Jerome M. Segal

...: This book is excellent for what it is: a treatment of the politics and philosophy of simplicity. Segal writes well, beginning with Aristotle's Politics, and on to the Quaker Woolman, Benjamin Franklin, and Thoreau. He then proceeds with a salient critique of some of the more facile branches of the simplicity movement. His basic statement here is one which I haven't come across in print before: No, it's not that easy to reduce our lifestyles. There are still a great number of Americans who have trouble making ends meet. This recognition that a middle and lower class poverty exists alongside conspicuous consumption has been long in coming. He also places emphasis on the importance of aesthetics and well being. And he continues to write well, considering economics, politics, history, and philosophy. But in total, Segal sees the trees better than the forest. This book contains a great deal of interesting information, but although he often states that simplicity begins with the individual, little of this information is useful for the individual. Part I is focused on the need for a politics of simplicity, which is asserted repeatedly, but even here there is little practical information. Part II is centered on philosophy, with some interesting chapters on important personages such as Epicurus, and some facile topics such as "The Value of Things That Typically Have No Price". That's the sort of thing that may be news to one's materialist uncle, but if one picked up the book in the first place, one is probably already familiar with the idea. In sum: I think this book is quite good and is worth reading. It has a new, informed, and valuable perspective for the simplicity movement, and it is likely to fill out the thinking of someone interested in simplicity. Segal's thinking is quite clear and is gimmick free. But do not expect actual guidance from this particular book, if that's what you're looking for.… (more)