Eat more apples Wear less shoes

Nurturers of nature and the transcendence of consciousness: Exploring the Appleseed archetype in the technological epoch

Have you ever made a soup? Chances are you’d say, “Yes, I’ve made a soup.” Some of us have gotten cocky and feel guilty for throwing too much poo in the pot. What we have on our hands now isn’t a tasty liquidly meal saturated of substance and invigoration, but a dense and unappetizing mystery concoction resemblant of sewage. Which is a good thing if you dabble in the city’s sanitation department, but a bad thing if you’re describing a country. In order to make the melting pot great and nutritious again, we must glance upon our roots in tradition. Let’s tell the story of a man who slept about various tree roots when this country was officially only a widdle biddy toddler. 

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In the vibrant tapestry of American Folklore and literary realms, enigmatic characters that transcend mere tales emerge. These archetypal figures embody the essence of bodhisattva-like beings, surfing nature and echoing the timeless ideals that this country was founded upon. Folks, please welcome our first guest, Johnny Appleseed.

 

An American Dionysus if you will, the shoeless frontiersman embodied old school nomadic style, which now that its mentioned, could be the most timeless approach to life there is: Walk around, be chill to nature. I’d like you to take a moment and imagine this Johnny character on these fancy new podcasts.

“Yeah, I figured that chill, authentic, impenetrable wealth lies in caring for the land. *Lights a spliff* I mean there’s no easier way to experience god than through full immersion with nature. A good life is one of simplicity.” says a hypothetical modern-day Mr. Chapman

Perhaps a Mr. Ravikant sits back for a second to digest the dose of cosmic wisdom. He wants to ask, “Have you ever bumped into a Tom Bombadil, or perhaps a Patrick Swayze in his abundance of sagely forms?”(Roadhouse), but lets Johnny roll.

“You know they used to have a name for guys like us. Those characters you describe as guardians of harmony, embodying the classic principles of cultivation, simplicity, and the mystical connection with the natural, rugged world.”

In examining their personas through the lens of Bodhisattvas—enlightened beings who defer their own enlightenment to guide others—parallels emerge. Appleseed and Bombadil (and swayze) embrace a mission that transcends personal gain, nurturing and fostering growth in the world around them, akin to the Bodhisattva's vow to alleviate suffering and aid in the enlightenment of others.

Who do you know today that embodies these guardians of harmony?

In today's technological epoch, where “innovation” and “advancement” are paramount and are disguised as themselves, the echoes of these archetypes resonate profoundly, yet remain just as echoes to the shrinking attention spans of our youth and to the sloppy-valued members of our communities. Technology, a force that shapes our existence, can draw inspiration from these nurturing figures. Just as Appleseed planted seeds for sustenance and community, and Bombadil safeguarded the Old Forest, our technological advancements can strive to nurture, sustain, and harmonize with our world.

Moreover, beyond the physical realm, these figures represent a deeper connection—a consciousness that transcends materiality. In a world where technology permeates every facet of our lives, the ethos of nurturing, preserving, and fostering connections—both with nature and within ourselves—holds profound significance.

As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technology and culture, the echoes of Johnny Appleseed and Tom Bombadil linger as reminders of our innate connection with nature and consciousness. Their archetypal resonance transcends time, inviting us to embrace a nurturing spirit, cultivate harmony, and tread lightly upon the technological tapestry we weave.

In essence, within the corridors of American folklore and the realms of literary imagination, Johnny Appleseed and Tom Bombadil stand as guardians of an ethos—a philosophy that transcends tales, resonating deeply within the fabric of American culture and the unfolding narrative of technological evolution.