I grew up in England in a small village in Derbyshire and later went to a boarding school. I signed up with a big chemical company and went to university to study engineering. I worked for that company for 4 years after graduating at a big manufacturing site near Middlesbrough. Then I became disillusioned with the way things were done and joined a management consulting firm in 1998. I moved to Manchester and flew around the country and to oil platforms in the North Sea.

Then I turned 30 and decided I needed a break so I took six months off work and went to New Zealand. I did a lot of thinking and hiking and took a paragliding course and cycled the length of the South Island. Then I realised there was more to life and that I could be way happier than I had been. So I quit my job and headed for Vancouver in September 2003 (British Columbia is quite like the South Island of New Zealand). No more travelling now, it's time to settle down.

Now my life is completely changed. I don't own a car or watch television. I ride my bike everywhere, I live in a shared house and I'm doing research on things that make a difference. I live in a great community where people walk the streets, shop in local stores and chat in cafes. I'm inspired by the people around me who devote their energy and creativity to changing the world.

Despite the student income I live very well and have everything I need. Only thing I don't have, and my dear father is always reminding me of this, is a pension.

What am I?

When it comes to questions about spirit and soul I'm essentially a materialist and an aetheist. I believe that humans are highly evolved animals and are part of nature, even though we don't always behave as though we are. I don't particularly have a problem with the idea that I am entirely made of atoms and electrons and that my thoughts are merely electric impulses. Actually, I find the idea fascinating, we're a result of incredible natural processes, and that makes life very special. I doubt whether life on earth could be anywhere near as wonderful if some supernatural being created it. Please note, I have no problem with other people believing in Gods if that works for them. There's certainly not much point in arguing about the existence of God.

What is the meaning of life?

Two books were influencial in helping me to galvanise my 'world view' and my thoughts about the purpose of my life.

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, by Robert M. Pirsig,

and a book called

John Dewey and Self-Realization, by Robert J. Roth.

Also, years earlier, I attended a personal development course provided by my employer, called 'Investment in Excellence'. It had a profound effect on my approach to life.

The Book by Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist, also sums it up nicely.

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