Five Myths About Simplicity Busted
Don’t believe the hype about simplicity. If the idea of voluntary simplicity makes you imagine monks or the Unabomber, it’s time for a reality check: read on!
You have to live an ascetic life to enjoy simplicity.
Not every person who practices voluntary simplicity lives in a spartan log cabin or a minimalist Zen haven. Similarly, it’s not about giving up possessions or meditating or being green. Enjoying simplicity is about being happy with less—less stress, less drama, less waste, and less hassle. Whether that simple lifestyle involves eternity pools and caviar or sparse flats and ramen is really a moot point.
Living simply means letting life’s pleasures pass you by.
One of the most common reactions to frugal or simple folks is, “Life is meant to be enjoyed! You never know what tomorrow might bring!” A life of simplicity, I can firmly attest, contains countless pleasures; they’re just different pleasures. The feeling of freedom, a quiet evening spent with your thoughts and a great wine, the pleasure of enjoying a home-cooked meal with a person you love, the possession of enough free time to indulge one’s whims: I think most voluntary simplifiers would count these among life’s greatest pleasures.
Living simply will make you rich.
Sorry. I’d love it if this was true, but there’s no guarantee that simplicity and Millionaire Next Door (link) type wealth go hand in hand. You may own nothing but travel everywhere, you may own the very best of a few things, or you may have very little and work even less. Simplicity isn’t a path to wealth, it’s just a lifestyle. However, if you’re spending far less than you earn and keeping committed expenses down, your future probably looks pretty bright financially.
People who practice voluntary simplicity are better than people with a lot of Stuff.
Your worth as a person has nothing to do with the amount of Stuff you have. This is true whether you have a lot of stuff or just a little. You have to do what’s right for you. Someone who makes responsible purchases, even if their home is full of unused doodads and Marie Osmond dolls, is no better or worse than the person who eschews such items.
Living simply is an act of willpower.
While everyone is different, I would argue that most people living a simple life don’t have to try very hard to do it. In reality, it would be very difficult for them to do anything other than live a simple life. More than anything, simplicity is often a preference that simply becomes a habit. Do you dream of peaceful days instead of harried hours? There’s your preference. The next step is to take action to make simplicity a habit by saying no sometimes, choosing experiences over Stuff, and really tuning in to the world around you.
Are there any other myths about simplicity you can think of? Are any of the stereotypes or common perceptions true? Add your thoughts in the conversation below—let us all know what you think.
photo credit: Roman Lashkin
This post has 17 comments
August 14th, 2008
I agree completely with you, Sara, that focusing on simplicity doesn’t have to mean depriving yourself.
In fact, the opposite scenario is the case.
By cutting out the unnecessary distractions in life, we are better able to lazer target the simple things that truly matter to us.
Surely, it is these things which we value the most. Being able to fully appreciate them can only bring us even greater pleasure
August 14th, 2008
I can’t say I feel deprived of anything that I would have had if I hadn’t chosen to live simply. On the other hand, I’ve gained far more freedom and contentment and they’re two things I wouldn’t give up again without a fight!
August 14th, 2008
Scott,
Wonderfully spoken! My experience has been the same as yours: simplicity has helped me enjoy things more, plus I’m not as stressed.
Sharon,
Totally! Freedom is a big one for me. Why on earth would I give that up for, well, anything?
August 14th, 2008
The path of learning how to live simply has been the most gratifying for me. It’s been a life long process so it feels like an accomplishment that has definitely been worth achieving. Also there’s always something new to learn about living the ’simple’ life. I think that pretty much sums up why I read this blog and everyone’s comments!
August 14th, 2008
Sara, you’ve really said this well.
I tend to think I live a simple (simpler) life than many. However, I still feel harried from too few hours in the day, the urge to buy something I don’t need, or a feeling of keeping up with the Joneses. It’s about moderation for me. Where can I simplify my life. What will the simplification do. What I’m finding is that the more “simply” I live, the happier I am (internally and externally). Possessions, extra commitments, rushed lives - these do not get you internal happiness. Although internal happiness could come from these - I don’t think it does directly. Maybe it does because you meet someone and become friends - and that’s internal happiness.
It’s not about having or not having. It’s about living the life you desire. By simplifying, I think you are more able to get to the core of who “you” are.
August 14th, 2008
a nice exersise in debunking. judith levine, in her book “not buying it,” speaks to this creeping feeling of superiority that would occasionally rear its ugly head as she eschewed consumer products for a year. especially at the beginning people who are trying to simplify might need to attach some kind of moral valence to the act of simplifying. but this post does well to remind us that that is not the motive! simplifying is about bettering ones own life and self- sometimes that can get lost in the ascetic notion that this has some social value .
