100 Thing Challenge

By Virginia Prescott on Monday, June 30, 2008.
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Today we’re talking about information overload -- both virtually and physically. Dave Bruno runs the website Guy Named Dave, where he writes about his efforts to simplify his life by cutting down on his personal belongings. He’s given himself an ultimatum he calls the 100 Thing Challenge; He's trying to whittle his possessions down to a mere 100 items by November of next year. He joins us on Word of Mouth to talk about his efforts.

We’re also joined by Matt Richtel, who writes about technology and Silicon Valley for The New York Times. His book, Hooked, deals with distraction and information addiction in the digital age.

(Photo by Striatic)

Although his motivation sounds different, this reminded me of the story from Australia about the guy who decided to auction off his entire life (possessions, intros to friends, even his job) on Ebay. I think he got around $300K for it all.
http://www.gimundo.com/Articles/Daily/900/3/20/08/Jilted_Husband_Sells_E...

It takes a conscious individual to explore the needs of what he/she holds onto for possessions. In a society that has degraded it's citizens to mere "consumers", I applaud the steel will Dave summoned to free himself of the clutter that pollutes everyday lives. Until we free ourselves of the needs we are sold by the numerous shops and stores (more malls than schools in the US), we will continue to violate the golden ideal of, LIVE SIMPLY THAT OTHERS MAY SIMPLY LIVE.

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Word of Mouth is all about what's new. Online and on-air, the show looks at our fascinating and ever-changing world, and puts the latest ideas under a microscope. Word of Mouth investigates everything from science and technology, to health and the environment, to new trends in popular culture. The show airs Monday through Thursday at noon and is hosted by Virginia Prescott.

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