The Buried Life is four regular guys on a mission to complete a list of “100 Things to do Before You Die” and to help and to encourage others to go after their own lists.
Relying on goodwill, guts and sheer determination Duncan, Ben, Dave and Jonnie travel the globe in a retro purple transit bus named Penelope and ask everyone they meet: ‘What do you want to do before you die?’ For every item they complete on their list, they help a stranger achieve one of their dreams.
A documentary on the project is set to release in 2008. The brand-new Buried Life Social Network gives you a place to share your life-list, your pics and videos and tell the world what you want to do before you die. It’s step #1 to getting them done.
click photos for profiles of the guys. contact them here
A big thanks everybody that’s helped including:
Why are you doing this?
It’s complicated. Life moves fast and we wanted to slow down and enjoy it. To do that we had to ask ourselves some important questions, most importantly: What do I need to achieve or experience before I die? When we turned the question on strangers, we were fascinated with the answers we received. Given the ultimate deadline, people are forced to ignore the day-to-day trivialities that sometimes bury their lives and evaluate their most personal dreams and ambitions. Ultimately, we want to get people excited about doing whatever it is they dream about doing. Why wait? We are also curious to know about the state of our generation, our values and the role we are play in today’s society. Really though, we want to have fun and help people.
How did it start/How did you meet?
We’re all from the same town and knew each other through the grapevine (except Duncan and Jonnie, who are brothers). We weren’t great friends before the project began but in February 2006, through a number of coincidental conversations, we realized that we were all felt the same way about the world (see “Why are you doing this?” above). We decided to work together to address our questions and to learn more, and eventually a documentary became our weapon of choice.
What is it?
Technically, a documentary. After months of planning we set out in August 2006 with a camera and a loaner RV to attempt and to document our list of ‘50 things to do before you die’ and help 50 strangers we met along the way do something they had always wanted to do. In two weeks we knocked 26 items off our list and helped 24 people. Since then our list has grown to 100 items and we have taken the cap off the number of people we’re setting out to help. This summer (2007) we’re traveling through the states to continue our quest. If you can’t wait til the final movie is released, check out our ongoing adventures in the video gallery.
What’s the hardest thing on the list?
Go to space and fall in love. Maybe run a marathon.
What will you do when you’re done?
Die.
Do you all do each item/When is an item considered complete?
There are some personal items but most items we chose to do together. If we’re satisfied with our attempt, or it’s clear that we have achieved our goal, then we’ll knock an item off the list.
What does ‘The Buried Life’ mean?
The name comes from a poem written by Matthew Arnold in 1852. The idea is that day-to-day stuff can sometimes bury you and make you forget what you’re passionate about in your life. Jonnie read it in English class and showed it to the rest of the team who agreed that it’s message was totally in line with how we were feelin. The question “What do you want to do before you die?” became our tool to ‘uncover’ goals & dreams. You dig?
Here are the lines from Arnold’s poem:
But often, in the world’s most crowded streets,
But often, in the din of strife,
There rises an unspeakable desire
After the knowledge of our buried life;
How are you paying for this?
The bills are paid out of our pockets, through private donations, and through corporate sponsorship. It started with Skype phone calls and Ben looking companies up in the phonebook that we thought were in line with our mission. We’d call them and explain what we wanted to do and asked if they would like to be involved. Levi Strauss heard what we were doing and wanted to get involved. Others have offered everything from boxes of juice and website design, to longboards and cash. We owe so much to the individuals and companies who have helped us, and continue to help us, on our mission. Thank you to everyone!
How do you come up with/attempt your list?
Think about it - write it down. Once it’s on paper, things just happen. Ideas and goals can come from hobbies, friends, the internet, anywhere really. Think of what you want to achieve, or experience. Who would you like to meet? Where would you like to go? What would you like to work? Who would you like to help? How would you like to make a difference?Talking about your list and hearing about the goals of others is the best way to get things done.
If you are fed up with laziness, why is “Start a television show” on the list?
Television itself isn’t the problem. Irresponsibility is the problem. Our ethos is that you can be entertaining and socially responsible. Television is the best communication tool ever invented; why not use it to spread the good word? And make it funny? Both. If we ever made a show, we’d do our best to prove that to you.
How many people run this thing?
Us four
EEK! What’s happening?????
