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Apr 21, 2011
Simplicity Institute Publishes Results of the Simple Living Survey
The Simplicity Institute has today published the results and analysis of the Simple Living Survey. 1748 people participated in the survey (so far), and to the best of our knowledge that makes it the most extensive sociological examination of the Voluntary Simplicity Movement available. To read the report, click below: “The Voluntary Simplicity Movement: A Multi-National Survey Analysis in Theoretical... read more
Apr 19, 2011
Growthbusters: Hooked on Growth (Film)
Growthbusters: Hooked on Growth is a film by the visionary filmmaker Dave Gardner that is currently in production. The film is questioning the growth imperative that lies at the heart of modern economic systems – the film’s trailer can be viewed here. The Growthbusters team is currently on a fundraising campaign to pay for the final phase of production, and their current project is a soundtrack album... read more
Apr 11, 2011
Three Simple Messages
———– (1) The Great ‘Simple Living’ Survey is still open and looking for more participants. If you are exploring ‘a simpler life’ in one way or another, the Simplicity Institute (a non-profit research organisation) would love to hear from you. If you haven’t participated yet but would like to (it only takes 4 mins) please click... read more
Mar 8, 2011
The Great ‘Simple Living’ Survey
If you live a ‘simple’ lifestyle in one way or another, the Simplicity Institute needs your help! The Simplicity Institute is an organization dedicated to research and policy analysis around the topic of simple living, downshifting, and similar lifestyles. This research is profoundly important as it touches the core of global problems such as climate change, over-consumption, work-life balance... read more
Mar 2, 2011
Alternative Hedonism and the Pleasures of Simplicity
Hedonism can be defined as a way of life which treats pleasure as the ultimate good. It can be distinguished from utilitarianism, which treats happiness as the ultimate good. Hedonists are not so much concerned with happiness, in the sense of overall wellbeing. They are more interested in the carnal, sensual, and immediate pleasures of food, intoxication, sex, leisure, nature, art, and the like. By... read more
Feb 22, 2011
There is More Day to Dawn: The Promise of the New Pioneers
Two years ago, almost to the day, the Simplicity Collective was launched at Melbourne’s “Sustainable Living Festival.” It was born of the idea that consumer culture as we know it is unsustainable, both socially and ecologically, and that simpler living, in some form or another, will need to be a part of any human civilization in the future, especially in the affluent West. This idea struck a chord... read more
Jan 11, 2011
The Voluntary Simplicity Movement in an Age of Commodity Fetishism
In the developed regions of the world today, such as North America, Western Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, etc., decades of unprecedented economic growth have all but solved the economic problem of how to secure the necessaries of life and, indeed, have resulted in most people living lives of relative luxury and comfort.[1] Though a small residue of poverty remains in these regions, on the whole... read more
Feb 22, 2010
Hello everyone,
The Sustainable Living Festival is always an inspiring and energizing few days. It was great to be representing the Voluntary Simplicity Movement and it was great to have received so much support from the Melbourne public. More on the Festival below, but before saying anything further, as those signed up will be aware, I haven’t been updating this website recently. Instead,...
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Sustainable Living Festival 2010 – The Simplicity Collective Represents!
Apr 28, 2009
An Invitation / Incitation to the Simple Life
We are freer than we think we are. – Michel Foucault WELCOME LIFE POETS! NEWS IN BRIEF: Voluntary Simplicity Documentary (Wednesday) – The showing of the voluntary simplicity documentary was delayed one week and is now showing this Wednesday 29 April 2009, 9.30pm, Channel 31’s Plug In TV Show. The documentary will also be posted online in due course. Location, to be advised. A... read more
Apr 11, 2009
Voluntary Simplicity is an Expression of Freedom
MARCH 2009 THE LIFE POETS’ SIMPLICITY COLLECTIVE Invitation / Incitation www.simplicitycollective.com Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. – Margaret Mead WELCOME LIFE POETS! NEWS IN BRIEF: Voluntary Simplicity Presentation and Discussion – This Wednesday 1st April, 5-6.30 pm, Gryphon... read more
