photo: lifesanswers.org
Dear Friends,
(4 May 2019-Crete)
Greetings and love from the very beautiful and lovely Island of Crete, Greece. In the last week or so Annie and I have been traveling in Athens and a couple of days ago we arrived here in Crete. Very beautiful, warm and blue skies and calm seas.
Whilst travelling, I picked up, once again, a fascinating book I have been reading. I cannot put it down! I want to read it again and again. And knowing me, I cannot settle until I have shared it with you all.
Given the short term tenure of life, and the littleness of human existence, why is it that we spend so much time and effort on things that are not really important?
Our collective model of a good life tends to focus exclusively on material side of our existence, whilst ignoring the more important side, namely, the spiritual aspect of our being.
The biggest tasks of civilisation is to teach us how to better enjoy this journey we call life and this is why the book I am reading again and again- Small Pleasures- so beautifully fulfills that function.
Please click on the link below and scroll down to the bottom of the page and see more about this book. Get the book and read it. You will not be disappointed, believe me.
In these troubled times let us be ordinary and enjoy the simple pleasures of life
Love,
Kamran
And now more links for your interest:
The Wonders of an Ordinary Life
Why a Simple Life Matters: The Path to peace and happiness lies in the simple things in life
In this troubled world let the beauty of nature and simple life be our greatest teachers
Time or Money: Which one is the path to a happier life?
In Praise of Frugality: Materialism is a Killer
Slow Food for the Common Good to save the World
The secret to happiness? Contentment!
Are you physically and emotionally drained? I know of a good and cost-free solution!
Make 2019 the year of simplicity, so that all may live better
A Sure Path to build a Better World: How nature helps us feel good and do good
In Praise of Laughter and Joy in these Dark and Uncertain Times
The Art of Living a Happier life: Solitude- The Most Important Skill Nobody Taught You …
n a world of constant distraction seek solitude to attain contentment …
The Joy of Less- A Minimalist Living Guide: A must-read book
A Simple Manifesto for a Simpler Life: Why Simple Life Matters
‘We live in a time when many people experience their lives as empty and lacking in fulfillment. The decline of religion and the collapse of communism have left but the ideology of the free market whose only message is: consume, and work hard so you can earn money to consume more. Yet even those who do reasonably well in this race for material goods do not find that they are satisfied with their way of life. We now have good scientific evidence for what philosophers have said throughout the ages: once we have enough to satisfy our basic needs, gaining more wealth does not bring us more happiness.’- Peter Singer
Simple Living Promotes Virtue, Which Promotes Happiness
Simple Living is Guided by Economic Prudence, ‘Waste not, Want not.’
Simple Living Allows One to Work in order to Satisfy the Basic Needs and Thus, Enjoy More of life’s Experiences which Suffices for Happiness
Simple Living Promotes Serenity Through Detachment
Living Frugally Prepares One for Tough Times
Simple Living Enhances One’s Capacity for True Pleasures of Life, When Less is More!
Frugality Fosters Self-Sufficiency and Independence
Simple Living Keeps One Close to Nature and the Natural, when one is Guided and Inspired by the Wisest Teacher: The Mother Nature
Simple Living Promotes Good Health and Spiritual Purity
Simple Living Allows us to Speak of Global Responsibility and a Global Community. It Encourages us to Take Action in the Interest of the Common Good.
- Details
- Written by: Kamran Mofid
- Hits: 1670
Time to Resist the Attention Economy: Time to Do Nothing
Photo:i.pinimg.com
In this age when all we do, all we are, who we are, what we are has been priced and monotized, we need to search for a different path, a different meaning to life.
It's not a sign of sophistication, elegance or importance, when somebody tells me that they are insanely busy! Busy doing what, contributing to what, to what end and for what reason?
If they cannot answer these questions satisfactory, then, to my mind, they are not busy, they are totally insane!
In a world of constant distraction seek solitude to attain contentment
Time to make appointments to do nothing!
How To Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy
Photo:amazon.com
‘A galvanizing critique of the forces vying for our attention—and our personal information—that redefines what we think of as productivity, reconnects us with the environment, and reveals all that we’ve been too distracted to see about ourselves and our world.’
Nota bene
A year or so ago, I wrote about how ‘doing nothing’ is the path to happiness, when doing nothing Is doing everything.
