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Posts Tagged ‘Simple Living’

Simple Living with a twist…

February 13th, 2008

I’ve enjoyed the thoughtful comments from the class (Soc 333 on Sociology of Environment) concerning the simple living movement. However, I noted some inconsistencies due either to misunderstanding or circular reasoning. I wish to clarify two of them.

First, simple living is not the reduction of Man-made items. From beginning of time, man has made his shelter and clothing and containers for food and weapons to secure food. It might be better stated that Man should continue to progress by making new items in » More: Simple Living with a twist…

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Posted in Environment, Simple Living, Sustainability

We are “Human Beings” (not ‘human doings’)

February 12th, 2008

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’)

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Posted in Environment, environmentalism, Health, Simple Living

Tags: buddhism Environment Simple Living stress Thoreau walden