I classify myself as an autodidact, and at the center of my intellectual life is a flashcard program “on steroids.” Without ‘nerding out’ on you, I can sum it up in this way: The more I use it, the more proficient I become in whatever field of knowledge I am studying (Right now Chinese is one big priority). In connection with that program, I have set up my own “self-reward” program to help minimize consuming and spend more time learning, from which I gain the greatest “selfish” happiness (“Selfish” in that it doesn’t immediately benefit others), at least compared to other non-productive pursuits like games, TV, etc. The formula is fairly simple: Every time my flashcard count goes up by 1,000 flashcards, I reward myself with something. It takes about one month to add 1,000 flashcards. Therefore, even if I can financially afford something, I am forced to ask myself, “is it worth the amount of time I’ve spent “earning” it?” I must reevaluate whether something is truly worth my money and energy (Why would I buy this if I’m only going to use it for a week, or if it will only sit on a shelf forever, being moved from one spot to the next?). After all, if this object will simply become another distraction, it can do nothing but detract from my autodidactic lifestyle. This doesn’t mean that I can’t buy cool gadgets and whatnot (I bought one of those Nike+ things that tracks my jogging runs recently), but the system necessitates that what I get is truly useful and “valuable” to me; this “hurtle” has helped stop a great deal of unnecessary consumption.

but regardless of their rules or specific lifestyle, i do applaud them for their commitment. and my goal was to draw attention to the benefits of their experiment… not just the experiment.

I only read the blog article, but what I’m getting is that they were profligate spenders who maybe reduced their spending down to what people in reduced circumstances (I would use myself as a person unemployed for 9 months as an example and others who have to stop spending because they *don’t have the money*) do as a matter of course. I am trying to being careful with judgement here, but I read mention of TV’s in kids rooms and a cruise. (Also, when did buying makeup become an essential life need?)

So, it’s good that they are looking at their lives, but this does feel a bit like a writer getting on the “look, I can be in touch with the recessionary times” bandwagon.

Thanks, of course, for your post. Even if I disagreed a bit with your acclaim of these folks, I appreciate you bringing this info out where I can read it and think about it.