Less Is More: An Anthology of Ancient & Modern Voices Raised in Praise of Simplicity

Book Overview

This timely anthology brings together thought-provoking maxims on the art of conscious living, inspired by the ancient tradition of the Golden Mean and the natural laws of economy and conservation. Less Is More draws us into the company of men and women from many eras and cultures whose writings explore the virtues of simplicity and moderation in living. Confucious, Pata jali, Ovid, St. Matthew, Milarepa, Rumi, Eckhart, da Vinci, St. Teresa of Avila, Basho, Thoreau, Tagore, Suzuki, Illich, and many others share profound thoughts on our wants and needs, lifestyles and lifeworks. Here is a book to be savored in quiet moments when we reflect on our hectic pace of life; when we wonder if the race to riches is worth the struggle; or when we wonder if the earth can sustain our greed for many more generations.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 089281554X
• ISBN13: 9780892815548
• Release Date: September 1996
• Publisher: Inner Traditions International
• Length: 334 Pages
• Weight: 1.19 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Review of 'Less is More'

I am still reading the book and enjoying its thoughts towards leading a simpler life expressed through quotations a lot. It is not an easy read but the contents are very good! The book was in good condition as indicated on the advertisement, arrived with minimal delay and was well packed. The supplier provided a prompt response to a query I had so the support is also good. Hope this helps, Norm

Like no other simplicity book out there...

Having read many books of the simplicity genre you will find that this book is unique. It has challenged me to deeply reflect upon my life and how I can further shed unecessary burdens. Before reading this book I already lived simple. After reading this book it shined the light in areas I was still attached to. This book will have an impact on my life forever. It exposes the emptiness of a life based solely on money, career, possessions, and the daily grind. Awakening the dormant spiritual giant within us that longs for depth and meaning in a society gone mad with superficiality. "Less is More" can help guide one toward the path of freedom, beauty, simplicty and adventure. vagabondsteve@yahoo.com

Like no other simplicity book out there...

Having read many books of the simplicity genre you will find that this book is unique. It has challenged me to deeply reflect upon my life and how I can further shed unecessary burdens. Before reading this book I already lived simple. After reading this book it shined the light in areas I was still attached to. This book will have an impact on my life forever. It exposes the emptiness of a life based solely on money, career, possessions, and the daily grind. Awakening the dormant spiritual giant within us that longs for depth and meaning in a society gone mad with superficiality. "Less is More" can help guide one toward the path of freedom, beauty, simplicty and adventure.

Inspiring Words

'Less is More' is a collection of quotes and very short essays from a multitude of sources on the value of simplicity. Some of those quoted lived and wrote many centuries ago, while others are from the near present, and of course, there are many in between. Some of the more recognizable people quoted include Ghandi, Thomas Hobbes, Socrates, Thoreau, Shakespeare, St. Francis, Pascal, Adam Smith, Benjamin Franklin, John Kenneth Galbraith, Muhammad, Arthur Miller, and H.G. Wells. Some of the sources used are the Bible, the Bhagavad-Gita, the Dhammapada, and the Tao Te Ching. The quotes are grouped according to the various facets of this subject, although some of them are more obviously related to living simply than others. Most of the quotes range from a few sentences to a paragraph or two. The excerpt from the first chapter is not representative of the overall book. I have owned an earlier edition of this book for many years and continue to find it inspiring. I only wish that there were a hardcover edition available as my paperback copy is becoming rather worn from being read and re-read by myself and the people I have lent it to.

less is more

great and wonderful........reverse the title and it still comes out the same.