# Contemplating Beauty and Poverty: A Journey Through Laos and Vietnam
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The Allure of Nature
As I navigate the winding mountain roads surrounding Nong Khiaw, a hidden gem in Northern Laos, I find myself captivated by the scenery. The ascent is steep, with sharp drops to my right, and it's been an hour since I last encountered another vehicle. This remote area sees few visitors.
Nong Khiaw, Laos
I stop on the roadside, parking my Honda Wave motorbike on a narrow strip of grass between the road and a traffic barrier perched above a steep cliff. The views compel me to pull over frequently in the past half-hour; they are simply too magnificent to ignore. The mountains stretch endlessly, each displaying unique characteristics that differ from those I am accustomed to. Some rise sharply, while others present gently rolling hills adorned with rocky outcrops. Their lush greenery stirs something deep within me.
I yearn to make this place my home.
The emotions these mountains evoke are surprising. It's a sight so vast and overwhelming that it challenges my ability to comprehend my existence in relation to it. The very presence of these mountains feels paradoxical—so strikingly beautiful yet entirely natural.
As I drive past villages with small bamboo schools and homes with earthen floors, I find myself envisioning a life here.
Later, as I traverse Northern Vietnam amidst even grander mountains, I experience a similar profound sensation. It’s a heart-wrenching feeling that undermines my ego, prompting an introspection about the beauty surrounding me. How could such splendor be a mere coincidence? In moments like these, I question how anyone could witness these mountains and not contemplate a higher power. I find myself in tears while riding solo on the Ha Giang loop in Vietnam, overwhelmed with joy.
Mã Pí Lèng Pass, Ha Giang province, Vietnam
Laughter escapes me as I transition from one breathtaking valley to another. The impoverished villages I pass seem enchanting, exuding a peaceful charm reminiscent of traditional Chinese paintings featuring sages in serene landscapes.
Clusters of bamboo houses cling precariously to the cliffs, and I can't help but feel a pang of envy for their simplistic existence amidst such beauty. Yet, the stark reality of poverty is undeniable—limited education, lack of healthcare, and minimal access to the outside world. I wonder if those born here even aspire to leave.
Despite knowing better, I find myself romanticizing their lives. I can’t shake the feeling that while they may dream of the wealth and opportunities I enjoy, there’s a yearning within me for the simplicity and purity of their existence.
These individuals inhabit a realm of poverty that I struggle to comprehend. Surely, I am the fortunate one, right?
Understanding the Human Desire for Simplicity
What compels those of us in privilege to romanticize a life of poverty? What drives us to fantasize about relinquishing our comforts?
During a visit to a hot spring near Taipei, a fellow traveler mentioned how engaging in activities we typically avoid can stimulate brain growth. We were discussing the merits of cold plunges, and he noted, “That’s one reason why cold plunges are beneficial.”
“I agree,” I replied, “Finding happiness often requires stepping outside our comfort zones. If we make life too easy, we may end up suffering more.” I recalled a podcast episode from Hidden Brain featuring psychiatrist Anna Lembke, who shared her insights on pleasure and pain. At one point, she reflected:
“I used to believe my unhappiness stemmed from life’s hardships. Now, I realize my discontent was rooted in a life that was too easy.”
Photo by Matthias Speicher on Unsplash
Many from developed nations experience a sense of dissatisfaction at various points in their lives, particularly those who have grown up in comfort, largely untouched by hardship. While some may dismiss this feeling, I believe it's a necessary topic of discussion, regardless of how it may be perceived by those facing real challenges.
From my perspective, and echoed by Lembke in her discussion on The Paradox of Pleasure, when our basic needs are met and we find ourselves entrenched in comfort, life can lose its significance. Immersed in the instant gratification of social media, entertainment, and indulgent treats, we risk becoming dependent on these pleasures to stave off discomfort.
This cycle leads us to a superficial definition of a “good” life, one fixated on dopamine rather than a quest for deeper meaning. We fall into habits that keep us complacent, preventing us from striving for something greater. It’s a trap that many in a consumption-driven society face.
So when I encounter a six-year-old child laboriously hauling a leafy green crop in a handmade bamboo basket up a sunlit hill, surrounded by breathtaking mountains, I find myself torn between two conflicting thoughts: I am incredibly fortunate. I feel envious.
H’mong woman carrying sticks in Ha Giang province, Vietnam
This experience illustrates that no existence is flawless. While living in a small village in Laos or Vietnam comes with significant challenges, it also offers an opportunity to critically assess my own comfortable life. I can acknowledge my privileges while also recognizing its shortcomings.
Ultimately, romanticizing poverty can be detrimental if it detaches from reality and fails to inspire meaningful change or improvement in one’s own life.
In this video, Axel Webber discusses the complexities of romanticizing poverty and the nuances involved in appreciating different lifestyles, shedding light on the misconceptions that often accompany such views.
This video addresses the dangers of romanticizing poverty, urging viewers to recognize the stark realities faced by those living in such conditions while encouraging a thoughtful approach to understanding their experiences.