littleknife- Please watch the PBS promoted video " Alone In The Wilderness" and read the book "One Mans Wilderness", both about Dick Proenneke. Then you might understand why I am very unhappy about "the technological explosion of the last 200 years as compared to the technological achievements of the whole previous human history" The human race is getting too far away from the natural world and a basic lifestyle, IMHO. I was told recently that VR-virtural reality, was the next big thing, after the internet I guess. This would allow you to fell a large tree with an ax while standing in the middle of your livingroom ? Wow, that is really great stuff--NOT.
FortyTwoBlades- the poll less axes I used were original 18th century and 1930's Collins axes that were made for sale to the South American markets.
Old Axeman, thank you for the recommendation. I have read the book and liked it. I will also watch the video.
I am not saying that I am happy about the way modern societies developed, but these historical processes are unfortunately not concerned with our individual happiness - or even survival.
We might not survive progress even as a species. I agree that contemporary humans are living a very unnatural way of life, and in the process we might destroy not only ourselves but also much of complex life on Earth as well.
I think if we are to take more control of the way our lives are shaped by the technology harnessed to serve the wealth, power and greed of a tiny fraction of our society, we need a better knowledge and understanding of this technology, meaning understanding how does it work, what are its benefits, limitations and dangers, and how different alternatives can be used to achieve a more natural and maybe more happy life for a large part of humanity. I understand that science & technology (including social sciences & technology) are just a part of this, with morality, religion, craftsmanship and art playing paramount role too.
I think older technologies should be known or even some of them actively practiced (like for example getting/processing & shaping wood with hand tools), because they provide a complex and satisfactory way to interact with nature, foster creativity, provide connection with our past and teach respect for honest work.
Also, one never knows when the high tech society malfunctions, and it is always good to have a working plan B to prevent total collapse.
That is why it is very important to pass on the knowledge and experience accumulated from experts like you to new generations.
Since you are an exceedingly rare expert of the North American axemanship and woodworking tradition, this makes you a living national treasure.
The internet & artificial reality are but tools, they can be used for good or misused for evil.
Part of your knowledge & experience can be more efficiently spread through the internet, than by printed books, VHS or DVDs.
Of course nothing replaces personal apprenticeship, but by using the tools of virtual reality, one might be able record your movements and it might be possible in the not too distant future for people to experience (at least to some degree) your movements and be something like your virtual apprentices.
Technologies and traditions are dead & easily lost/forgotten if they are not practiced.
I think the internet did help a little bit to preserve this knowledge by providing opportunities for interaction and learning, like this Forum. It connected experts like you and curious & concerned individuals, like me. Thank you for not giving up on us.
