9 most famous experiments on your own life
Many people perform amazing experiments on themselves. Often they literally challenge society or try to find answers to questions that are significant to them. We offer you a selection of nine unusual experiments on your own life.
“I would really like to like someone right now.”
Like many of his generation, Paul Miller spent most of his life actively using the Internet. He was online constantly from the age of 12, and at 14 he was already working as a web designer. But at 26, Miller suddenly realized that “something was missing” in his life. Then he decided to take a bold and somewhat scary step - disconnect the network cable and live without the Internet for one year.
Of course, he had many ups and downs along the way, as well as some interesting discoveries. We will not retell all this for those who may want to watch a mini-documentary about these events or read about it in the first person. However, it's safe to say that Paul doesn't intend to try living without the Internet for that long again anytime soon.
AJ Jacobs is the editor-in-chief of Esquire magazine, a thinker, a tinkerer, and a social experimenter. He spent more than a decade asking himself unusual questions, such as: “Can I spend my whole life in India?” or “Is it possible to live by George Washington’s rules in everyday life?”
He published four books and many articles for magazines, where he described in detail all the complex tasks that he set for himself. His most famous work is entitled "My Life as an Experiment" and contains, among other things, his wife's criticism of his actions.
There are many rumors about this man. Colin Wright, 26, seems to live on the edge in almost every way. He leads a nomadic life, voting on the roads and hitchhiking to another part of the world every four months. He makes his choice based on voting on his blog. He also gave up money completely for one year and did not wear black for six months.
The idea behind all his experiments is to help people start thinking differently, trying new things and being open to change. You can watch his inspiring TED talk or visit his blog to vote on his next step.
Sugar is a wonderfully sweet product, which, according to some studies, if consumed in excess, can cause diabetes, obesity, tooth decay and many other diseases. Sugar is also one of the ingredients in almost every finished product we eat. If you don't believe me, look at the ingredients on the package. But could you give it up completely?
One woman did it - she has been living without sugar since January 1, 2008. She wishes to remain anonymous but has created a blog that lists all types of fruits that contain sugar, as well as recipes and tips for a sugar-free lifestyle. She encourages everyone who reads her blog to do the same.
Rob Rinehart is an amateur chemist determined to end world hunger. He aims to create a cheaper alternative to solid foods that still contains the same nutrients.
Through trial and error, he created a liquid food called Soylent after Soylent Green, a fictional food from the film of the same name made from dead human beings (Rinehart's food does not contain any human remains). He claims to have lived for 30 days eating only Soylent, although there are many skeptics who say he resorted to dietary supplements and that Rinehart's experiments are dubious, if not dangerous.
Nevertheless, the chemist does not give up. His plans include conducting tests on voluntary participants. He also intends to launch a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds - so he wants to feed the hungry, as well as earn some money for himself.
“You will never be able to give me your money.”
Heidemarie Schwermer has lived through all stages of modern capitalism - from peak to decline. Her family had previously been a successful coffee distributor, but lost everything during World War II. Throughout her life, luck either turned her face towards Schwermer, then turned away from her again. When she turned 50, the woman decided to conduct an experiment and see if she could live without money for a year.
She gave away all her savings and belongings, including furnishings from her own apartment, leaving herself only the essentials, which fit in a small suitcase. Schwermer has lived without money for 16 years, making do with barter, working part-time as a garbage collector and making many public appearances. She starred in the documentary Life Without Money, copies of which are being given away for free.
Daniel Suelo also lives without money, but, unlike Heidemarie, he refused all the amenities provided by society, preferring to live in the Utah desert and get his own food.
Daniel does not barter with anyone and refuses social assistance. However, he has not given up access to the Internet and regularly writes articles on his blog about the “illusory nature” of money, and is also looking for members to join his “free tribe.” Are you ready to join him?
If Prahlad Jani's statement is true, then he has defied not just the temptations of society, but the entire biological cycle of life. Jani, also known as Shunriwala Mataji, says he stopped eating and drinking when he was 11 years old. Now 85, he lives like a hermit in a cave and spends most of his time meditating.
Two studies conducted in Indian hospitals in 2003 and 2010 were designed to test whether the hermit was right. The first study lasted 10 days, and the second - 15 days. Both times Jani was in a sealed room without a bathroom and was only allowed to gargle. Doctors say he passed both tests with flying colors - he didn't eat, he didn't defecate. However, the doctors never published their findings in scientific journals.
There has been a lot of buzz about this on the Internet, and further research is planned. Meanwhile, Jani appears to remain blissfully unaware of the controversy, living quietly in her cave.
This idea is not based on protectionism or racial hatred. Sarah Bongiorni simply wanted to show people how dependent they are on international trade, particularly with China. In 2005, she vowed to buy only items for her family that were not made in the world's most populous country, of which there are plenty on the US market.
Of course, she had a hard time finding anything, from light bulbs to shoes. This has made everyday trips to the store much more challenging and involved.
“Shopping has become something meaningful,” says Sarah.