Radical Self-reliance

[slvrnmph]

From burningman.com

Radical Self-reliance
Burning Man encourages the individual to discover, exercise and rely on his or her inner resources.

I've been noticing a lot of people making statements that it is radical self reliance to ask other people for help. I don't think there is anything wrong with asking for help, but I have to say I don't see how that can be called radical self reliance. Am I the only one that is bothered by this? Does someone who thinks that is radical self reliance have a good explanation for me? I can see how asking for help falls under some of the other principles, but radical self reliance?

[TomServo]

Do the research, then ask questions. simple as that! No one ever said "Radical Research Skills!"

[BBadger]

Radical self-reliance is code for "don't expect anything to be provided for you unless you've secured it yourself." So don't expect help, even if many people are willing to render it. Remember, that you can always ask; just don't expect. In terms of the event, it's a disclaimer to avoid the expectation that anything will be provided other than bathrooms and some medical services.

Some of the "principles" have partial roots in the required policies that have become part of running an event such as Burning Man. "Leave No Trace" is to fall within BLM land use guidelines, and avoid extra work on part of the event organizers; plus people generally don't want to have the land wrecked. "Decommodification"/"Gifting" prevents commercial interests from affecting the event, and all the stuff that comes with it taxation, regulations, catering, etc. "Radical Self-Reliance" avoids having to provide costly infrastructure for a 50k+ population event, while staying true to its camp-out-in-the-desert roots.

Do the research, then ask questions. simple as that! No one ever said "Radical Research Skills!"

That's also the way to avoid stupid questions!

[TomServo]

But doesn't protect you from stupid answers.

[Ugly Dougly]

It's a desert, not a strip mall.

[Simon of the Playa]

It's a desert, not a strip mall.

[Token]

Radical Self Reliance

The ability to say: "I don't give a fuck"

Regardless of how nice the tits on the Sparkle Pony may appear at that moment.

[Dr Helix]

There is nothing wrong with needing help. And offering to help is a gift. The bottom line is that you should put yourself in a position where neither is expected.

[Simon of the Playa]

at least try first.

for g*d's sake.

[Simon of the Playa]

you want me to PEEL that for you too?

[Simon of the Playa]

THIS

[Captain Goddammit]

So that's what a 1-ton turbo diesel motorcycle looks like!

[BurnerBunny]

radical sparkplepony power is one of the principles right?

[Savannah]

From burningman.com

Radical Self-reliance
Burning Man encourages the individual to discover, exercise and rely on his or her inner resources.

I've been noticing a lot of people making statements that it is radical self reliance to ask other people for help. I don't think there is anything wrong with asking for help, but I have to say I don't see how that can be called radical self reliance. Am I the only one that is bothered by this? Does someone who thinks that is radical self reliance have a good explanation for me? I can see how asking for help falls under some of the other principles, but radical self reliance?

I can't remember instances of people saying that asking for help is a form radical self-reliance. However, I would disagree with that if I saw it.

What I've seen many people say, on the other hand, is that you should do your damnedest not need anyone else's help . . . but if you are in dire straits, ask. And that's very different.

[Lonesomebri]

I go out there and if no one else showed up, I'd be living large. Boku self-reliance. I could take a bath in the beer. The creativity, surprise, wonder, gifts, food, drinks, hugs, kisses that the people bring is a bonus. Included with that humanity is compassion and empathy, bringing help and aid if I need it. But I'm not planning on that, I'm planning to bring it.

[Captain Goddammit]

I go out there and if no one else showed up, I'd be living large. Boku self-reliance. I could take a bath in the beer. The creativity, surprise, wonder, gifts, food, drinks, hugs, kisses that the people bring is a bonus. Included with that humanity is compassion and empathy, bringing help and aid if I need it. But I'm not planning on that, I'm planning to bring it.

That's exactly right! That's how I do it, I'd be 100% covered even if nobody else showed up.
But I'd be bored, and leave.

[Simon of the Playa]

break out the schmaltz.

[media]

[Savannah]

If I showed up alone and no one else made it, I'd be a day late because I drive more slowly than my co-pilot does, but other than that . . .

I guess I'd have a lot of time to work on my dance moves.

[media]

[Roberto Dobbisano]

stop.




i'm all moist.....i'm getting vehklempt.



talk amongst yourselves while i fondly remember the hay bales, overflowing Porta Potties and DRANO burning to the ground........*sniff*

[BurnerBunny]

Do you also apply radical self reliance towards sex on the playa?

[Savannah]

Do you also apply radical self reliance towards sex on the playa?

You should be prepared to take matters into your own hands.

What you are freely Gifted is something else altogether.

[FIGJAM]

So I won't get expelled for forgeting the can opener?

[Simon of the Playa]

So I won't get expelled for forgeting the can opener?

thats why we have machetes.

[Savannah]

Last year some friends and I were drinking around the fire at 2am. A neighbor neighbor came by and said "Can I borrow your can opener?"

My friend Whalan, seated, looked gravely up at the man in need.

"What do you want it for?"

There was a long, solemn silence.

And then we laughed so hard and for so long at how weird Whalan is that when we looked up, the guy had left in disgust.

The moral of the story: bring your can opener, because my friends are bastards.

[Simon of the Playa]

so are mine.

[H.G.Crosby]

radical self non-sequitars.

[DrewDubious]

I wonder if it is radically self reliant to rely on all these people to set up this event -for- us to enjoy instead of doing it ourselves.









HMMMMM

[Simon of the Playa]

.

[Eric]

That girl in the middle should have radically relied on her natural boobs, because somebody done fucked up & glued two domes to her chest.

[Simon of the Playa]

That girl in the middle should have radically relied on her natural boobs, because somebody done fucked up & glued two domes to her chest.

OMG...it's like a vulcan mind meld all up in here....


first thing i thought too...