Graceful Simplicity: Toward a Philosophy and Politics of Simple Living

by Jerome M. Segal

The author of Agency and Alienation takes a unique approach to the growing simplcity movement by suggesting that a simple-living philosophy becomes the basis for social and economic policy, rather than attempting to achieve peace as isolated individuals. 15,000 first printing.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Sociology, Economics, Politics

263 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1999

Reviews

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Segal packs quite the punch in this dense treatise packing the whole with examples from and connections between history, philosophy, economics, and sociology. While most of the arguments are of a humanist bent, not all proposals seem realistically achievable without major buy-in from society at large. Text flows seamlessly and wording is very clear. Mr. Segal does an excellent job of presenting his argument and supporting evidence, though some seemed a bit cherry-picked. This would make a great read for anyone studying economics or sociology or with an interest in entering the political theater.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good quotable thoughts in this book. I think some of his assertions are lacking substance (e.g. people's income rise rate not taking into account cost of living rise), but in general I think he has a lot of good to say.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book about policy decisions that can help lead to a less hectic American lifestyle. It was written in 1999 and is overdue for an update, as many statistics are out of date, but the underpinning ideas behind Segal's policy suggestions are enough to make the reader pause for a moment to wonder why we as a country do not have an ongoing discussion about how much happiness we need to pursue and how much happiness could come from relaxing a little.

The book contains many wonky factoids that put a different spin on what we value as a society and how we choose spend public monies. For example: in 1994-95, the total cost of tuition and fees for all institutes of higher education (for both undergraduate and graduate students) in the United States was $22 billion. This amount at the time was less than 0.1% of Gross Domestic Product. So for less than a tenth of a percent of the GDP, all college students in 1994-95 could have had their tuition paid.

The other major section of the book is more philosophical, and less policy oriented, but there are interesting analyses about the way we live our daily lives (such as: do time-saving household devices actually save us time?) scattered throughout.

This book is more of a political analysis of the idea of "simplicity" in the modern world and not about a return to the land or homesteading. There is a call to produce a strong public sector to relieve mainly middle-class financial burdens (but lower income households are not left out). It's sort of an EJ-Dionne-meets-Wendell-Berry approach to looking at the way we make public policy decisions today. Or in 1999.

[Juli Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was not exactly what I had expected, but it nonetheless gave me new insight and perspective into this topic. The book is divided into two parts (plus an interlude); the first is an explication of a proposed "politics of simple living," including specific policy changes that could potentially make it easier for people in America to choose the simple living ("graceful simplicity," in Segal's words), and the second part is a philosophical investigation into the ideas of gracefulness and simplicity as living ideals. Segal offers an unusual (economic) perspective, undermining much of the rhetoric of the simple living movement with regard to American consumption habits and economic policy. Somewhat dry and technical at times, but worth the effort.

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This books poses some really interesting ideas and questions like "why does everyone have to work a 40-hour week? Why can't some choose 25, 30, or 35 to better suit their life?" and also has an interesting discussion about where Americans spend their money and argues that, on average, Americans actually don't make enough money to pay for the essentials, even though we are a very wealthy country. The presmise centers around focusing our time and energy as a society on meaningful things: spending time with family and friends, enjoying life instead of spending most of our time and energy at the office trying to make money. Lots of food for thought!

[Pattie · Rating 3 out of 5]

In addition to helping me clarify what qualifies as "simplicity", this book has me pondering how public policy encourages/discourages simplicity and wondering whether public policy should be an issue in such personal decisions. As I read I find myself assessing the 2008 presidential candidates differently - at a more personal level. Negatives: Not much about practical daily simplicity - more philosophical. I found myself skimming/skipping large sections where the author tried to establish ancient historical contexts.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the first and third section, but the middle - comparisons to Roman times - weren't up my alley. Came away thinking about how I can simplify today to improve quality of life now and into the future.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not an easy book to finish. Some of the chapters were a bit laborious-however -given the degree of financial inequality,as well as the increased difficulty in achieving the "American Dream"-this book is a great inquiry into what is truly important.