August 14th, 2008
Hi Sara: For some people simplicity is practically synonymous with minimalism, while for others it´s about priorities and purchasing items because they genuinely please you instead of trying to impress someone else. I think we should each come up with our own definition of simplicity and apply it to our lives, and it’s important that we do so because life as it is right now is just moving too fast and is too consumerism-oriented.
August 14th, 2008
“Similarly, it’s not about giving up possessions or meditating or being green. Enjoying simplicity is about being happy with less—less stress, less drama, less waste, and less hassle.”
I agree, no one has a monopoly on living simple.
Though, I do think it can be an act of will power, at least at some point - because creating new habits often requires concerted effort which translates to will power.
August 14th, 2008
Mark: I love that you call simplicity an accomplishment. Anymore, it really is!
Lance: “It’s not about having or not having. It’s about living the life you desire. By simplifying, I think you are more able to get to the core of who “you” are.” That’s beautiful, Lance. I think you and I are riding the same train.
NeimanMarxist: I need to read that book! I’ve definitely felt a pull at times to feel superior–it seems to give all the effort some tangible value. Fortunately, I’ve got people around me to bring me back to my sense and I remember that this is a personal choice, nothing more.
Marelisa: We should absolutely all come up with our own definitions! You have a great way of cutting to core of what I’m trying to say, and I truly appreciate it.
Bamboo Forest: You’re right, it can be about willpower, especially in the beginning. At some point, it seems like inertia takes over, it becomes easier with each day.
August 14th, 2008
“A life of simplicity, I can firmly attest, contains countless pleasures; they’re just different pleasures. The feeling of freedom, a quiet evening spent with your thoughts and a great wine, the pleasure of enjoying a home-cooked meal with a person you love”.
Sara, that was beautiful. And very true. AND it goes to show that enjoying life does NOT have to be associated with accumulating material stuff or with spending a lot of money.
August 15th, 2008
I like to keep life simple. This has reminded me of the “good old days”. We didn’t have a microwave, a dishwasher or any of our current conveniences. We had a tiny black and white tv and I think we only got 2 channels. More time was spent reading, playing games, dancing and being outside in nature. The days seemed much simpler and more fulfilling then.
August 15th, 2008
The best part of this article is not placing a judgment on simplicity. I do find myself thinking I am better than those who lead lives full of debt and stuff and chaos, but those things alone aren’t what make us good or bad. One of the things I work on daily is making my choices personal and trying not to make myself feel better about them by putting down the other side. I am not always successful.
Great post!
August 15th, 2008
Vered: I’m with you. When it really comes down to it, money has so little to do with my favorite things. And fortunately for me, I like cheap wine.
Davina: I’m not one for romanticizing the past, but playing games certainly sounds more fun and fulfilling than watching TV.
Emily: I love your honesty. I get caught up in it, too. Acknowledging it in writing is a great reminder for me to focus on myself, not what others are doing.
August 15th, 2008
I enjoy how you are defining simplicity: “Enjoying simplicity is about being happy with less—less stress, less drama, less waste, and less hassle.” Going by this definition, I can say that going simple is very much part of my plan too! It’s not about how much money I have in the bank but it’s the knowledge that I can live on so little. It’s also not about depriving myself but that I can eat in street side stalls and still enjoy my meal.
August 17th, 2008
You are right, living simply will doesn’t translate to wealth because if this was true, people in the third world countries would be wealthy.
August 20th, 2008
Hiya everyone!
For me simple living came about in a different way. After facing my own mortality by having and beating cancer, I realized what was truly important to me. I now crave simplicity and seek it out in every corner of my world. I’m now making decisions based on what is important to me and to me alone. Now when I buy something or do something it’s because I want it - not because I want to keep up with the Joneses or because today’s advertising tells me I need it. Living simply has also given me a pleasure I never would have imagined - I love being alone! I’ve cut out all the ‘noise’ of ailing relationships and have found out that I enjoy spending time with myself and exploring who I am.
And as Vered put so well, in simplicity I’ve found countless pleasures - just different than before.
I’m happier than I’ve ever been in my 43 years!
Rock on everybody!
August 20th, 2008
Evelyn: I like your thoughts here. It’s not about what you have or don’t have, it’s just about how you use and enjoy them.
Chris: No kidding! Couldn’t have said it better myself, Chris.
Louise: You rock! It’s so awesome to hear that an urge for simplicity came from such a deep, honest spot. For so many of us, it’s just about clutter, so it’s inspiring to be reminded that simplicity is about so much more.
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