A Philosophy of Simple Living

"In this insightful debut, Brillaud. . . analyzes the 'simple life' by examining historical figures who 'saw simplicity as a way of life.' Among the exemplars of simplicity Brillaud surveys are antiestablishment spiritual pioneers such as the desert monks of early Christianity and the Shakers of the late eighteenth century, as well as philosophical giants including fourth-century BCE philosopher Diogenes the Cynic and American transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau. Each, Brillaud writes, sought to lessen the noise of a busy life in order to 'remain attuned to the quiet activity of living which transpired in and around them.' Ironically, in offering a diverse array of paragons and dissecting their choices—for example, when he opens the book with a deep dive into various stages of Greek philosophy, language, and history—Brillaud’s study gets pretty complicated. While the academic nuance helps illustrate different approaches to the simple life, one is left wondering what the simple life really is; Brillaud admits it’s 'a concept with far-reaching resonance' and that it cannot be reduced to 'static principles, lofty ambitions, or technological expedients.' Those looking for advice on creating a 'life governed by simple rules' will enjoy Brillaud’s inviting portraits."

“A powerfully insightful work that deserves wide attention at a time of unprecedented confoundment and burden in the human condition.”

“Thoughtful and beautifully written. . . . A must-read in our era of noise and distraction.”

"This fascinating and well-written book by Brillaud does not evangelize about simple living or tell readers how to think or live. Rather, it is a diverse and profound review of various perspectives on simplicity that have emerged throughout the ages, from the Ancient Greeks, through Christianity, to the modern Voluntary Simplicity Movement, with notable discussions of prominent figures including Diogenes, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Henry Thoreau. Paradoxically, however, it turns out the notion of ‘simplicity’ is surprisingly complex, but readers will be both challenged and enriched by this paradox. Brillaud has made a fine contribution to the philosophical literature on a concept that is as important as it is neglected."

"Brillaud's superb work is a powerful reminder that Western intellectual and cultural history is full of admiration for simple living. In an age of soaring emissions and growing environmental impacts, a return to simplicity—to localism, to conscious living, to low-impact lifestyles—is not only a means of survival and an ethical imperative, but also a pathway to rediscovering the basic joys of life."