On Monday I wrote a critique of the idea of simplifying your life as part of my ever controversial self-help myths series. I got a great response to that so decided to continue the theme throughout the week. On Wednesday, I described how, considering that simplicity goes against the way society is evolving, are we merely resisting the inevitable? And now, to top the week off, here are some of my top quotes on the subject. What are your favorites?
E.F. Schumacker: “Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius – and a lot of courage – to move in the opposite direction.”
Donald Horban: “We don’t need to increase our goods nearly as much as we need to scale down our wants. Not wanting something is as good as possessing it.”
Elise Boulding: “Frugality is one of the most beautiful and joyful words in the English language, and yet one that we are culturally cut off from understanding and enjoying. The consumption society has made us feel that happiness lies in having things, and has failed to teach us the happiness of not having things.”
Doris Janzen Longacre: “The trouble with simple living is that, though it can be joyful, rich, and creative, it isn’t simple.”
May 15, 2009 at 06:22PM
I’ve really enjoyed this series on simplification! My favorite quote, again going back to my original reply on simplicity not equaling simple.
Alan Perlis: “Simplicity does not precede complexity, but follows it.”
May 15, 2009 at 06:29PM
“Not wanting something is as good as possessing it.” For me, this is the most profound statement ever. It has given me a new way to look at things.