In many ways, and not to be disparaging about other lifestyles, it’s a real life. Life and death are side by side, out in the open. The efforts you put in have tangible, visible results. Having to think of solutions to actual problems, within the means available, keeps mind active in ways that are truly beneficial, short and long term. I don’t advocate any particular lifestyle for everyone, we all have strengths and weaknesses that are maximised or minimised by different ways of living, but for self-confidence, for feeling a part of something, for being able to think without white noise and interruptions… I would never return to a city :)