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Feb 15, 2022 Posted by Samuel Alexander

Video: Thoreau’s Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy at Walden Pond (Ecological Civilisation Series)

I’ve released the next presentation in the Ecological Civilisation series. This talk provides an overview of Henry David Thoreau’s philosophy of sufficiency which he developed and practised while living in the woods near Walden Pond, over the years 1845-47. As a foundation, I review his critique of materialistic culture, then consider Thoreau’s ‘simple living’ approach to... read more

Jul 8, 2017 Posted by Samuel Alexander

Dialogue One from ‘Deface the Currency’

Last year I published a book of ‘lost dialogues’ based on the ancient Greek philosophy of Diogenes the Cynic – arguably the most radical practitioner of ‘simple living’ in history. Below I have posted the first dialogue. The full book is available here. ACT I DIOGENES’ LANTERN Athens, 323 BCE. In broad daylight Diogenes wanders barefoot through the marketplace, dressed in... 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

Sep 11, 2016 Posted by Samuel Alexander

Introduction to ‘Deface the Currency’

Below I have posted the table of contents and the introduction to my new book of dialogues, Deface the Currency: The Lost Dialogues of Diogenes. The book is available here. ACT I DIOGENES’ LANTERN ACT II THE EMPEROR AND THE BEGGAR ACT III PLATO AND THE REPUBLIC OF DIOGENES ACT IV THE NERVOUS OLIGARCHS ACT V THE RENEGADE ACT VI DIOGENES IN PRISON INTRODUCTION Diogenes of Sinope was a Greek... read more

Sep 9, 2016 Posted by Samuel Alexander

Deface the Currency: The Lost Dialogues of Diogenes

I’m happy to announce the publication of my new book – or, rather, my new ‘philosophical play’ in six acts – called Deface the Currency: The Lost Dialogues of Diogenes. Here is the advance praise the book received from Dr William Desmond, author of The Greek Praise of Poverty. “This is a creative re-enactment of the life, death and ideas of the most influential Cynic of... read more

Aug 10, 2016 Posted by Samuel Alexander

Living Simply in a Tiny Off-Grid Cabin

Jordan Osmond, with whom I co-produced A Simpler Way: Crisis as Opportunity, has released a new short film, ‘Living Simply in a Tiny Off-Grid Cabin‘. Not only does it address important issues, as always, Jordan has crafted the short film with characteristic beauty and charm. Another tip of the hat to you Jordan!... 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

Jun 4, 2016 Posted by Samuel Alexander

A Simpler Way: Crisis as Opportunity (Full Documentary)

Last night 300 people attended the sold-out premiere screening of the new documentary, A Simpler Way: Crisis as Opportunity, which I co-produced with Jordan Osmond. After the film, David Holmgren and Helena Norberg-Hodge joined us on stage for a panel discussion which stimulated a great discussion. You can watch the film freely below and information on organising your own screening can be found here.... read more

Apr 24, 2016 Posted by Samuel Alexander

Trailer to “A Simpler Way: Crisis as Opportunity”

We’ve just released the trailer to our forthcoming documentary, A Simpler Way: Crisis as Opportunity“. Half the tickets for the Melbourne premiere (3 June) have moved in the last couple of days, so if you’re wanting to attend, get your tickets here. We’re also very happy to announce that David Holmgren, co-originator of the permaculture concept, will be joining us at the premiere... read more

Apr 19, 2016 Posted by Samuel Alexander

Invitation: Melbourne Premiere of “A Simpler Way: Crisis as Opportunity”

I’ve been relatively quiet on the Simplicity Collective this year, primarily because I’ve been investing so much time making a documentary, called “A Simpler Way: Crisis as Opportunity”, which I’ve co-produced with Jordan Osmond of Happen Films. After 18 months of work, we’re delighted to announce a date for the Melbourne premiere of the film. You’re invited! I... 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.