Chapter 1: A Life Detached from Technology

My brother Joseph resides in a secluded cabin beside a tranquil stream deep within the Canadian wilderness. This rustic dwelling is devoid of electricity, plumbing, and WiFi, and he has no need for a computer or the Internet.

He thrives in nature, crafting birch-bark canoes, trapping wildlife, and preparing animal skins to earn a modest living. Joseph uses a basic flip phone, allowing us to connect once a month when he ventures into town for supplies. During the harsh winter months, he might remain silent for up to three months, isolated by snow.

Joseph lives entirely off the grid. A search for him online yields no results; there are no social media profiles, no tweets, no Instagram posts—nothing. According to the digital world, he simply does not exist.

And that suits him just fine. He does not gauge his worth by “likes,” “follows,” or “subscribers.” Each morning, he wakes without an inbox to check—no virtual admirers to engage with.

His companions are the local wildlife. Occasionally, after a long day of trapping, he returns to find Skippy, his pet black bear (rescued from a mountain lion as a cub), waiting for a friendly scratch and some peanut butter. Over the past two decades, he has formed unique bonds with weasels, squirrels, raccoons, a moose, and a local wolf pack. Just last month, he mentioned befriending a jumping spider that made its home on his windowsill.

Joseph is an enigma. He is among the happiest people I know, radiating a positive outlook. He diligently maintains his wilderness sanctuary and possesses a profound respect for nature. His philosophy on spirituality revolves around honoring the natural world and living in sync with its rhythms, showing no interest in organized religion or churches.

He believes the world is progressing as it should. He has faith that humanity will eventually recognize the need to halt pollution and environmental destruction. “If not,” he asserts, “we’ll face the same fate as the dodo bird. It’s that straightforward. The Earth will endure, and perhaps God will turn attention to other creatures on distant planets.”

Once, he shared his discovery of the skeletal remains of a massive Mastodon-like creature that lived over 12,000 years ago. “It’s enormous,” he exclaimed. “It’s astonishing. There it was, protruding from the sediment near a dried riverbed in one of the forest’s most remote areas, and before I found it, no one on the planet had a clue it existed.”

This revelation puts everything into perspective for him. Cities are crowded with individuals striving for recognition, desperate to leave a mark, obsessed with their online personas.

“I don’t need a selfie to affirm my existence, my freedom, or my happiness,” he insists. “I have nothing to prove to anyone. Life is challenging out here; nothing comes easily. There are times of isolation and hardship. But the air is fresh, the water is pristine, and I am surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Sometimes, I feel the presence of God beside me, sharing a moment of warmth and laughter.”

“And if there’s one thing I know, you won’t discover that on the Internet, no matter how many selfies you take.”

Chapter 2: Embracing Nature's Authenticity

Explore the impact of social media on our lives and how disconnecting can lead to a more fulfilling existence.

Childish Gambino discusses the journey of self-identity and the importance of authenticity over social media validation.