... while I like the article it is clear that Simon Kuper has a very limited horizon when it comes to his understanding of the countryside. I have lived in rural areas for a large part of my life and worked in cities to pay my way. His comments in this article here shows he is so deeply involved in technology he (like many people) has forgotten to look around himself properly and BE part of life, to LIVE life, and to ENJOY life.
"the countryside has turned into something of a desert, inhabited by farmers and old people, and used by the rest of us chiefly for long walks." and "To be rural is to be isolated. You live in a village or suburb to have space, not to meet people."
When was the last time he looked up properly from his screen, moved away from his co-dependent life style, and properly engaged in social interchange. He has obviously not spent any time in the countryside and it is a good job his 'smart' device has an illuminated screen so he can still use it where it currently is. Clearly in a dark recess on the end of his arm...
The countryside I know (in several countries also) is a vibrant place filled with people of ALL ages who for the main part still actively interact with REAL people around them. There are far better social networks to be found in the average rural area than can be summoned up on a screen. The people have more integrity too.
There are far more lonely and isolated people in cities than there are in the countryside.
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