My parents managed to obtain a loan for their first apartment thanks to my grandparents offering their house as colllateral. This is how pretty much everyone from my parents' generation got their first apartment.
Credit pretty much didn't exist in my parents' generation - loans were generally reserved for houses and cars, because of the strict conditions. Everyone saved up lump sums and paid cash. It's ineffficient, but far from "not participating in the economy".
It may be possible to negotiate different conditions on receiving credit, but I don't know if you can demand a modern economy without any drawbacks.
It's possible to get credit without someone else but you'll get an absolutely terrible interest rate -- if you have someone in your life with good credit that trusts you (like family) you're leaving money on the table by not 'borrowing' their good credit.
Translation: Don't participate in the economy unless you're independently wealthy.
Conveniently left out: Don't ever apply to rent a house or an apartment. Instead, buy a home. In cash, of course, because you're independently wealthy.
Oh, and also: Don't apply for a job. Because, you know, independently wealthy and all that.
The idea that non-participation in the credit racket is anything but an exercise in extreme economic privilege is laughable.