Why I started The Modern Thinker Newsletter

I personally spend much of my working hours on challenging the status quo. The status quo is both unsustainable and not fun.

By introducing forward-thinking, innovative ideas, and progressive perspectives from both myself and my growing network I strive to inspire a community of what I call Modern Thinkers.

I’ve given this a lot (like really a lot) of thought and concludes the definition of a Modern Thinker is that of:

With the news reporting negativity (realistic though) about climate change, the global economy, big tech taking advantage of us, and what not, there is a strong need for inspiration to take meaningful action from. This is what I need at least, but I already found there’s many others like me with the same need and aspirations to live a prosperous life without ruining the future.

As we become smarter thanks to technology, we also become more overwhelmed and even isolated. Connecting like-minded people through this platform is my way to build a community of trailblazers who remain optimistic and resilient in times of turmoil, such as the effects of Global Boiling.

We’re in trouble. Optimism is our safety blanket.

About 5 years ago already, I watched a documentary that would forever change my life. What you need to know about me is that I love fashion with a capital L. Shopping was one of my hobbies. I would travel with friends to cities abroad and include shopping as an important part of the trip. It brought me joy. It seemed all so harmless (except for my bank account but that’s not the point here). However, never in my life had I thought about the complexities and the amount of people involved with the making of my clothes. Embarrassingly, I have a Masters in Economics & International Business in which global supply chains were covered. It never occurred to me that fashion supply chains were this inhumane. Awkward.

Seeing this documentary - The True Cost - was both an eye-opener as well as a rude awakening to having a clearly broken moral compass. My values and my actions did not align. The documentary shows the reality that the people who make are clothes live in. Working in sweatshops, being underpaid, being exposed to toxic chemicals, having their babies sleep in the floor next to their sewing machine while they process orders for the fashion billionaires of the world.

To say that I was appalled seeing this would be a grave understatement. I bawled heavily at the end of the documentary. Mind you, I’m not one to cry easily. I felt gut-wrenched, absolutely sick to my stomach realizing how every purchase that I’ve ever made from the fashion industry has been helping this horrific monster to become the beast it is today.

It’s easy to feel paralized by this. However, I learned I’m someone who immediately thinks of solutions to take action on. Never ever would I set foot again in any store that does not align with my values. I cannot ever unsee what I’ve seen in the documentary. Onwards towards a world that respects those who make our clothes so that I genuinely feel good in my clothes beyond them being made from beautiful fabrics and with impeccable craftsmanship.

Where to find optimism?

I can only speak from experience here, but thus far (over the course of 4+ years) I’ve learned how it encourages others too so I might as well share it here with you too.

The one thing that I do in times of luring feelings of negativity rooted in pessimism is to either read from scientific sources or speak with scientists.

When I found out how I’ve been helping to destroy the livelihood of garment workers as well as the health of the environment, I dove deep into research mode.

Anything I could find about the topics of ethical fashion that I had assessed for credibility, I would devour.

Being a massive nerd is the name of the game here.

They say that the more you see the less you know and this is true. But it’s that hunger for wanting to know the truth and only that, is what kept and still keeps me going. The learning is never done and as you starting putting theory into practice, you discover new things that thus far only fuel my inspiration.

In a nutshell, Knowlegde is Power, and this power empowers! Forward-thinking, innovative ideas, and progressive perspectives are fuel for a more prosperous life. A modern lifestyle rooted in conscientiousness.

I hope you join me on this journey.

Ciao for now,

Marije

The #1 Modern Thinker + Founder CEO, Positive Fibers®