Voluntary Simplicity: Responding to Consumer Culture

(Paperback)

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A simpler life. In a shadow cast by the jarring beginning of the new millennium, simplicity has an undeniable appeal. Global conflicts, domestic security concerns, and a stalling economy can make keeping up with the Joneses feel like, at best, a misguided luxury. Now is not a time for excess; it is a time, it would seem, to focus on "what really matters." The authors in this volume speak to the what, why, and how of voluntary simplicity (and even to some extent the where, when, and who).

Reviews

Offers valuable contributions from scholars such as Duane Elgin, Juliet Schor, David Shi, Richard Gregg, and Amitai Etzioni. Contributes significantly to an understanding of this movement, and of cultural analysis and social change. Recommended. * Choice Reviews *
A reader bringing together many of the best writings on human wants and needs, the good life, and simplicity through history. * Future Survey *
The mere concept of simplicity in this world of over-inflated consumerism is challenging from the onset. Yet each contributor, relying upon their individualized perspectives, explores the subject with strong opinions, and shares their support or critique of the matter with enough information to allow the reader to form their own opinions of the viability or appeal as it relates to the reader's own lifestyle. * Metapsychology Online *
In summary the book presents a coherent and well-organised account of the philosophy and values associated with voluntary simplicity. It is thought provoking and insightful and made me re-question the value of materialism and our general way of life in the West. Anyone reading this will probably give thought to their own behavior with regards to work, quality of life and the ever-growing consumerism. -- Louis Warwick-Booth, University of Sheffield

Author Bio

Daniel Doherty is completing his Ph.D. at Yale University. Amitai Etzioni is university professor and the director of the Institute for Communitarian Policy Studies at The George Washington University.