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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

Dec 16, 2016 Posted by Samuel Alexander

Just Enough is Plenty: Thoreau’s Alternative Economics

This week I published a short book called Just Enough is Plenty: Thoreau’s Alternative Economics, available in paperback here and in pdf on a ‘pay what you want’ basis here. Feel free to share the pdf as a post-consumerist Christmas present. Philip Cafaro, author of Thoreau’s Living Ethics wrote this about my new book: “Just Enough Is Plenty is a superb introduction to... read more

Dec 13, 2016 Posted by Samuel Alexander

An Invitation for Wildness

Jordan Osmond of Happen Films, with whom I co-produced A Simpler Way, has just released, in association with the Simplicity Institute, a new short film called ‘An Invitation for Wildness’, documenting a 23-year-old food forest. It’s a beautiful and uplifting production by one of the most promising documentary filmmakers on the scene today. Congratulations Jordan and thank you for your... read more

Aug 22, 2016 Posted by Samuel Alexander

My Interview with Open Democracy UK on Decoupling and Green Growth

Last week I was interviewed by Ian Sinclair at Open Democracy UK about whether the ‘green growth’ strategy can solve climate change. I’ve posted the interview below and the original interview is here. Ian Sinclair: What is the thinking of those who herald ‘decoupling’ as a promising tool in stopping dangerous levels of climate change? Why do you think it has proven such a popular... read more

Aug 17, 2016 Posted by Samuel Alexander

Wild Democracy: A Biodiversity of Resistance and Renewal

I’ve just published a new Simplicity Institute Report, called “Wild Democracy: Resistance and Renewal”. The introduction is available below and the full report is available here. With characteristic insight, the great American philosopher, John Dewey, once wrote: ‘Every generation has to accomplish democracy over again for itself.’ His point was that, at each moment in history,... read more

Jun 17, 2016 Posted by Samuel Alexander

Telling New Stories as the Old Book Closes

Today I am posting a link to my new essay, ‘Prosperous Descent: Telling New Stories as the Old Book Closes‘, which was recently published in the Griffith Review, Australia’s most prestigious literary journal. The essay tells the story of Wurruk’an, the ‘simpler way’ demonstration project that formed the basis of the new documentary ‘A Simpler Way: Crisis as... 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.