Voluntary Simplicity by Duane Elgin Essay Example

Duane Elgin provides a holistic view of the practice of simplicity through individual reflection on the global requirements for simplicity as well as the integration of social thoughts in response to the pursuit of life. The Elgin's persuasion of the simplicity is depicted through the introduction of Ram Dass which gives a clue of the educational approaches for simplification. Elgin presents the personal aspects of simplicity and global perspective of simplicity. Through the two elements of simplicity, the issues of consumption, technology as well as financial collapse are revealed. Furthermore, the effects of environmental degradation and peak energy resources are also shown. Simplicity is presented through the optimist approach with the people's perspective on the simplicity of their lives. Elgin argues that the critical factor for simplicity is voluntary which comes from the individual will. "To live more voluntary is to live more deliberately, intentionally and purposefully...(Elgin and Mitchell 15)." Elgin describes the application of simplicity as a balance of the purpose of fulfillment and satisfaction. Therefore, it is clear that reduction in the consumption for the people is due to poverty I the ecological living era. As a result, a simple life is characterized by aesthetic and social dignity that pursues the voluntary path.

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Voluntary Simplicity by Duane Elgin is related to sociology in such a way that the theme of the book is based on the world's wisdom traditions with the Greeks having the "golden mean" and the Buddhist having the "middle way" (Elgin and Mitchell). The simplicity life makes an individual compatible with all the traditions in the society. Simplicity according to Elgin is the master art of living with the emergence of the expression for the real character of lives. Since simplicity creates the purpose of life through the conscious and vital realization of life, it depends on the climate, customs as well as the culture of the society. Therefore, voluntary simplicity involves the purpose of sincerity and honesty through partial restraint and guidance for the realization of the use of life. Although different people may have a different meaning,simplicity is first individual settling.

The author, Elgin is trying to express to the reader that simplicity does not entail poverty but the purpose of life."Simplicity is not about a life of poverty, but a life of purpose." This paper presents an index of behavior designed to measure an individual's tendency towards a Voluntary Simplicity lifestyle. We emphasize selected behaviors leading to increased self-sufficiency or reduced consumption and note the significance of their adoption for migration and purchasing patterns (Elgin and Mitchell 21). From the voluntary simplicity, Elgin expresses that poverty is involuntary and on the other hand simplicity is voluntary. Therefore, poverty degrades the human spirit hence generating a sense of helplessness and despair. However, simplicity fosters personal empowerment as well as creative opportunities. Moreover, Elgin wants to put it clear that simplicity is not about living in rural or ugly living but making the best out of every single movement.

Elgin poses numerous questions throughout the book. The ethical approach of simplicity only concentrates on the economic and psychological factors. However, the individual experimenting the do not see themselves as part of the conscious social class. Instead, they act with their initiative with the aim of bringing lives to the reality of the world. Moreover, the reasons for choosing to live in simplicity are based on the expression at work, the consumption as well as the community demands. Therefore, "Why would an individual or couple adopt a way of life that is more materially frugal, ecologically oriented, inner-directed, and in other ways removed from the materialism of much of Western society?"

Work Cited

Mendeley Elgin, Duane, and Arnold Mitchell. "Voluntary Simplicity." Planning Review, 1977, doi:10.1108/eb053820.