Less Is More: Embracing Simplicity for a Healthy Planet, a Caring Economy and Lasting Happiness by Cecile Andrews

Are you as happy as you'd like to be? Do you live in a happy, carefree country? Is global happiness improving? Or is an obsession with wealth de-stabilizing our economy, depleting our planet, and undermining our joy?

Throughout history, a current of wisdom keeps repeating that we could make a different choice: that less can be more; that by limiting outer wealth, we can have inner wealth. Less is More is a compelling collection of essays by journalists, businesspeople, ministers, and activists who have thought deeply about simplicity. They bring us a new vision of Less: less stuff, less work, less stress, less debt. A life with Less becomes a life of More: more time, more satisfaction, more balance, and more security.

When we have too much, we savor nothing. When we choose less, we regain our life and can think and feel deeply. Ultimately, a life of less connects us with one true source of happiness: being part of a caring community. Less is More shows how to turn individual change into a movement that leads to policy changes in government and corporate behavior, work hours, the wealth gap, and sustainability. It will appeal to those who want to take back their lives, their planet, and their well-being.

Praise

"A smart collection of essays that chant the simplicity mantra without oversimpifying the issues at stake...these ideas seem bound to travel far." — Utne Reader

"Hard-hitting essays by a diverse collection of writers that wraps its arms around everything from simplicity to climate change to economic metrics to happiness. ...I found myself delighted time after time." — Lyle Estill

"Here is a book with its roots in the earth that can move you to new places, stimulate ideas and encourage change." — ForeWord Magazine

"I am both educated and inspired by the writings in Less is More. Living simply, like finding the heart, is the work of a lifetime. It is not easy to get there, but it provides a life of ease once the goal is reached. This book is a wonderful contribution to reorienting our lives ... back toward what is really important" — Glenn Berger, PhD

About the Authors

Cecile Andrews, co-founder of Phinney EcoVillage, is the author of Slow Is Beautiful and Circle of Simplicity. Her work has been featured in "Escape from Affluenza," "Consumed by Consumption," CBS News "Eye on America," the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and NPR. Cecile received her doctorate in education at Stanford University and promotes workshops and circle teachings on living a life that is simple, sustainable, just and joyful.

Co-editor Wanda Urbanska is producer and host of "Simple Living with Wanda Urbanska." She is author or co-author of numerous books, including Simple Living and Nothing's Too Small to Make a Difference.

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