Definition
Choose voluntarily what is essential to reduce material, mental or relational congestion.
Voluntary simplicity must not romanticize poverty, it implies a margin of choice and may involve possessions, time, attention or digital consumption.
To be retained
- Distinguish sobriety chosen and deprivation
- Simplify service with a value
- Avoid minimalist competition
- Sharing the resources released
Origin of the term and context
Simple comes from the Latin simplex, "d'un pli". The ideals of sobriety exist in many traditions, but their motivations vary: inner freedom, sharing, non-violence or discipline.
Why does it matter?
Reducing certain demands can reduce the decision-making burden and clarify priorities. However, there is no universal number of objects or activities that guarantee wellbeing.
- Distinguish sobriety chosen and deprivation
- Simplify service with a value
- Avoid minimalist competition
- Sharing the resources released
How can it be explored or practised?
- Remove unnecessary solicitation this week
- Give an item still useful
- Keep a beach without a screen
- Observe what the purchase actually promises
Misconceptions and points of caution
- Poverty is not an ideal to impose.
- Minimalism can become a market identity.
- Simplifying does not mean running away from responsibility.
Perspectives from different traditions
- Taoism: simplicity and moderation.
- Monasticism: poverty or sharing according to rules.
- Jainism: limitation of possessions and non-attachment.
To go further
- Walden — Henry David Thoreau, to be told
- L-Art of simplicity — Dominique Loreau