Ascetic Computing
The author describes their personal philosophy of 'ascetic computing,' which emphasizes simplicity, focus, and intentional use of technology rather than deprivation or self-denial. Inspired by Thoreau and natural asceticism, this approach involves resisting distractions like the latest trends and avoiding unnecessary digital clutter. The goal is to prioritize meaningful activities such as learning, creating, and resting while finding satisfaction in existing tools and habits.
- ▪Ascetic computing is based on principles of simplicity, focus, and living by personal standards rather than religious or performative denial.
- ▪The author draws inspiration from Thoreau's Walden and defines their asceticism as a natural pursuit of deliberate living without complete withdrawal from modern society.
- ▪The practice involves resisting the 'Endless Pursuit of Shiny Things' and Fear of Missing Out, not as deprivation, but as a way to focus on what truly matters.
- ▪The author emphasizes that their approach is pleasurable and satisfying, not a form of masochism or self-imposed hardship.
- ▪Ascetic computing does not require abandoning technology but using it with intention, purpose, and appreciation for what one already has.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Ascetic Computing Page started: 2026-03-23 Page published: 2026-05-15 (Sketchbook drawing by the author, fountain pen.) I recently came across a comment I’d written in a configuration file. It was above some commented-out lines. It said: # I opted to do without this for ascetic reasons. I often put a fair amount of effort into perfecting and cleaning up source and configuration files for aesthetic reasons, so this comment briefly threw me for a loop. Then I chuckled. How droll. The more I thought about it, thought, I had to conclude that I’ve been doing a lot of things lately for "ascetic reasons".
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Ratfactor.
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