Elegant Simplicity

Reviews

"A wonderful manifesto for a life well-lived... like its author, this book is wise, warm, and simply elegan."
— David Orr, Paul Sears Distinguished Professor of Environmental Studies and Politics Emeritus, Oberlin College

"Satish Kumar's book Elegant Simplicity is the distillation of his lifetime of ideas and actions. It shows the intimate connections between the inner and outer world, soil, soul and society, beauty, joy and non-violence. It indicates that solutions to the big problems of our time — climate change, hate and violence, hopelessness, and despair — lie in thinking and living with elegant simplicity, reducing our ecological footprint while enlarging our hearts and minds."
— Vandana Shiva, activist and author, Earth Democracy and Who Really Feeds the World

"Satish Kumar embodies the elegance of simplicity in his life and his teachings. I have learnt both wisdom and creative solutions from him to complex problems. Follow his path to make your life simple elegant and inspiring."
— Deepak Chopra

"An inspiring explanation of the fruits of simplicity and what living simply involves, by a writer who has experienced what it means to live a simple life."
— Mark Tully, former Bureau Chief of the BBC, New Delhi, journalist and author, No Full Stops in India

"In Elegant Simplicity, Satish Kumar shares extraordinary insights from his incredible life of spiritual activism, teaching, and practical living. A profound and accessible guide to an ecological civilization of peace, material sufficiency, and spiritual abundance for all. A must-read for all who seek an alternative to an economy now driving us to self-extinction."
— David Korten, author, When Corporations Rule the World, The Great Turning, and Change the Story, Change the Future

"There is no one on the planet better-equipped to tackle this project, and his insights will make you think and rethink how you're living and how you might change. Powerful."
— Bill McKibben, author, Falter: Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out?

"My parents married during the Great Depression, which shaped their values that were passed on to me: "Live within your means," "Save some for tomorrow," "Share, don't be greedy," and "Work hard for the necessities in life, but money does not make you a better or more important person". Those life lessons were swept aside as post-war America chose consumption as the way to economic recovery. When the economy becomes society's goal rather than a means to a higher end, Donald Trump is the ultimate consequence. In this moving and eloquent book, Satish Kumar takes us through his own journey to a simpler, happier life with a low ecological footprint. In a time of lavish consumerism, loneliness, and alienation, Kumar's message is an uplifting gift that is a welcome antidote."
— David Suzuki, award-winning geneticist, author, broadcaster, and environmental activist

"Reading Satish Kumar's books is always uplifting! In Elegant Simplicity he distills a life of commitment to positive action and experience into his deep love for the human family and all life on this beautiful, endangered planet. He honors us all at the deepest level by acknowledging the abundance we create when we trust and care for all in our biosphere, practice forgiveness, and enjoy all the simple delights of everyday life. Beyond all sects and ideologies, this book is a benediction."
— Hazel Henderson, author, Creating Alternative Futures, and founder & CEO, Ethical Markets Media

"Weaving vivid stories and lucid wisdom teachings, gentle yet direct, this book is a magnificent embodiment of its title."
— Charles Eisenstein, author, Climate: A New Story