I must admit, I was not surprised, given my own feelings and thoughts at the time that, ‘Doing Nothing’ so warmly and positively resonated with readers. Many telling me that the words and sentiments I expressed had touched them, whilst encouraging them to reflect, wonder and seek life’s bigger picture; rethinking their attitude to life in general.
Finding solace, inner-peace and happiness by ‘doing nothing, or being in the presence of nature is not a new idea, but its sense of escape is increasingly necessary for our survival in this modern life, on call 24/7.
This is why I am writing about this book and why we should find time to read it. A good way to do a lot, by doing nothing!
How To Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy
‘Nothing is harder to do these days than nothing. We find every last minute captured, optimised, or appropriated as a financial resource for the technologies we use daily. We consume algorithmic versions of ourselves, submit our free time to numerical evaluation, and maintain personal brands in digital space. After the American presidential election of 2016, Jenny Odell felt so overstimulated and disoriented by information, misinformation, and the expressions of others, that reality itself seemed to slip away. How To Do Nothing is her action plan for resistance. Drawing on the ethos of tech culture, a background in the arts, and personal storytelling, Jenny Odell makes a powerful argument for refusal: refusal to believe that our lives are instruments to be optimised.’
‘Technology, coupled with economic insecurity, has dissolved boundaries between work, rest and leisure. “What we are left with,” Odell writes, with no small sadness, “[are] 24 potentially monetizable hours … that we can no longer justify spending on ‘nothing’. It ...is simply too expensive.”
This “crisis” forms the basis of Odell’s new book, described as both a “critique of the forces vying for our attention” and an action plan for how to resist them. As a title, How to Do Nothing sounds parodic – I felt a bit self-conscious reading it on the train. Who needs a book to know how to do nothing?...’ Read more
- Details
- Written by: Kamran Mofid
- Hits: 1390
Photo:uniserveducation.com
As a campaigner for reform of our universities and their courses, to reflect and project goodness and wisdom, by taking action in the interest of the common good, I am delighted to send my congratulations and best wishes to Queen Mary, University of London on the launch of the UK's first degree in Social Change.
At this time of spiritual, moral and ethical confusion, when the world of knowledge and competence is in a state of flux, the university is showing that a values-led education can do more than stumble in the dark; it points to the light in the world.
I salute the university and wish the first intake of students the best in all they do, changing the world for the better. Long may it be so.
Business Management (Social Change)
Are you interested in changing the world for the better?
'Earn while you train in business management and social change, and graduate with both a BSc and four years of work experience. This degree apprenticeship is designed to help you build a career in the voluntary and non-profit sectors, which includes charities and community organisations.
You will build on your creative thinking, communication and analytical skills while learning about key business practices like accounting, marketing, human resources and organisational innovation.
Through engagement with leading practitioners in the sector, you will develop a strong understanding as well as practical experience of the unique governance and regulatory environment, along with social impact and evaluation, fundraising, finance and project management.
In your third and fourth years, you will choose modules and work-based projects that suit your interests, allowing you to develop expertise in the charitable and voluntary sectors.
Teaching and research are based on three pillars: governance; social justice and sustainability; and the UN Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME).'-Social Change at Queen Mary
UK’s first degree course in social change begins*
Queen Mary University of London freshers have been paired with charities for degree programme
'Some of the student apprentices on the course.' Photo: Anselm Ebulue/The Guardian
‘The UK’s first degree course in “social change” has attracted five times more candidates per place than Oxford University, as young people flock to activist careers to reshape a world strained by environmental and wealth inequalities.
Freshers gathered for the start of the pioneering course this week at Queen Mary University of London where they have been paired with major charities in a study-apprenticeship programme aimed at forging a new generation of charity leaders.
Around 80% of the students are from black and minority ethnic (Bame) backgrounds which the course leaders hope will change a status quo which saw a third of the UK’s largest charities led by completely white teams last year, according to a study of 100 organisations.
Charities which have signed up to take on the degree apprentices include WaterAid, Alzheimer’s Society, Action for Children, Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust (YGAM) and the Scouts. They will be taught ethics, advocacy, accounting and law with modules on starting up organisations, mentoring others and using social media.
“You have generations growing up now, the Greta Thunbergs of this world who want to take action to make the world a better place,” said Dr Philippa Lloyd, vice-principal of Queen Mary. “They want to make a social impact as well as an economic impact. That is what this is tapping into.”
