Customer Reviews

Simplicity Lessons: A 12-Step Guide to Living Simply

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Voluntary simplicity is a growing movement in the US and in the world that focuses on living mindfully and pursuing what really matters to each individual, independently of external pressures such as advertising and societal "shoulds." There are dozens of books about the subject, but Linda Breen Pierce's "Simplicity Lessons" is by far the most updated, complete, and user-friendly of the bunch. Moreover, it is one of the very few books that places voluntary simplicity in a wider social and political framework. To change only ourselves does not suffice; we also need to help change the culture we breathe.

The book's chapters focus on twelve major aspects of VS, including our focus on stuff instead of on non-material things that would bring us far more joy; our difficult relationship with money and how much we actually make per hour (a la "Your Money or Your Life"); how we can increase the time we have available to pursue our passions; the importance of community; the role of spirituality; the joys of passionate work; the importance of keeping our nest, the Earth, clean and healthy for future generations... and more.

Pierce included an inspiring quotation on every page (by itself a wonderful read!). Her statements are supported with careful research and citations, and she provides extensive lists of updated further resources, in print and on the web. Hers is quite an impressive accomplishment, to offer this depth of scholarship expressed in a writing style that is so clear and easily comprehensible.

"Simplicity Lessons" was written to be used as a workbook -- there are intelligent, useful, and challenging assignments after each of the twelve lessons. Whether you go through the book by yourself or, even better, with a Simplicity Circle (consisting of 8-12 adults who support each other), you'll find it a wonderful resource. If anyone wants to study this book with me in the Washington DC area, please feel free to contact me at <LRR@mindspring.com>. I'd gladly read the book again within a circle.

I am both happy and not happy with this book. I purchased it hoping to find different ways to simplify my life. I found that I am already doing many of the suggestions and have already evaluated much of my life in the ways that the author suggested. This provided me with positive reinforcement that I am hopefully on a good path.

I think this would be a good book for someone just starting to evaluate their life or looking for a new approach.

I don't like the way the author seems critical of many choices people make in their lives and find many of her suggestions to be of no value to me and my life. I try to be friendly to the Earth and its inhabitants. I buy locally, recycle everthing possible, and generally try to be as respectful and mindful of my place and purpose in life.

It is neither practical nor feasable for me to sell my house and move to a pedestrian friendly city so I don't need to own a car or can share one with a neighbor.

I make no apologizes that I drive a SUV. My life more than occasionally requires this vehicle making renting one when I needed one financially stupid. If I didn't live in an area that was snow covered several months of the year perhaps I could ride a Vespa or have a "commuting car." However how is having more than one vehicle simplifying my life? If I didn't have co-workers perhaps bicycling to work would be possible. I can neither shower at the office I work at nor am I willing to carry a full change of clothing to put on after I arrive.

I am not going to opt out of health insurance on the hopes that I won't need it. Of course I hope I won't need it but I am not going to bet my finaicial future on it. My job may make me crazy but I can't see how its worse than perhaps incurring a huge medical bill and losing my home.

I value old friendships and keep a place in my life for those people who may not share my feelings on many issues. The value of a 27 year friendship far outweighs our political or social differences. Is it simplier to discard people who "complicate" my life or to find a way to fit them in?

In the end its all about the choices you make. Ms. Pierce does a good job of showing you do have control in ways you might not have considered. Just because I don't agree with some of her conclusions doesn't mean she is wrong in asking the questions.

In a country that overspends, overworks, over accumulates, and wastes precious resources, it is refreshing to read Simplicity Lessons. Not only does this book address the issues on a philosophical level but it has many practical ideas on how to enhance your life by following many of her options. If you are looking for more passion and spirituality in your life, quality of time and relationships, ways to connect to community and nature, this book will show you how to accomplish it. Linda Breen Pierce doesn't preach but rather invokes ideas with a variety of solutions. I particularly liked her ideas on organizing study groups and providing worksheets to help make change. There is no question that the quality of your work-life will improve if you follow a few of her practical suggestions.

Voluntary simplicity has some features to it that would benefit most people in the United States, and that I am actively trying to incorporate into my own life. These include less consumerism/materialism, financial "modesty" (for lack of a better term), less cluttered living, etc. When we speak of the priorities, however, we must not forget the "voluntary" aspect.

I can sum up my problem with this book with a single quote from page 170, "Simplicity is not about imposing beliefs on others or judging their actions... except, of course, by enacting and enforcing laws that mandate..." Throughout the book, every topic ends up with a discussion of how to tax, fine, or otherwise manipulate and coerce people into adopting the practices that the author believes would be best for them.

This sanctimonious, condescending attitude was so offensive that I found it difficult to draw anything positive from the book.

Great workbook and should be used with a group of people if possible.
Makes you think about living more fully, enjoyably, and calmly in this hectic have to have everything world.

Linda has done a good job with this book. It offers clear, accessible advice on how to simplify your life and live it more deliberately. She has drawn from a range of works and her own experience. Her voice is more confident than in her first book, which is to be expected.

I found the book helpful.

The title of this book should be "Proclamations of an Environmentalist Evangelist".
While I am all in favor of Voluntary Simplicity and in being easy on the environment, I found very little useful information in this book. The author declares in the housing section that we should all agree on an amount of square footage per person as acceptable for our housing needs. She gives the example of 500 square feet per person with enough room for hobbies. Those who choose to live in more square footage will be punished for being a pox on the environment by paying huge taxes. I question this philosophy as someone would have to decide that 500 square feet is an appropriate amount for each individual and I'm guessing that would be the government. If you live in a 1600 square foot house with your spouse and two children you would be within the acceptable range. However, once your children grow up and move out, then you would be in violation and be heavily taxed as punishment for your misuse of environmental resources. Of course, you could always move, but then you would have to use EVEN MORE environmental resources to adjust your living space to meet the requirements and not be taxed. This is only one example of the ideas in this book designed to 'simplify your life' that really dictate how you should be living according to the author's vewpoint. Don't waste your money on this book if you are looking to simplify your life. Check out Elaine St. James' books and read Don Aslett's "Clutter's Last Stand". You'll get helpful information without being made to feel guilty for having the nerve to be a human living in America. This is the viewpoint of a former Professional Organizer who values freedom and being able to decide what is an appropriate lifestyle for myself and my family.

This was a gift on a Amazon Wish List so I know very little about it except the receiver was very happy to receive it.

Linda has done an outstanding job putting this book together. It gave insights into the four key elements of living- body, mind and spirit. The context is clear cut, she speaks from personal wisdom, research and case studies. She has exceeded my expectations with such a fantastic book!

Book was received in excellent condition -- like new! Shipping was very quick.