[nicbou]

It gives you a mix of fear and confidence.

Your little setup is all there, unaffected by greater forces outside your front gate. The cost of energy won't change and your money isn't tied in a market or another. Like you said, it's all right there with you.

On the other hand, you're the point of failure for this machine. You are responsible for it, and you have to keep it running. You can't get sick or tired because you're not part of a system large enough to cut you some slack.

A common theme in stories about self sufficiency is something breaking and the hardships that ensue from not having anyone to help.