City Quitters

City Quitters explores cultural shifts towards rural living, emphasizing post-urban experiences. It discusses themes like revitalizing rural areas, the benefits of unplugging from technology, fostering community and sustainability, and reevaluating urban life's pace and pressures. Stories highlight blending traditional methods with modern ideas for meaningful, balanced living.

rural revitalization technology and unplugging community building sustainable living urban life critique

The hottest Substack posts of City Quitters

And their main takeaways

Life is better in real life

839 implied HN points • 17 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Digital Life Social media Youth Trends Mental health Minimalism
  1. Real life gives us real experiences that phones can distract us from. When we spend too much time on our devices, we miss out on what’s happening around us.
  2. There's a growing desire for people to unplug and enjoy life without smartphones. Many are seeking ways to rediscover experiences like hanging out or exploring nature without capturing them on their phones.
  3. Kids today spend an incredible amount of time on screens, which can affect their social skills and creativity. Finding ways to encourage boredom and real-life interactions is important for better mental health.

Less hustle, more life

559 implied HN points • 17 May 24
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Architecture Sustainability Personal Development
  1. Choosing a simpler life in the countryside can bring a sense of peace and community. People can feel more connected to their surroundings and the locals, which helps foster friendships.
  2. Building smaller homes that focus on essentials allows for a more sustainable lifestyle. It promotes less clutter and encourages a focus on what truly matters.
  3. Taking time to make thoughtful decisions in life and work can lead to better outcomes. A slower pace allows for deeper consideration and reduces stress from constant hustle.

"You need to grasp the nettle"

379 implied HN points • 14 Jun 24
🪑 Design Architecture Sustainability Community Education Innovation
  1. It's important to focus on community spaces in rural areas. Smaller projects can have a bigger positive impact on people's lives.
  2. Designing with local resources fosters a sense of identity and connection. Using nearby materials can be more sustainable and supportive of the local economy.
  3. Embracing imagination and being open to new ideas can lead to great changes. Beauty exists not just in design but in the relationships and systems we build.

A story from Japan

1558 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Tradition Community Lifestyle
  1. Yuichiro, a young farmer, is working to keep his family's tangerine farm alive while blending old traditions with new ideas. He believes that the younger generation can help revive rural areas in Japan.
  2. Many young people today are moving away from big cities like Tokyo, seeking a slower and more balanced life in the countryside. Programs are in place to encourage this shift, but a change in values is also needed.
  3. Yuichiro is reconnecting with his family's roots, sharing knowledge and creating community ties. He shows that living closely with family can foster a rich and meaningful life for everyone involved.

Not the best, not the worst

519 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Achievement Workplace culture Social norms Mental health
  1. Our culture often pushes us to constantly achieve and compete, but this can lead to burnout and unhappiness. It's okay to not always strive to be the best.
  2. Instead of focusing on individual success and status, we should value relationships and collaboration. A shift towards caring for each other can be more fulfilling.
  3. Giving up the pressure of achievement can be freeing. Embracing who we are, with all our flaws and feelings, can lead to a more authentic and enjoyable life.
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From the outside in

639 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Urban living Mental health Creativity Economics Social Change
  1. Living in big cities can be really stressful and overwhelming. Many people are finding it harder to keep up with costs and expectations, leading to anxiety and burnout.
  2. Smaller towns and rural areas might offer a better chance for creativity and community. People are starting to move away from crowded cities to find space and balance in their lives.
  3. The idea of constant urban growth is being challenged. As cities struggle to provide basic living conditions, it's time to rethink how we value urban living and explore alternatives.

Rural Radicals – a path to non-urban revitalisation

199 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Community Development Cultural Institutions
  1. Rural Radicals helps connect creative people to empty buildings in the countryside, making it easier to turn them into community spaces. This can help both the artists and the villages by bringing new life and activities.
  2. Many rural areas are struggling with declining populations and decaying buildings, so finding ways to revitalize these places is important. Young people often leave for cities, leading to economic issues and less diverse communities.
  3. The initiative aims to avoid gentrification by ensuring newcomers engage with and support the local community. Open dialogue and collaboration between locals and newcomers can help build a stronger sense of community.

Welcome

379 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Urban Studies Cultural Trends Lifestyle changes Travel experiences
  1. More people are thinking about leaving cities for a simpler life. It's a trend that seems to be growing.
  2. The author is curious about what holds people back from moving to rural areas and what challenges they face there.
  3. After a long time away from the city, the author felt renewed and wants to share insights and stories through a newsletter.

"We wanted to build a house with our own hands, something pure and sacred”

179 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Community Living Cultural Exchange
  1. Raghav and Ansh left city life to build a house in a remote village in India, focusing on natural building techniques. They aim to live in harmony with nature and the local community.
  2. The brothers faced challenges like earning the villagers' trust and learning to adapt to a new lifestyle far from urban conveniences. They worked to integrate into the community and form close relationships.
  3. They also embraced old building methods with modern ideas to create a sustainable home. Their project highlights how connecting with nature and community can lead to a fulfilling life.

A story from the margins

199 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Art Community Sustainability Lifestyle
  1. A group of artists moved to a small village because they wanted a richer cultural life, not just to be closer to nature. They believe it's possible to create an interesting and fulfilling life in a remote place.
  2. Living in a rural area comes with challenges like power cuts and lack of infrastructure, but the group uses these limitations as inspiration for creativity. They focus on building a sense of community and care for the place.
  3. They regularly engage with others through programs and a magazine, inviting people to learn and share ideas. This approach shows that rural living can be vibrant and collaborative, despite its obstacles.

Communing with nature

199 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology Biodiversity Conservation Sustainability Urbanism
  1. We need to pay more attention to nature and the non-human world around us. Being in nature can help us feel better and remind us of our connection to everything else.
  2. Humans have thought too highly of themselves and this has hurt the planet. It's important to recognize that all living things have value and we should treat them with respect.
  3. It's possible to learn from nature even in urban areas. By being mindful and observing our surroundings, we can develop a deeper connection and appreciation for the world around us.

The home as a place of production

3 HN points • 27 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Community Building Digital technology Work-life balance
  1. Homes should be places of making things, not just for comfort and convenience. By doing simple tasks ourselves, we can feel more empowered and connected to our lives.
  2. Self-sufficiency is becoming important again as we face climate challenges. By growing our own food and learning new skills, we can find more joy and contentment in life.
  3. We need to rethink how technology fits into our homes. Instead of letting it take over, we can use it to support hands-on activities and community connections.