What Is Voluntary Simplicity?

What Is Voluntary Simplicity?

Let me explain voluntary simplicity directly: it's a lifestyle choice where you minimize needless consumption of material goods and the pursuit of wealth just for its own sake. You might hear it called 'simple living,' 'the simple life,' or 'downshifting.' I see people choosing this to create less complicated, more meaningful lives for themselves and their families, while also cutting down on the negative environmental impact from unnecessary consumption.

Key Takeaways

When I think about voluntary simplicity, it de-emphasizes accumulating money and material goods in favor of a more meaningful and less stressful life. By reducing unnecessary consumption, it also brings environmental benefits. Those who practice it tell me it's not about deprivation, but about liberation.

Understanding Voluntary Simplicity

Advocates like me believe that today's consumer culture pushes you to think you can buy happiness or social status with expensive goods, luxury cars, and bigger homes. Instead, some of us choose to leave that rat race and embrace voluntary simplicity.

A simpler life costs less, so you can work fewer hours and have more time for yourself and your family. It's not just about living with less of what money buys, but about wanting less from the start. People who do this don't feel deprived—they feel liberated.

Types of Voluntary Simplicity

Voluntary simplicity has been in and out of fashion for decades, under various names and forms. One early figure was Henry David Thoreau, the author and philosopher who spent over two years living simply in a small house he built by Walden Pond in Massachusetts, detailing it in his 1854 book 'Walden, or Life in the Woods.' His advice was straightforward: 'Simplify, simplify.'

A century later, the hippie counterculture in the 1960s and early '70s brought a similar vibe, rejecting material goods and embracing communal living and back-to-the-land ideas. By 1971, John Lennon was singing 'imagine no possessions' in his song 'Imagine.'

Toward the end of the 20th century, it became central to the Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement, promoted by authors like Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez. They suggested slashing expenses drastically, saving the money, and retiring early to do what you truly want.

More recently, Marie Kondo's 2014 book 'The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up' added to this by urging you to purge possessions that weigh you down. Her advice: keep only things that speak to your heart, discard the rest after thanking them, and let them go.

Important Note

You don't have to adopt every part of voluntary simplicity—just pick the aspects that will enhance your life. Remember, it's voluntary, so it's up to you.

Special Considerations

You can practice voluntary simplicity and gain its benefits even if it's not the center of your life. For instance, that might mean downsizing from a large house to a smaller one, as many do in retirement, to simplify and cut costs. It could involve cooking at home more and eating out less, especially if you enjoy cooking. Or try growing some vegetables in your garden instead of buying everything.

If you're able, it might mean cutting back work hours for more family time or hobbies. Or ramp up your savings now to quit your job sooner. Voluntary simplicity is your choice, and there are many ways to start: spend less, reduce clutter, and consume mindfully.