Voluntary Simplicity - What Is It?

Voluntary simplicity is an ancient idea that has never gone away. Today it is a growing social trend that continues to gain steam. But what is it?

There are as many definitions as there are people choosing to live the simple life. A common thread runs through them all, however, and can be described by a common principle - 'All things being equal, everything in nature tends toward simplicity.'

In medieval times, Thomas Aquinas wrote:

"If a thing can be done adequately by means of one, it is superfluous to do it by means of several; for we observe that nature does not employ two instruments where one suffices."

Researchers found 12 dimensions in discussions from 1977 to 2001 that refer to voluntary simplicity. They can help us move toward a more complete understanding of what is involved.

12 Dimensions of Voluntary Simplicity

1. The Good Life
2. Life Purpose
3. Personal Growth
4. Chosen Life
5. Self Determination
6. Relationships
7. Material Simplicity
8. Minimal Consumption
9. Role of Work
10. Plain Living
11. Ecological Awareness
12. Human Scale

Some recent definitions randomly selected from the Internet help to identify other features common to voluntary simplicity.

Defining Voluntary Simplicity

• A lifestyle that minimizes consumption and the pursuit of wealth and material goods.
• A life that is less costly, so one can work less and have more time and freedom.
• Living the way you want to live without having to compromise who you are or who you want to be.
• A lifestyle that is less pressured due to a focus away from accumulation of goods and more toward non-material aspects of life.
• A way of life in which one consumes responsibly to protect the environment, enhance quality of life and promote social justice.
• Dumping what doesn't make you happy in order to have some time for what does.

Since humans are part of nature, we have an (often hidden) urge to conduct our lives with simplicity and efficiency in mind.

Simple is Nature's way, and it is what we crave as Nature's children.

How do you define the natural expression of simplicity in your life?