1. “How deep the ruts of tradition and conformity!” (Thoreau, Walden, paragraph 6 of Conclusion)
The Simple Living movement recognizes the superficiality of present day society which, though formed with mankind’s happiness in view, has not succeeded in achieving it. Thoreau, who saw through the facade from nearly every angle, said it best when he penned, “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” (Economy, paragraph 9). His view of the modern world’s pursuit of luxuries was a “positive hindrance to the elevation of mankind.” (Ibid, paragraph 19). He had come to realize that ‘being’ was more important then ‘doing’ but that society had only framed a universe for the latter rather than the former. The Simple Living movement therefore, is interested in » More: We are “Human Beings” (not ‘human doings’)
