Voluntary Simplicity

Descriptive Essay # 111105

Environmental Studies
Philosophy > History - 20th Century
Psychology

Examines a deliberate way of life called voluntary simplicity.

2,830 words () | 11 sources | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper describes a way of life called voluntary simplicity, also known as simple living, and explains that it is a lifestyle in which, unlike poverty, individuals deliberately choose to decrease material needs in order to achieve a life full of simple pleasures. The paper describes the philosophy of those who choose voluntary simplicity as a way of life, its origins as a social movement, and its benefits. The paper concludes that voluntary simplicity is a means of capturing the essence of one's life by deliberately choosing one's path rather than living through a series of events. It is a way to which adherents can regain time with their family, friends, and with themselves by consciously choosing how and why they work.

Table of Contents:
Voluntary Simplicity and Sustainability
Roots of Voluntary Simplicity
Quantity and Quality Time
Work and Money
Reclaiming your Family and Community
Caring for the Earth
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Work and money. These are two of the most lamented topics in America. In the not-so-simple pursuit of the American Dream most people are at the mercy of their job and their pay-check, living way beyond their means week by week. For simple living, there are two important rules to work. First, "find something that you love to do and get paid for it [and secondly,] live under your means." While Middle Americans are working full-time jobs and eking by on their paychecks, simple living encourages balance by living under their means and working fewer hours."

Sample of Sources Used:

Brophy, Beth. "Stressless-and simple-in Seattle." U.S. News and World Report 11 December 1995: 96.
Dadd-Redalia, Debra. Sustaining the Earth. New York: Hearst Books, 1994.
Elgin, Duane and Arnold Mitchell. "Voluntary Simplicity." Co-Evolution Quarterly (1977): 1-40.
Elgin, Duane. Voluntary Simplicity. New York: Harper, 1981.
Kasser, Tim and Kirk Warren Brown. "Are psychological and ecological well-being compatible? The role of values, mindfulness, and lifestyle." Social Indicators Research (2005): 349-368.