Comment by Rachel — September 3, 2007 @ 9:58 am
Well guys, your interview made it to the Reno Gazette-Journal and I read it online this morning. Very very cool what you are doing and what I find particulary fun and interesting is that while obviously I had never heard of you and your adventures before, I myself have recently put into motion the necessities of buttoning up my current life and will embark on my own gypsy adventure. In pretty much the same mindset of the reasonings you described, I was looking and waiting to see “what was next” for me and lo and behold, last July I figured it out. Just go. I however, am 47, divorced, have recently seen both my kids out on their own (so to speak) and have no desire to sit in my hometown and work and get to take the occasional vacation. Just go. OK!! So, I will ask you (rather that reading your entire history just yet) where you’ve been so far that you would put on your top 10 list in the US (besides Black Rock City - yes that’s home to me too once a year and there’s too much to discuss to get into it just now). I will also, differently from you, be working my way through my journey - partly cause I’ll need to support myself and partly to better experience the places I will find myself in. So, if you have a few minutes and are so inclined, I would enjoy hearing your thoughts and suggestions. Best of Luck to you and continue doing your Good Work.
Comment by Becky — September 10, 2007 @ 1:54 pm
The website looks amazing!!! You guys were at Channel 3 News in Vegas today where you met me in the front lobby (black hair, black dress). It’s inspiring to see hot young guys being productive and positive. Good luck in everything and I hope you accomplish the list to your satisfaction. I still want a t-shirt…
Comment by Olivia Montgomery — September 11, 2007 @ 4:48 pm
VIA CON DIOS! GO WITH GOD ON THE WINGS OF ANGELS! The four of you are awesome, so inspiring. Truly channeling the spirits of all the great adventurers before you and forging your own path for others to follow.
Hats off and heartfelt praise for your misson of fun and purpose.
I love your blogs, your website, your collective energy. Go forth young men and conquer (apathy)!
Love,
Jan
Comment by Jan Lisi — September 12, 2007 @ 8:39 am
NICE MEETING YOU GUYS THIS WEEKEND… HAHA MTV …
Comment by JUSTIN LILLARD — September 12, 2007 @ 11:43 am
Love you guys, miss you and can’t wait to see you in Ketchum. Woooo hooooooo. Enjoy your LA adventures. I get there on Thursday afternoon. How can I find you? xo big sis
Comment by Shanti — September 15, 2007 @ 9:07 pm
hey guys! i’m so imressed about the things you’re doing. i invite you to visit my town in poland, it could be more extreme than your whole list… wooooooo if one of you will fall in love with me…ohhh i want be that girl. ben, i’ll be thinking of you:)
Comment by ayora — September 20, 2007 @ 7:23 am
I live on Beachwood in LA and you guys did a 40-point-turn in front of my place at 10:30 pm just now. 2 things:
1)your bus is loud as hell. #101 should be “get a tune-up”
2)i was all pissed about your bus interrupting my tv watching and I had to look up what this buried life crap was. After about 30 seconds of angry reading and thinking about how lame this was it hit me. I really envy you guys and what you are doing. Pretty cool stuff man.
As a side note, I grew up in Ventura surfing not far from where you guys were. Small world.
Comment by Ben — September 20, 2007 @ 9:34 pm
Hey, I am the girl that offered you my driveway to park that big @ss bus-in the Hollywood Hills. What you’re doing is great.
Even after reading and watching, and practicing, ‘Pay it Forward, and ‘The Secret’-I am reinvigorated by your movement to get back on track with what I wish to accomplish before I am buried six feet under.
You will get everything you need.
Comment by Kelli Lassen — September 20, 2007 @ 10:37 pm
Hey there!
You guys are doing an awesome job out there! I really wish I could be part of it, in
any which way I could………….but been here in India, not really sure how it will work out! But now that I’ve written it down, I’m sure it will!
Might sound crazy writing this, but if there is anything I could do………please lemme know!
Take care!
Comment by Scorptarius — September 24, 2007 @ 3:26 am
hey i think that it is sooo cool that you guys are having the fun of your lives and accomplishing al of your dreams that you wish to do my dream that i put into the ” I make a wish foundation” is to go and see Graceland because i love Elvis to bits and pieces have lots of funs and accomplish them all!!
Comment by danielle — September 24, 2007 @ 1:39 pm
Riding an elephant is easy– come to my place — Assam
Comment by Jnan — September 25, 2007 @ 6:31 am
You guys are so awsome you are an inspiration to me, and also my grade 10 planning class.
we read your article and we would love you guys to come to our class and talk about your acccomplishments
we live in hope b.c.
and we love you guys please come to our class
Meagan and everyone here in hope secondary school
Comment by Meagan — September 25, 2007 @ 11:57 am
Hey guys u inspire me to create my own list but i think ill do 130 thing instead of just 100 well love u guys ur soo hott have fun and keep rocking
Comment by Rhonda — September 26, 2007 @ 10:03 am
Heard you guys on the Covino and Rich show! You guys rock, and I’m so jealous of what you guys are doing. Keep on Truckin!
