If you do a quick web search for the term “self-sufficiency”, you’ll find a vast array of definitions and interpretations of what it means to be self-sufficient. To gain a better insight into the concept, I decided to ask the people either living it or wanting to live it what self-sufficiency meant to them.
What Does It Really Mean To Be Self Sufficient?
The answers I received were inspiring, demonstrating the different ways people approach the idea of self-sufficiency. In this article, I will share some of the most thought-provoking responses I received, in the hopes of inspiring you to define and embrace your own version of self-sufficiency.
What’s the Conventional Meaning of Self-Sufficiency?
Self-sufficiency is a term that is often used to describe an individual’s ability to provide for their own needs without relying on external resources. This could be anything from earning a living to growing your own food to generating your own power to looking after your own health.
It’s a skill that, when developed, can be incredibly empowering and liberating. Not only does it provide you with a greater level of autonomy and control over your life, but it also helps to reduce your dependence on external factors, such as the economic system, banks, food chains, and health services.
Being able to provide for yourself is a valuable asset, and an important step towards becoming more self-reliant.
Self-reliance can help to protect you in times of crisis, such as economic downturns or natural disasters. It can also help to improve your overall well-being, as it gives you the ability to take charge of your life and act proactively in your community.
Why It’s Important To Become More Self-Reliant
The current state of the world has made it clear that it is more important than ever to become more self-sufficient and self-reliant. The pandemic has shown us just how quickly our lives can be upended, and how vulnerable we can be to external forces.
In addition, the increasing political manipulation of media outlets, as well as the rise of surveillance and digital currencies, have further highlighted the risks of over-dependence on external sources.
The economic downturn caused by the pandemic has also highlighted the importance of self-sufficiency. Many individuals who relied on external sources of income have been left with little to no income, and have had to rely on government assistance programs. This has emphasized the need for individuals to develop the skills and knowledge needed to become more self-reliant.
Finally, the rise of the surveillance state and the introduction of digital currencies, such as the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), have raised serious concerns about our rights and freedoms. The potential for further infringements on our rights is a real and present danger, and the need to minimize exposure is more important than ever.
Becoming more self-sufficient and self-reliant is not a luxury – it is a necessity. It’s essential that we develop the skills and knowledge needed to provide for ourselves, protect our wealth, and maintain our autonomy and freedom. This is the only way to ensure that we are not dependent on external forces and that we are able to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the world.
What Self-Sufficiency Means to Different People
I’ve rounded up some of the comments I received which seem to reflect common themes. Let’s take a look!
1. Self-Sufficiency Levels Change and Are Varying at Different Times of Year
This commenter discusses self-sufficiency and the ways in which it can be achieved. The individual mentions that coffee, tea, and salt are generally the only things needed from the outside world, and suggests growing Yaupon holly ilex vomitoria, a type of holly that contains caffeine, to increase his level of self-sufficiency.
They mention that they have unsuccessfully tried to grow seeds of this plant, and suggest that if they were to succeed, it would result in a level of self-sufficiency in food, drinks, and energy that is close to 100%.
2. There are Different Reasons and Types of Self-Sufficiency
This comment reflects on the different levels of self-sufficiency that people adopt. The first is a more extreme approach of hoarding supplies and aiming to cover all basic needs themselves.
Whereas the second is more realistic, opting for green energy sources and being mindful of what is bought and where it comes from.
The comment also argues that although self-sufficiency can make people feel more secure, it’s almost impossible to be truly self-sufficient in today's world. Ultimately stating that it’s important to be part of a community to ensure security for the future.
3. Community Plays An Important Role
This commenter mentioned the importance of local communities and being self-sufficient. He encourages individuals to ask themselves if they could manage if existing supply chains and the use of fossil fuels were to suddenly collapse.
The comment suggests that being self-sufficient, even if it requires relying on local resources outside of one's own property, is the best way to prepare for any potential scenarios.
4. Complete Self-Sufficiency Is Near Impossible
This comment discusses the concept of self-sufficiency and its realities in today's world. It explains that while it is possible to be somewhat self-sufficient, like not having to pay an electricity bill through solar energy, we are still ultimately dependent on the world for the tools, engineering, and products that make up our lives.
He suggests that while we can choose how much we interact with the world, true self-sufficiency is not possible in the long term.
The struggle to achieve full self-sufficiency was also mentioned a lot. Many people stated that it’s practically unachievable.
I think it all comes down to being content in the present, enjoying where we are at in our own self-sufficiency journey, and taking back control where we can while at the same time choosing to not focus on other less important aspects.
