A Philosophy of Simple Living
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- $26.99
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- $26.99
Publisher Description
Today, “simple living” is a rallying cry for anti-consumerists, environmentalists, and anyone concerned with humanity’s effect on the planet. But what is so revolutionary about a simple life? And why are we so fascinated with simplicity today? A Philosophy of Simple Living charts the ideas, motivations, and practices of simplicity from antiquity to the present day. Bringing together an array of people, practices, and movements, from Henry David Thoreau to Steve Jobs, and from Cynics and Shakers to the “slow movement,” voluntary simplicity, and degrowth, this book is as comprehensive as it is concise. Written in elegant, spare prose, A Philosophy of Simple Living will be of great benefit to all who wish to declutter and pare back their complicated, modern lives.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In this insightful debut, Brillaud, professor of French at the University of Manchester, analyzes the "simple life" by examining historical figures who "saw simplicity as a way of life." Among the exemplars of simplicity Brillaud surveys are antiestablishment spiritual pioneers such as the desert monks of early Christianity and the Shakers of the late 18th century, as well as philosophical giants including 4th-century BCE philosopher Diogenes the Cynic and American transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau. Each, Brillaud writes, sought to lessen the noise of a busy life in order to "remain attuned to the quiet activity of living which transpired in and around them." Ironically, in offering a diverse array of paragons and dissecting their choices for example, when he opens the book with a deep dive into various stages of Greek philosophy, language, and history Brillaud's study gets pretty complicated. While the academic nuance helps illustrate different approaches to the simple life, one is left wondering what the simple life really is; Brillaud admits it's "a concept with far-reaching resonance" and that it cannot be reduced to "static principles, lofty ambitions, or technological expedients." Those looking for advice on creating a "life governed by simple rules" will enjoy Brillaud's inviting portraits.
