Less Is More: An Anthology of Ancient & Modern Voices Raised in Praise of Simplicity

This book is a complete values overhaul that was much appreciated. A beautiful compilation of wisdom sure to give you a fresh perspective on life.

This is one of my top ten books. I'm now on my third reading and I imagine I will continue to read from this anthology, here and there, slow but sure, the rest of my life. It's beautiful to have such timeless wisdom captured in one place to ponder.Of course, the wisdom in this book runs counter-culture by today's standards. Do you remember the bumper sticker, "Whoever has the most toys when they die, wins!?" This anthology turns this kind of idiocy on its head; and rightfully so.If you're interested, I have read two other books that speak to me in the same way this book has. First, Journeys of Simplicity: Traveling Light with Thomas Merton, Bashō, Edward Abbey, Annie Dillard & Others is another great book to have on your nightstand. And secondly, The Abundance of Less: Lessons in Simple Living from Rural Japan.These three books, taken together, read often, mused and fussed over, have the ability, I think, to change your life.

Good if you want to be an ascetic philosopher. But as Confucius said, "Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water; after enlightenment, chop wood, carry water." In other words, getting it doesn't change it, it just means you understand it better. Life is a beautiful struggle. I spent 4 years as a happy "non-affiliated monk" in my own " Less is More" search for the real baseline meaning of things, and in my case I learned that while its good to have few wants and needs, its even better to be comfortable through the momentum and organization of a structured life of planning realistically (vs. ideally) and calm determined work. Thoreau discovered the same thing at Walden Pond. Doing less is wise, doing nothing is fun at first, but in the long run stupid, because it is just laziness that leads to apathy, and slowly makes you less happy than when you started. If you're letting the manic modern world drive you nuts, this is one of many helpful books to get out of that rut. But like all of these books, it goes all the way in the opposite direction. Jesus, Buddha, Socrates and many other "sages" have advocated something more moderate, and called it different things, "The Middle Way," or "The Golden Mean" that's a good approach to life. Happiness really does boil down to: "Work to do; Someone to love; and a clear conscience." The other old saw that is just as trite but also deadly accurate: "God grant me the courage to change the things I can; the serenity to accept the things I can't; and the wisdom to know the difference."

If you want to simplify your life WHILE bringing more joy, this is a great place to start. There are very powerful ideas in this book, often boiled down to a few sentences. It is basically a book of quotes, but these quotes are much more ideas than talking points. When you read a quote about excessive American consumerism...and then you see it was written over a hundred years ago, you can't help but smile when you realize today's issues were yesterday's issues, too.

The product arrived in good condition in a timely manner. It fulfilled or surpassed the description. We are very pleased. (Did anyone else notice how long the subtitle is to this book on brevity?)

I'm incredibly thankful this obscure book of ancient and modern thoughts on simplicity was recommended by Tim Ferriss in the back of his now-classic 4-Hour Workweek. Without Tim's help, I probably never would have discovered what has become one of my favorite books. Every time I re-read these sayings I'm genuinely inspired. What better way is there to judge the quality of a book?To add to the book's famous admirers, the foreword is written by the great E.F. Schumacher.

Bought on advice from Tim Ferris, haven't found it to offer much. I like the layout (wisdom chunks) tho.

In my younger days, I was very much into E.F.Schumacher. I didn't have much stuff of my own then, and didn't expect to. Since then, I've accumulated more. Now I have too much clutter. I won't do without Christian faith, family, friends, but the rest is encumbering. There are many good precepts in this book, some from faiths I don't share. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but I can't find it. Perhaps I loaned it, but no one will admit to borrowing it. Now I wish I could return it to the pile of books beside my bed.

this is a superb collection of quotes and passagesyou will really enjoy it if you...1. value simplicity2. wish to make their world and life less materialistic3 feel that life is less beautiful with more and more things4. Care about the environment4. ....and are seeking ideas and inspiration to make the world simpler, sustainable and satisfying

Nice book. really provides some insights but too theoretical and referring to too much outdated quotes and thoghts. would not buy it again.

Hi thereFirst of all don't be turned down by my 2 star review so fast. It depends what you are looking for here. I was looking for a book where author shares his rich experience...you know...kind of like Robin Sharma type book. Nothing like that. It is full of different quotes only. Feels like someone has googled the library on "less is more"...an then copy-pasted. I was pretty disappointed but this book could be great for references. Buy and see four yourself and if you like it come here and it give more stars than I did :)