I’m a long time Burner and thought it was hilarious.
Also think it’s a good way to take away the cool/fad factor so you discourage those fools who come for an instagram shot.
The festival is what you want it to be. You can be in orgies all week if you want. But you can also teach, be a chef, be a guide and do/see anything you can imagine. People build enormous vehicles, do shows, cook amazing delicacies. Even work as locksmiths and mechanics. All just to gift their passion and make others happy.
It’s truly incredible to see the concept of a marketless economy in action (with advanced robotics it will soon be the way of the world).
I started off as a partier many years ago but last year I was 100% sober and gave lectures on engineering. I also went around nonstop to other lectures/workshops you would NEVER see in any one place.
Yes, it’s initially a bit “strange” to have naked/costumed people discussing robotics and laser manufacturing. But then I thought: are suits/uniforms and silence honestly BETTER?
NO, I realized so many new ideas are made and creativity flows so much easier when people are FREE to express themselves. I came up with one patent joking around at my lecture with a semi-naked girl wearing nothing but a superman cape.
You'll excuse me if I'm skeptical about the vast scientific potential of free-thought exercises from a horde of half-naked Supermen.
And before you say it, yes, I'm a narrow-minded cynic who decidedly does NOT believe in the weed-inspired mantra of "If it feels good, do it." I'm convinced that our duty here on earth is to do something PRODUCTIVE with our lives rather than lounging around a unicorn petting zoo.