Comment by Kevin — September 27, 2007 @ 2:00 pm
I volunteered at the Bridge to Bridge Run in SF this morning with my Fraternity Alpha Phi Omega (national co-ed service fraternity) and in our attempt to follow each other out to head to our next event, our meeting spot was “by the purple bus”. We parked there and thats when i first heard of you guys. We sat there and read items on your list and i remember being struck by “riding an elephant” and knew that was something i wanted to do before i die. “it’s easy to lose sight of your dreams when all you look at are the obstacles” it is something i fear everyday. I’m a year away from graduating and getting thrown into a full fledge career and i fear that i will get caught up in obstacles, bills, everyday responsibilities and lose sight of my bigger picture of Changing the world and really living the life i want to lead. I’m so thankful that there are people like you guys who are a source of encouragement to always find a way back to the importance of life, goals, and passion. thanks!
Comment by Jenn — September 30, 2007 @ 10:31 pm
you guys seriously rock. so fun meeting you last night at the yelp party. welcome to SF. i love this 100 things idea…truly inspiring!!
Comment by babs — October 2, 2007 @ 10:58 am
you guys kick ass. I am truly inspired. just 2 nights ago i accomplished another goal on my list: be on stage with a famous band at a concert. The band was sum 41 and it was at the save on foods center in victoria. Yeah I live in vic. Its pretty kick ass. The next day people came up to me and were like hey you’re that kid..you’re so lucky. When you guys return from your epic journey I wanna meet you (another goal on my list) perhaps i could teach one of you to play an instrument(iv e been drumming for 6+ years) and you could cross #23 off the list. I’ve spent several late nights neglecting homework to watch your videos! they’re great haha. Keep doin what you’re doin..once again truly amazing and inspiring!=)
Comment by morgan — October 14, 2007 @ 12:16 am
I saw your bus at a gas station just south of seattle. The advertising peaked my interest so I found myself on your website checking out what you are all about. Its great that the four of u have the ability to accomplish your dreams challenges and quests. I am on my way back home to portland oregon and can’t wait to dig further to find out what u did there.
Comment by stacey foreman — October 28, 2007 @ 6:38 pm
I came across one of your trailors right now on youtube. It’s amazing! Keep up the good work! This inspires me a lot!
From Korea,
Harris.
Comment by Harris — October 31, 2007 @ 5:53 am
Hey guys, we are a class of gr. 7 boys who think that you guys are a very inspiration! Our teacher Mrs. Zeisner ( she is married sorry ) made us write our own list, because she said writing dreams down make them become goals. We wish we could help you finish your list. We live in London, Ontario and we would love you to stop by our residential school to try and complete one or two of your goals before you die. Please let us know when you can swing by and see our lists. Please write back!
Comment by Raptors 2007 — November 7, 2007 @ 11:35 am
HI,i was woundering if in your trip you met really mean people and did u meet 50 cent when u walked the red carpet??
Comment by sierra — December 14, 2007 @ 2:16 pm
I miss you guys!!!! where are you??? come visit!
Comment by mary — December 24, 2007 @ 2:26 am
Hi Boys,
I was sent this by a Co-worker, because she knows I feel absolutely the same way as you!
What you’re venturing on is very exciting.
I’m really glad I’ve taken the time to read this today. It brightens up my day to know that others aren’t wasting away each and every day and finally doing things to fulfill not only their personal happiness but something to help someone else’s day better (a complete stranger)!
Absolutely inspirational.
Annie from Montreal.
Comment by Annie — February 4, 2008 @ 11:17 am
Met Shanti in Ketchum last night….turned me on to you guys! Way to go. I will definitely stay tuned…Hope you make it to visit Shanti in K-town:)
Comment by Cally — February 22, 2008 @ 10:17 am
This is a totally awesome thing you guys are doing. It inspired me to go out and do the same. I am a usually quiet person and this list help me to do things I would never have done before. Thanks so much!
Comment by Tina — April 27, 2008 @ 4:36 pm
I saw yall’s article in Brass and it’s inspired me to start a list of my own! I’m not sure when I’ll be able to start creating it seeing as how I’ve got graduation stuffs coming up so I’m pretty busy. But I think this is a great something to embark on, especially with me starting college in the fall. I lost a classmate of mine last month and it tought me that life is too short to be afraid to go after what you want. And now, I intend to live my life to the fullest and do things that I’ve always thought were impossible. Thanks so much for the inspiration!
Comment by Alexis — May 27, 2008 @ 6:38 pm
You four have captured my life’s motto in the form of a very thought provoking question. “If you want to walk on water you have to get out of the boat!” (a book that changed my life by John Ortberg) has become that motto for me. You are getting out of your boat and making life happen rather than letting life come at you. I hope this “movement” takes America, and eventually the World by storm. It would be interesting to see a country filled with people going after their passions and dreams rather than just existing. If you happen to make an East coast tour (specifically South Florida) be sure to look me up. I would be honored to help hook you up with one of your items on the list if I can. God bless you on your journey.
