Author(s): Samuel Alexander

Philosophy

The dominant culture of our civilisation is highly materialistic, holding up Western-style, consumer lifestyles as the path to happiness and fulfilment. But consumer lifestyles are failing to satisfy the human craving for meaning, and they are degrading our planet in ways that are grossly unsustainable and unjust. We desperately need to explore or rediscover less materialistic, 'simpler' ways of living. Consumerism has not future. 'Simple living' refers to ways of life based on notions such as frugality, sufficiency, moderation, minimalism, self-reliance, and mindfulness. This anthology brings together twenty-six short essays discussing the most significant individuals, cultures, and movements that have embraced simple living throughout history. What did Buddha and Jesus think about simple living? What contribution did the ancient Greeks and Romans make? How do the Amish and the Quakers live? And why did Henry Thoreau go to live in the woods? Readers will also gain insight into the lives and philosophies of people like Mahatma Gandhi, William Morris, and Helen Nearing, and learn about contemporary eco-social movements, such as those based on permaculture, degrowth, eco-villages, and voluntary simplicity. This deep but engaging book reviews these great moments in the story of simple living, and many more, but it looks backwards in order to shed light on the present and future. A sustainable, just, and flourishing society is one that learns many of the lessons discussed in this book and adapts them to our times. Read it and be inspired.