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Trance Blackman Posts

Toward Autonomy, Part 4: Water

Toward Autonomy, Part 4: Water

06 February 2025 ~ 6 minute read

Water is the foundation of all life, directly tied to energy, shelter, and food security. A homestead or self-sufficient lifestyle cannot thrive without a clean, reliable water source. While modern infrastructure provides convenience, it also introduces dependency on centralized systems vulnerable to pollution, mismanagement, and scarcity.

By understanding water’s natural cycles and implementing sustainable collection, purification, and conservation methods, individuals and communities can gain independence from unreliable infrastructure while ensuring long-term resilience. Proper water management also supports food production, soil health, and even small-scale energy generation through hydro systems.

Read more…Toward Autonomy, Part 4: Water
Toward Autonomy, Part 3: Food

Toward Autonomy, Part 3: Food

06 February 2025 ~ 6 minute read

In an age of industrialized agriculture, supply chain vulnerabilities, and rising food costs, many individuals and communities are rediscovering the value of growing their own food. Living off a piece of land—whether a small homestead or a larger communal farm—offers not only food security but also deeper connections to nature, healthier nutrition, and greater self-sufficiency.

While this lifestyle requires dedication and planning, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. By integrating sustainable farming techniques, permaculture principles, and traditional wisdom, a family or community can cultivate a resilient food system that provides year-round nourishment.

Read more…Toward Autonomy, Part 3: Food
Toward Autonomy, Part 2: Shelter

Toward Autonomy, Part 2: Shelter

06 February 2025 ~ 7 minute read

This is the second part of a short series based on conversations with ChatGPT, covering the basics of self-reliance, self-sufficiency, and other critical considerations for all of us today — and in the near future. It was inspired by a story about the increasing number of cancelled “renewable energy” projects, totaling many billions of dollars.

We have better options. This discussion explores some of them and further inspired me to address other fundamental human needs — specifically, shelter.

This series covers energy, shelter, food, and water, followed by additional considerations such as medicine, community, skills, waste management, and alternative economies.

Read more…Toward Autonomy, Part 2: Shelter
Toward Autonomy, Part 1: Energy

Toward Autonomy, Part 1: Energy

06 February 2025 ~ 18 minute read

This is the first part of a short series based on conversations with ChatGPT, covering the basics of self-reliance, self-sufficiency, and other critical considerations for all of us today — and in the near future. It was inspired by a story about the increasing number of cancelled “renewable energy” projects, totaling many billions of dollars.

In my view, solar and wind are neither lasting nor feasible solutions, given the massive outlay of resources and materials, as well as the costs involved — not just in installation, but in maintenance and eventual replacement. Exposed to the elements year after year, this technology will not even last a human generation. To my knowledge, little to none of their material makeup can be reused or recycled, further exacerbating what I see as a massive financial and environmental fraud — and, at least in part, an industrial cover-up.

We have better options. This discussion explores some of them and further inspired me to address other fundamental human needs. With that in mind, here are some key areas you may want to research further in pursuit of a more resilient and fulfilling life.

Read more…Toward Autonomy, Part 1: Energy
A Century of “Progress”

A Century of “Progress”

27 January 2025 ~ 12 minute read

I had a short “chat” with ChatGPT while walking through the woods on a cold, sunny winter day. GPT is fairly agreeable, as you’ll read, but we explored some thought-provoking ideas and philosophical insights that may be of interest to you, the reader, so I thought it worth sharing here in the journal. It required some minor editing for grammar and mistranslations from my voice-to-text efforts. Otherwise, this is the essence of it.

Read more…A Century of “Progress”