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I’m a software developer who has been enthusiastic about technology pretty much my entire life, but lately I’ve started doubting that our current technological advances are even a net positive for humanity. Reading about things like this (and also about online ads, robocalls, tracking, spyware, ransomware, extortionware, massive environment-ravaging crypto-mining ops, state surveillance, “predictive policing”, fake news, state-coordinated FUD campaigns, etc.) makes me want to give it all up and live out what remains of my life in subsistence on a primitive farm.


Then, you will learn about the plight of the farmers. Really, checkout "Super Size Me 2". I don't think there is any industry where its all gravy. Each industry has its own problems, you can only do your best to contribute in its positive growth. Don't be too hard on yourself. Also, you aren't Ghandi (or insert XYZ person here), don't put too much weight on your shoulders. FWIW none of us really matter, this is a symptom of how North American companies operate. Survival of the fittest. I went through deep depression for similar reasons, so hoping some tough love helps you.


I suspect you're conflating/confusing subsistence farming with industrial "farming". As someone who has lived a "subsistence" lifestyle for a long time, now (decades) one can live really quite well on a "sub-poverty-level income" simply because you're quite decoupled from conventional-money economies. I've heard it called "abundance poverty" (not "abundant poverty", to be sure! :) )

It's worth a disclaimer, though: I practise this subsistence (aka "self-sufficiency") living outside the USA. USmmv.




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