Beast or God: Self Sufficiency in the Modern Age

Aristotle wrote in Politics that “the man who is isolated, who is unable to share in the benefit of political association…because he is already self sufficient, is no part of the city, and must therefore be either a beast or a god” (1253^a25). He was born over 2,400 years ago. Yeah, we’re talking the BCs. His theories highlighted the good of the society. He believed that democracy was not the best form of government and man must be coerced to do good. When I visualize my ideal living scenario, oftentimes it involves a cabin of some manner and the ability to be self-sustaining. According to Aristotle, that makes me a beast or a god. So, which am I?

Beast

In the context of Aristotle, likely writing this in his 40s or 50s, I am clearly a beast. If a man so desires to remove himself from society, he must not follow the one rule: “man is a political animal” (1253^a7). In other words, we should want to connect and be close to one another. Community is central to life. The city or polis is the keypoint of Aristotle’s ideology. The polis is comprised of households and those of individuals. It’s difficult to understand the culture and thinking of Aristotle. I get hooked on his statements like “a complete household consists of slaves and freemen” (1253^b1). Aristotle felt that the good life consisted of leisure and slaves were required so that freemen can live the good life. Everyone has a place in life.

Of course, I disagree with that statement, although not wholly. The good life includes leisure, but hard work breeds satisfaction upon completion. He must have felt that upon finishing a lecture or writing. In the mind of Aristotle, a polis provides the opportunity for leisure. Actually, Aristotle thought cities should be self sufficient. However, a man not wishing to join the political venture must surely be a beast. How might he be a god?

God

If the beast is a solitary animal than the god is one without the need for human needs. This begs the question: what are human needs? Aristotle (and I) would quickly reply with community (in addition to the obvious). I don’t desire to remove myself completely from society. Well, sometimes I do. My main goals are to develop skills and live more closely with nature. I enjoy friends and community just like others. I partake in leisure as much as the next fellow, but I relish hardwork and learning new skills. 

On YouTube,  I watch “cabin builds” and “life in an Alaskan cabin” for hours, if I get sucked in. Even these ventures are filmed and submitted to the world for viewing. There are some individuals who absolutely retreat from society. We call them hermits. Depending on their reasoning, Aristotle might decide to call them beast or god. If they only wish to be in solitude and dislike society, that makes them a beast. If they somehow have no need for community, they are a god. I don’t understand either cause.

Neither

I enjoy the idea of self sufficiency, providing most of what I require on my own. I would like to engage in this venture with friends. Community is what I thrive on. In this case, I agree with Aristotle’s statement that “man is a political animal.” I don’t think that wishing to be self sufficient is wrong. I would not consider myself either a beast or a god. I do not wish to leave society as a whole. I definitely don’t lack a need for human connection. So I’m something else. 

Self-sufficiency and community can work together. Aristotle’s polis was much smaller and simpler than our modern metropolises. In an era of global trade, digital connections, and sprawling cities, perhaps Aristotle’s theory of the self-sufficient city is outdated. Yet, my desire to live self sufficiently with a small group of friends might align more closely with his ideas than the massive, interconnected world we inhabit today.

That wouldn’t make me a beast or a god, just a person seeking balance between independence and connection. So, anyone up for joining my polis?