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Title: Voluntary Simplicity: Toward a Way of Life That Is Outwardly Simple, Inwardly Rich by Duane Elgin ISBN: 0-688-12119-5 Publisher: Quill Pub. Date: 01 April, 1993 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $12.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 3.61 (23 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: Classic on voluntary simplicity
Comment: In this groundbreaking book, social scientist Duane Elgin interweaves his personal philosophy of choosing to live simply with the thoughts and experiences of many people who followed the same path. He makes a compelling case -- survival of the planet -- for adopting the principles he espouses. Whether voluntary simplicity is the foundation of your life or a concept you're just beginning to explore, you'll find much to ponder in this classic work.
Rating: 3
Summary: Voluntary Simplicity:Toward A Way of Life...
Comment: Elgin has been hailed, by some, as a guru of the simplicity movement, yet I was disappointed with the content of this book. He attempted to give a philosophical framework for the movement and did a good job exploring the possibilities of this type of lifestyle.
Yet, I found his philosophical examination of "religions" and the human condition to be lacking. He did a poor job of relaying the true messages of different spiritual pathways, and instead twisted them to match the simplicity movement. Furthermore, his attempts at showing what the simplicity movement will result in are at times accurate, yet often they are mere speculation. Elgin assumes that simplicity provides that satisfaction that the soul longs for, which simply isn't true. Simplicity can relieve stress, help our ecology, and help us live a more conscious and fruitful life. But ultimately, the soul longs for more than simplicity, decluttering, developing community and having more time.
I think this book would have hit the mark if the author would have spent less time trying to oversimply the spiritual pathways of the world, and instead given us more practical examples of the voluntary simplicity movement. More "how-to's" and less philosophy.
Rating: 5
Summary: Soulful and Important
Comment: Although dated, this revised edition of VOLUNTARY SIMPLICITY reads as fresh as a morning flower, and its subject matter is even more timely and relevant today. Here Author Duane Elgin provides a wonderful exploration of the practical and philosophical meaning of simplicity, as well as a very comprehensive overview of our ecological predicament. He does not suggest we live like Thoreau or throw out notions of progress. In place of thoughtless grow or "no growth" Elgin prefers a path of "new growth," where inner and outer, spiritual and material, technological and ecological demands are harmonized and balanced. From beginning to end, I could not put this book down. After reading it, I feel like a changed person. To quote Elgin, "In an era dominated by hideously complex problems of global dimension, the ability to see the world more clearly is essential to the survival and well-being of the human family." And indeed, helping us see better is exactly what Elgin accomplishes. If this book moves you, you might also want to check out ECOCITIES, by Richard Register, and ECOVILLAGE LIVING, by Hildur Jackson and Karen Stevenson. Lester Brown's ECO-ECONOMY should go without mention.
~a glObal classic~
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