"I am convinced that if all men were to live simply as I, thieving and robbery would be unknown. These take place in communities where some have more than is sufficient, while others have not enough."
Henry David Thoreau was a poet, historian, author, philosopher, abolitionist, and critic. He was best known for writing the book Walden, written about simple living, and the essay Civil Disobedience, about individuals resisting the government. He is often considered to have made the classic advocacy for simple living in the secular world. He thought that people could really learn from his ways and all together live a better life.
"Simple living" is a very broad term. Simple living could include different practices, or just simply "living simple". Some people choose to reduce their possessions, and strive to feel satisfied with what they have instead of wanting more materialistic things that others have. Simple living is a voluntary choice, and not grouped with those who are forced to live in poverty. There are many reasons to live the simple life, like having quality time with family, reducing stress, religious reasons, or spiritual reasons.
Below is a link to a video of Thoreau's simplicity!!
This lifestyle can be dated back to biblical times, and all people have their personal reasons of living so simple. Thoreau stressed to others that materialistic things were so small compared to what people should be focused on. After his movement, many of his admirers joined the simple belief and lived that way for the rest of their lives. Reducing income, possessions, and consumption are usually the main parts to this way of living. People in the same mindset as Thoreau believe the more possessions you acquire, the more time you spend making money to buy the materialistic things, tearing you away from time with your family.
Henry David Thoreau believed in personal independence, spiritual discovery, and self reliance. He liked to immerse himself in nature and really get away from the "real world", but kept close enough to be near his family home. He loved living things and animals and some people think that living simply and being true to yourself is truly the best way to live.
Many people in our world today use "simple living" in their everyday life. This kind of living seems old fashioned, but it has been modernized for the most part. Some families are very strict on reducing their consumption and belongings, and others choose to give back instead of receive material items themselves. For example, many people are using the Christmas season to teach children that giving things away to less fortunate is more important than hoarding countless material items. Some still live an extremely simple life, using only the resources needed to survive. Different people have different outlooks on how to live, but even people in our world today can simplify their lives in some way, just like Henry David Thoreau did. :)