5. Food Independence And Bartering
This comment describes a family's journey toward a more sustainable lifestyle. In answering what does it mean to be self sufficient, they tell of having achieved a few goals, such as having a well for water, raising a range of meat animals, and bartering their produce for sheep. They also grow fruit and vegetables and store any surplus by canning for use out of season.
Additionally, they make all their own cleaning products, deodorants, and creams. Despite having to pay for petrol, their weekly shopping and petrol expenditure is a crazy 10 euros a week. Their final goal is to make soap and shampoo from wood ashes, which they believe will make them self-sufficient.
Food independence and bartering with local communities were some of the most common answers I stumbled upon when posing this question.
6. Self-Sufficiency is Subjective
This comment highlights the differences between “off-grid” and conventional living. For some people, off-grid living involves having a long drop toilet, collecting water from a river, and cooking on an open fire. In mainland Europe, however, this is rare.
Conventional living, on the other hand, typically includes having a mains electricity supply, water supply, and sewage disposal. In remote locations, people do not necessarily have or want mains electricity, but they still have some form of water supply and sewage disposal.
Ultimately, what constitutes off-grid is a subjective topic.
7. It’s Not Easy & Start-Up Costs Can Be Expensive
This comment reflects on the difficulty of achieving self-sufficiency. The author has been living off-grid in the countryside for twenty years and has only been able to reduce their water and electric bills, but still has to buy petrol and butane.
Despite this, the comment acknowledges that there are many people who are able to get much closer to self-sufficiency than the author has, noting that it is a utopic dream which requires money to start and that in an ideal world, it’s something we should strive for.
I tend to agree with this and can attest that at the beginning you need to invest a lot of time and money into building your dreams. But, as with anything, good things take time and sacrifices most definitely pay off in the long run.
The concept of self-sufficiency looks different to everyone because it’s based on individual preferences and needs. At its core, however, it's a way to gain control over one's life, by providing for oneself and reducing dependence on external factors.
For some, self-sufficiency means living off the land and taking care of one’s own basic needs. For others, it may mean having a secure job, access to resources, and a support network of family and friends. Everyone has a different idea of what it means to be self-sufficient, and it's up to each individual to create their own image of what self-sufficiency looks like.
In my opinion, it's important to remember that self-sufficiency is not necessarily a solo mission. Community plays an essential role in becoming more self-reliant, providing individuals with a sense of safety and security. The importance of community in achieving self-sufficiency cannot be overstated.
- The community provides support, resources, and opportunities that can help individuals reach their goals.
- A community can mean anything from a group of friends to a network of professionals, but it is essential to be able to rely on others for assistance and advice.
- A community can help individuals gain access to resources, build skills, and develop relationships that can help them become more self-sufficient.
If you haven’t yet found your own local community, the bournebright online community for self sufficiency is a good place to start. Not only does it provide you with a place to ask your self sufficiency questions and share your knowledge, it also acts as a directory of members where, through a simple search function, you can search for other people interested in self sufficiency in your area.
Tips for Strengthening Your Self-Sufficiency Skills
Seb has written some fantastic articles on self-sufficiency. He gives great insight into the world of sustainable living and how to reduce reliance on outside sources. His articles cover topics like growing your own vegetables, raising animals for food, and living off-grid. They are informative, inspiring, and clearly written.
Some of my favourites include:
This article discusses how becoming self-reliant is an important life hack to improve prospects in the future. It explains how self-reliance is the only way to break out of the cage created by the oppressive system.
It outlines the 6 Pillars of Self-reliance that are the foundations for true freedom.
This article outlines the fundamentals of the Bournebright Method of Self-Sufficiency, which is a philosophy that encourages people to gain more control over their own lives by becoming more self-sufficient in food, shelter, income, energy, health, wealth and people. It provides 10 tips to start building a self-sufficient life today.
Lastly, this article discusses how becoming more self-sufficient can improve one's well-being in various ways, such as boosting dopamine, developing discipline and clarity, learning how to create positive habits, improving self-esteem, sleeping easier, getting fit, re-establishing a connection with nature, giving one roots, and teaching the path to freedom and liberation.
What Does It Mean To Be Self Sufficient: My Conclusion
After exploring the different interpretations of self-sufficiency and the reasons behind why it is important, it’s clear that it is a subjective concept. So, what does it mean to be self-sufficient?
Clearly, it's different to almost all who embark on the journey and everyone has their own definition of what it means to be self-sufficient, and the steps they take to get there.
What’s important is that everyone takes the initiative to define their own version of self-sufficiency and start taking the necessary steps to strengthen their self-resiliency skills.
With the right attitude and resources, self-sufficiency can be a powerful tool that can empower us to take control of our lives and protect our autonomy and freedom.
