What is a Barefoot Geek?

The phrase Barefoot Geek was coined to bring two contrasting ideas together:

“Barefoot” was intended to evoke images of hippie culture, but more importantly a sense of freedom, of not caring. And “Geek” adds a practical component to the concept, along with an acceptance and utilisation of technology.

Therefore a Barefoot Geek is someone who strives for freedom and isn’t afraid or incapable of using technology and practicality to achieve that end. Of course, freedom is quite a broad concept, but it mainly relates to freedom from “stuff” (which bogs you down), freedom from worry (having peace of mind) and freedom of choice (being able to do what you’re most passionate about).

The Role of Technology

Technology allows us to remain connected to the rest of the world from practically anywhere on Earth and has the ability to automated many tasks that were previously laborious.

Barefoot Geeks understand how emerging technologies can be used to help them simplify their life, attain their goals, and expand their thought processes. But they also understand the need for balance and therefore try to fight tech-addiction, remembering that there’s life outside of a computer monitor. Technology is the means, not the end.