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Sep 17, 2019 Posted by Samuel Alexander

The Rebellion Hypothesis: Crisis, Inaction, and the Question of Civil Disobedience

Many of you will have read about the Extinction Rebellion that has been hitting the streets around the world in recent months. I’ve participated in these non-violent demonstrations, not because I agree with every framing, demand, or detail of this movement, but because I worry that ordinary politics is functioning to sleepwalk us all toward catastrophe. Therefore, I feel we need to experiment with... read more

Nov 22, 2018 Posted by Samuel Alexander

Book Launch: Degrowth in the Suburbs (6 Dec)

Book launch on 6 December at 5pm, University of Melbourne. A few weeks ago I posted about the new book I’ve published, Degrowth in the Suburbs: A Radical Urban Imaginary, co-authored with Prof. Brendan Gleeson. For those in Melbourne, the book will be launched at the University of Melbourne on 6 December at 5pm. David Holmgren, co-originator of the permaculture concept, is launching the book. If... read more

Oct 23, 2018 Posted by Samuel Alexander

Short Film: Degrowth in the Suburbs

Recently I posted about my new book – Degrowth the in Suburbs: A Radical Urban Imaginary – co-authored with Professor Brendan Gleeson. A couple of days ago Happen Films released a short video on the topic, based on my household – see below.... read more

Feb 25, 2018 Posted by Samuel Alexander

Living the Change: Inspiring Stories for a Sustainable Future (Film)

Jordan Osmond (who co-produced A Simpler Way with me) is about to release his second feature film, co-directed with Antoinette Wilson. The premiere is on 8 March, at 6.45pm, at Cinema Nova – if you’re around, come along and invite your friends. Should be amazing. Details below, tickets here. ———– Living the Change: Inspiring Stories for a Sustainable Future (Film) 8... read more

Oct 24, 2017 Posted by Samuel Alexander

Degrowth as an “Aesthetics of Existence”

I have just published a new MSSI monograph called “Degrowth as an ‘Aesthetics of Existence'” The pdf is available here and I’ve posted the essay below. Thanks to Melissa Davis for the cover image. This essay also appears as the introduction to my new book, Art Against Empire: Toward an Aesthetics of Degrowth Many of the great cultural shifts that prepare the way for political... read more

Oct 21, 2017 Posted by Samuel Alexander

Art Against Empire: Toward an Aesthetics of Degrowth

Last night I launched my new book called Art Against Empire: Toward an Aesthetics of Degrowth. This book is the outcome of a year-long collaboration with culture jamming artists around the world who produced over 170 images that make up the substance of the book. You can see some of the images here and the book is available for purchase here. What role might art need to play in the transition beyond... read more

Oct 2, 2017 Posted by Samuel Alexander

Art Against Empire: Book Launch Invitation (Melbourne)

Over the last year I have been working on a new project which explores the role of art and aesthetics in driving social, economic and political change. I am soon to publish a book on the subject called Art Against Empire: Toward an Aesthetics of Degrowth which includes over 170 ‘culture jamming’ images from a range of amazing artists. The book is being launched on 20 October 5.30pm at the... read more

Jun 4, 2017 Posted by Samuel Alexander

Words for Awakening: Voices of Inspired Revolt

Over the last few months I have been working with my co-director of the Simplicity Institute, Simon Ussher, collecting together provocative and inspiring quotes and excerpts from our favourite thinkers and writers, related to the themes of simple living, frugal abundance, money and wealth, crisis, mindfulness, nature mysticism and sacred activism. In our new book, Words for Awakening: Voices of Inspired... read more

Mar 8, 2017 Posted by Samuel Alexander

Urban Abundance

Jordan Osmond of Happen Films has just released his new short film ‘Urban Abundance’, produced in association with the Simplicity Institute. Another inspiring piece of work – thanks Jordan! read more

Dec 18, 2016 Posted by Samuel Alexander

Live without Dead Thyme: Photo Tour of Garden

I spent Saturday night under a 100 year old pear tree with David Holmgren, Su Dennett, and a spirited gathering of Victorian permaculturalists, for their annual summer solstice party. Fun and uplifting times. David and Su’s property Melliodora is a genuine permaculture paradise – and an inspiring example of what can be done. My household’s urban homestead doesn’t compare, but over... read more

Invitation / Incitation

The Simplicity Collective is founded upon the idea that a 'simpler life' of reduced resource and energy consumption is a viable and desirable alternative to consumer culture.

Our position is that simple living will improve not only our own lives, but the lives of others, as well as help save our planet from the environmental catastrophe towards which we are so enthusiastically marching.

We must not just fall in line, then, and continue the march ‘business as usual.’ We must explore alternative ways to live. We must experiment creatively, like the artist. We must be the poets of our own lives and of a new generation.