Voluntary Simplicity

part of Mark Stosberg's personal website

The 50 cent summary

This is a primer for the Voluntary Simplicity movement. Duane takes a scientific approach to his explanations. The book is based in part on the results of a survey that he conducted among people who were already participating in the movement. I appreciate that in addition to offering his own opinion of what's happening and where the movement is headed, he also cites direct examples from the survey. Here are some highlights of the book for me:

simple living in context of our civilization -- Duane puts the rise and fall of civilizations into 4 basic stages, and places our current situation somewhere in the early stages of civilizational breakdown. He asserts that voluntary simplicity could play a role in revitalizing civilization and preventing cultural stagnation.
Simplicity and inner life -- Duane finds strong connections between living simply and inner life. First, he explains that living voluntary means living consciously and aware, shifting out of "automatic" which we can so easily run on. 88 percent of the respondents to his survey were presently involved with one or more inner-growth processes, with meditation being the most popular, with 55% participation.
Simplicity and religion -- He spends a chapter exploring the relationship of Eastern and Western religions. He describes Western religions as "profoundly materialistic" and Eastern religions as "profoundly spiritual". He suggests that these are complementary perspectives and hopes that in the future these will be synthesized to form an "emerging common sense".
He explained a common thread he found among religions like this:
Each tradition records that if we gently though persistently look into our own experience, we will ultimately discover that who "we" are is not different or separate from that which we call God, Cosmic Consciousness, Unbounded Wholeness, the Tao, Nirvana, and countless other names (for this ultimately unnameable experience). The common thread of experience found at the core of every major spiritual tradition is suggested in the following statements:
The Kingdom of Heaven is within you. -- Jesus
Look within, thou are the Buddha. -- Buddha
Atman (the essence of the individual) and Brahman (the essence of ultimate reality are one. -- from the Hindu tradition
He who knows himself knows his Lord. -- Muhammed

My response

Duane's scientific process of researching the book and the structured format of it's presentation lend it credibility for me. Additionally, he references many primary sources as the foundation of his work, allowing for further research and verification. I like that.

His voice comes across as dry at times, but it's generally an enjoyable read. His assertions are strong but with research to back them up, I found them believable. I recommend this book.

Read more about this book at Amazon.com.

Mark Stosberg

Last modified: Sat Jun 23 10:49:36 EST 2001