[Homestead] Homesteading & Survivalists

Gene GeRue genegerue at ruralize.com
Sun Jan 18 17:22:08 EST 2009


On Jan 18, 2009, at 11:21 AM, Clansgian at wmconnect.com wrote:

>> I could not agree more or emphasize too strongly that there is a  
>> fundamental difference between the underlying philosophy and  
>> motivation of homesteaders and Suvivalilsts.

I, too, agree with Lynn that survivalism is an opposite to homesteading.

I have experienced three waves of survivalists, the first in the  
seventies, the second during the run-up to Y2k, and the current  
revival. I have read the fearleaders, the writers, the authors. I have  
the books. I have Mel Tappan's "Survival Guns." I have a big book with  
plans for houses that are defensible and have secret places where one  
is instructed to hide one's most valuable items, including one's  
family when the hordes slink in during the night and garrote the  
sentries.

The survivalist mindset is born of fear. Survivalists gird themselves  
against conditions that scare them. Survivalists think food storage,  
gold, guns and ammunition are the answer.
>
> Homesteaders do not go into homesteading to weather a storm.  Oh,  
> it's a very good place to be during ecnomic or even personal storms,  
> and no mistake.  But homesteaders expect to be there no matter the  
> economic times ... and for most, no matter the personal times either.

The homesteader mindset is born of love. Love for space, freedom, and  
independence. Homesteaders work a way of life that is physically and  
emotionally satisfying regardless of outside economic conditions.  
Homesteaders think gardens, chickens and woodlots are the answer.

> Not all, in fact not many, of the survivalist or escapist mentality  
> are
> prepared to homestead.  But almost all homesteaders are prepared to  
> survive and escape.  It is not their primary focus but merely part  
> and parcel of the undertaking.

Well said.

Gene GeRue
www.RURALIZE.com







More information about the Homestead mailing list