self help reading + music

José González - How Low
José González Ft. Zero 7 - Crosses

Most philosophers believe that, other things being equal, simpler theories are better.

2nd millennium BC various Hindu groups in the Eastern world had established a voluntarily simplified spiritual lifestyle. This practice continued with various Abrahamic and Buddhist religious movements in the Middle East, Europe and Asia. Abraham, Moses, Gautama Buddha, John the Baptist, Jesus, and Muhammad all practised simple living, and many of their teachings recommend that their followers do likewise. Various notable individuals have claimed that spiritual inspiration led them to a simple living lifestyle, such as Francis of Assisi, Ammon Hennacy, Rabindranath Tagore, and Mahatma Gandhi.

For more information about Quaker simplicity see Testimony of Simplicity.

Henry David Thoreau

Epicureanism, based on the teachings of the Athens-based philosopher Epicurus, flourished from about the fourth century B.C.E. to the third century C.E.. Epicureanism upheld the untroubled life as the paradigm of happiness, made possible by carefully considered choices and avoidances. Specifically, Epicurus pointed out that troubles entailed by maintaining an extravagant lifestyle tend to outweigh the pleasure of partaking in it. He therefore concluded that what is necessary for happiness, bodily comfort, and life itself should be maintained at minimal cost, while all things beyond what is necessary for these should either be tempered by moderation or completely avoided.



Some people who practice voluntary simplicity act consciously to reduce their need for purchased services or goods and, by extension, their need to sell their time for money - to improve their own quality of life or well-being.