Elegant Simplicity
“A profound and accessible guide to an ecological civilization of peace, material sufficiency, and spiritual abundance for all.” —David Korten, international-bestselling author of When Corporations Rule the World
Consumerism drives the pursuit of happiness in much of the world, yet as wealth grows unhappiness abounds, compounded by the grave problems of climate change, pollution, and ecological degradation. We’ve now reached both an environmental and spiritual dead-end that leaves us crying out for alternatives.
Elegant Simplicity provides a coherent philosophy of life that weaves together simplicity of material life, thought, and spirit. In it, Satish Kumar, environmental thought leader and former monk, distills five decades of reflection and wisdom into a guide for everyone, covering:
- The ecological and spiritual principles of living simply
- Shedding both “stuff” and psychological baggage
- Opening your mind and heart to the deep value of relationships
- Embedding simplicity in all aspects of life including education and work
- Merging science and spirituality for a coherent worldview.
Elegant Simplicity is a life guide for everyone wanting off the relentless treadmill of competition and consumption and seeking a life that prioritizes the ecological integrity of the Earth, social equity, and personal tranquility and happiness.
“Satish Kumar embodies the elegance of simplicity . . . follow his path to make your life simple, elegant, and inspiring.” —Deepak Chopra, New York Times–bestselling author
“In this moving and eloquent book, Satish Kumar takes us through his own journey to a simpler, happier life with a low ecological footprint.” —David Suzuki, award-winning geneticist, author, broadcaster, and environmental activist
AWARDS
- SILVER | 2019 Foreword INDIES: Body, Mind, Spirit
- BRONZE (Tie) | 2020 Living Now Awards: Enlightenment / Spirituality
Satish Kumar, long-time peace and environment activist and former monk, has been quietly setting the global agenda of change for over 50 years. He settled in the United Kingdom after an 8,000-mile peace pilgrimage and took the editorial helm of Resurgence magazine in 1973, a post he held until 2016. Over the decades he has been the guiding spirit behind a number of internationally respected ecological and educational ventures including founding Devon's Schumacher College, authoring several books, and presented the documentary Earth Pilgrim. Satish was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Education from the University of Plymouth, an Honorary Doctorate in Literature from the University of Lancaster, and the Jamnalal Bajaj International Award for Promoting Gandhian Values Abroad. He appears regularly in the media, is on the Advisory Board of Our Future Planet, and he continues to teach and run workshops as a sought-after speaker in the UK and abroad. He lives in Devon, UK.