Comment by Bill — May 31, 2008 @ 7:41 pm
Hi my name is Sara and growing up my nickname was Scarie. Mainly because I was scared of so many things. Last night I had the most vivid dream about crows and how they were flocking to my yard. I felt so frightened for my life. So it was toally weird running across what you are doing. I’m amazed at how well every thing seems to be turning out in favor of your project. Something I had on my list was to bungeejump. Well I had to settle for 175 ft drop from the SkyFlyer at Canadas Wonderland just north of Toronto. I was so nervous I cried when they hooked me up, but afterwords I had a grin on my face from ear to ear for weeks. Another thing I have on my list would be karaoke. perhaps this summer.
Keep up the good work
Comment by Sara — May 31, 2008 @ 7:42 pm
Guys, maybe we are all connected in same ways. Maybe strange way. For recently, most people dont know other. Too bad, they dont know their self. And u guys sound like a hammer to break all that stiffness. Im from Indonesia and this country is still fightin to be a better place for all. Despite that, i have my own dream too.
Thank u guys! Stay true!
Comment by Broto — May 31, 2008 @ 8:23 pm
Hey guys,
I love what you are doing. I’ve taken the liberty of fully making my own list, except I only made 10 things, seeing as if I had 100 things, it wouldn’t ever happen for me. I found this on youtube, and I found it was AWSOME. I have showed it to some friends, and one of them has become Depressed because she feels that she isn’t as great or capable as you guys. The idea of our video was to inspire, not to depress, so I am happy with it. I am currently sharing the video with everyone I know. I love the idea, and hope you guys achieve all of your goals. This story is worth the front page on a news paper. Good luck.
Lucas
Comment by Lucas — May 31, 2008 @ 11:07 pm
This is absolutely fantastic! I myself am on a similar challenge, and have got all my friends on board, and one of the strongly recommended that I visit the site. I must say that this is brilliant. There needs to be more whimsical stuff like this in the world, but it also has a very good point to it as well. I love the fact that people are helping each other out. I live in England in a city in Southampton, and if I can help you guys or anyone achieve some more challenges, then I am very willing.
Thanks for making my day. These type of challenges shoudl be done by more people.
Comment by Dave — June 1, 2008 @ 8:36 am
hey guys i just want to leave you this comment that i think what you are doing is truly inspirational to all people. It gives young children the inspiration to learn they can achieve there dreams and goals, and even more so it encourages all ages to believe no matter how old even if there is one thing you want to do before you die to go for it, you have sheer determination which i really respect, i’m starting to write 50 things i want to do before i die and thanks to your inspiration i might just succeed. thank you so much
yours truly
caroline, uk xxxx
Comment by caroline prangley — June 1, 2008 @ 1:38 pm
Hey guys, have you ever thought about contacting Niki for support because their slogan is “Just Do It”.
Comment by Sarah — June 1, 2008 @ 3:28 pm
bravo
Comment by 2 — June 2, 2008 @ 7:56 am
You’re the coolest people of the year, dudes!
Comment by Valerie — June 2, 2008 @ 12:13 pm
wow you’ve really inspired me to make my own list, and hopefully get it all done!
i saw the trailer with that guy Brent on… if thats his name, and that was amazing! I’d love to help someone like that, you could see how happy he was…
well don’t stop!
and thanks for the inspiration
=]
cal.
Comment by Callum — June 2, 2008 @ 2:52 pm
Be the change you want to see in the world. Gandhi! And you guys are awesomely “being” it!
Bravo to you and your big hearts!
Comment by Jan — June 3, 2008 @ 5:23 pm
WOOOOOT!
you guys are ahmazing!
deff. inspired me to write my own,
and hell yeah immah get everything done xD
but seriously, this whole thing is wiicked,
i hope everything on your list gets crossed out
ciao; jazzy
Comment by jazzy — June 3, 2008 @ 11:45 pm
yo lads!
my mate showed me ur website…was speachless and started straight away on list
You guys and what you are doing is truly inspirational
will be working on my list till it is done
wish u best of luck
much love and respect
thanks!
Chris
Glasgow
Scotland
Comment by Chris — June 13, 2008 @ 9:23 pm
you guys rock!
Comment by Manu — June 15, 2008 @ 8:51 pm
What you are doing is great, I have to admit. But why not going out of the USA to see what people from other contries may answer to “the” question ?..
Have fun doing this.
Comment by Bobo — June 18, 2008 @ 4:10 am
This is an amazing project and i’m glad that people like you do this, you inspired me someway, thanks, if you need any kind of help that i could provide, please say something.
Thank you a lot, best regards and have fun!
Comment by José — June 25, 2008 @ 2:57 pm