Chapter 1: A Call for Change

Last week, I received a call from my friend Nathan, a lawyer based in New York City. Known for his relentless pursuit of success, he works at a prestigious law firm that embodies the high-pressure, money-driven legal world. He’s the type of person who can be quite unlikable until you find yourself in a legal bind, at which point he transforms into a superhero of sorts—using his skills to navigate complicated situations.

We met in law school in the 1990s, instantly bonding despite often differing views on life. Although our conversations are infrequent, we maintain a close friendship.

During our recent chat, Nathan reached out because he was facing a “problem” and sought my perspective. He referred to it as needing a “trusted, independent point of view.” However, I sensed he had likely already decided on a significant change in his life and just needed to vocalize it to bolster his resolve.

The Big Reset

“It feels right,” he said, contemplating leaving his firm. “It’s time to break up The Avengers and explore a solo path. A big reset.”

I was taken aback. “I thought you loved your job. What prompted this shift?”

“It’s just not the same anymore. The work environment has deteriorated, and not for the better,” he replied, listing grievances that many office workers would find relatable.

One complaint particularly struck a chord: “I waste so much time inputting data into a pointless client portal created by a consultant. It’s a distraction from my real job—securing the best outcomes for my clients.”

He continued, “Then there are these ridiculous ‘goal-setting tools’ that demand constant updates, employee satisfaction metrics, and various project tracking systems. They’re like weeds, relentless and suffocating.”

Nathan was on a roll. “Can you imagine Iron Man stuck filling out spreadsheets? I yearn for the days when I could genuinely help people without these distractions.”

He reminisced about a time before constant connectivity, when he had the space to prepare for cases without interruptions. “Work used to be more enjoyable. Now, the expectation to always be available and digitally engaged is driving me mad.”

He lamented how the relentless push for digitization was stifling his creativity and joy. “The simple pleasure of reflecting quietly on a problem is lost. Instead, I’m drowning in digital solutions imposed by those who don’t understand the real issues.”

“Our minds have been taken over. We’re pressured to justify our existence continuously, all for the sake of the machine that demands our attention.”

Revival

As is common with old friends, our conversation drifted to shared memories. We recalled a trip to Colombia around 2000, visiting a classmate who owned a farm in the mountains—a perfect escape from the rigors of law school. It was a classic low-tech experience: nature, no TV, and sporadic electricity.

Upon arrival, our friend warned us about the chilly mountain nights and handed us each a ruana—a wool poncho. It was incredibly warm and allowed us to move freely, making us feel like characters from a Sergio Leone film.

We spent our summer helping on the farm and honing our Clint Eastwood impressions: “Every gun makes its own tune.”

Embracing Low-Tech Living

“Recently, I pulled out my ruana and started wearing it at home. It connects me to a simpler lifestyle and reminds me that there’s more to life than being overwhelmed by digital tools,” Nathan shared.

I chuckled at the image of a high-powered lawyer wandering his Manhattan apartment in a Colombian poncho, but perhaps it symbolizes a necessary reset in our chaotic world. This conversation lingered in my mind, prompting me to look for my own ruana.

A few hours of searching led me to it—the perfect emblem of a low-tech lifestyle, removed from the chaos of modern technology. As the seasons change, I can appreciate the idea of embracing this simpler way of living.

“You see, in this world, there are two types of people, my friend: those with loaded guns and those who dig. You dig.”

Exploring Low-Tech Solutions: Insights from Nathan

In this segment, we delve deeper into Nathan's perspective on the importance of reconnecting with low-tech solutions, exploring how they can enhance our quality of life.