More than 500 people applied for the 13 places on the four-year BSc course – the equivalent of 38 per place, whereas six people applied for every place at Oxford University in 2017. There are two days of study each week and the rest is work with the host charity. The apprentices earn the minimum wage.
“My area is quite rough,” said Adarsh Ramchurn, from Ilford, at the course launch. “There’s knife crime and youth violence and that’s something I don’t want to escalate. The fact I know we are changing lives and wanting to make a positive impact in society [is important to me].”
Shania Thomas, 19, from Chiswick said she was among those in her generation who had concluded that capitalism was not working and so their career choices were increasingly focusing on social change.
“Coming from a disadvantaged background I think about how I can help other people and be a role model,” she said. “This degree will help us find out how to do something about [the problems we see]. Being a role model in the Bame community has partly motivated me to do this.”
Lloyd said: “Rather than acting like Lady Bountiful, it is about having empathy with the lived experience.
“You can appreciate it, but you can’t fully understand it unless you have lived with people or have had that experience yourself. I think that diversity is really important and getting that into the senior leadership, not just of charities.”
Mike Wojick, chairman of YGAM which is taking on Nadia Tarik, 22, from Bromley as a degree apprentice, said many of the people his charity helped worked as warehouse labourers or drivers, and the leadership of charities needed to better reflect their users.
“As a professional you don’t have much experience of people working in those areas,” he said. “That’s why it’s important for our staff to reflect that and get pathways in those communities.”
The chief executive of Scouts, Matt Hyde, said: “There is an explicit aim to diversify the charity sector which is predominantly white.
“We need more people with lived experience leading social sector organisations. We have to channel the frustrations about the inequalities into practical solutions and this is one of those solutions.”
*This article by Robert Booth was first published in the Guardian on 26 September 2019
N.B. Some friendly and heartfelt advice to the course leader, Social Change, Queen Mary, University of London.
Please, and I cannot over emphasise this, ensure that the students are offered courses in economics and business that reflect their realities, their dreams and aspirations and the realities of the world situations. If they can get these within the current curriculum at the departments of economics, at any university, I am not that sure. In what follows, I hope, I can make this point as clear as possible.
Here, to assist you further, I offer the following for your kind consideration:
First item to note, to appreciate the spirit of my advice is:
Ethics boys
'Sir, Around 1991 I offered the London School of Economics a grant of £1 million to set up a Chair in Business Ethics. John Ashworth, at that time the Director of the LSE, encouraged the idea but had to write to me to say, regretfully, that the faculty had rejected the offer as it saw no correlation between ethics and economics. Quite.' Lord Kalms, House of Lords, in a letter to the Times (08/03/2011)
And now a few reading suggestions:
Calling all academic economists: What are you teaching your students?
‘Saving economics from the economists’: My dialogue with a young economist
Economists Stop teaching 'The World's Dumbest Idea'!
Economics and Economists Engulfed By Crises: What Do We Tell the Students?
Stop the Seeds of Destruction: Toward teaching economics of the real world
Why Economics, Economists and Economy Fail?
Economics, Globalisation and the Common Good: A Lecture at London School of Economics
Dismal Scientists Discover the Truth: The Prize is not Noble and Economics is not a Science
A New Nobel Prize: Economics in the Interest of the Common Good
Why Economics Needs the Common Good?
The Destruction of our World and the lies of Milton Friedman
Economic Growth: The Index of Misery
Neoliberalism and the rise in global loneliness, depression and suicide
The Decline and fall of America: Social cohesion sacrificed to greed
Mr Trump, we are not what we earn!
The UK’s Broken Economic Model
Greed of Profit Maximisation and the Robbery of the Century in London
Why Happiness Should be Taught at Our Universities
The World would be a Better Place if Economists had Read This Book
Britain today and the Bankruptcy of Ideas, Vision and Values-less Education
What might an Economy for the Common Good look like?
My Economics and Business Educators’ Oath: My Promise to My Students
For more articles please see: www.gcgi.info
- Britain Today (24 September 2019): A picture is worth a thousand words
- Greed of Profit Maximisation and the Robbery of the Century in London
- Time or Money: Which one is the path to a happier life?
- Can we price everything, or are somethings in life just priceless?
- Dreaming About Utopia to Make the World Great Again