The Wisdom of Frugality

Why Less Is More - More or Less

By: Emrys Westacott

Narrated by: Michael Healy

In this book, Emrys Westacott examines why, for more than two millennia, so many philosophers and people with a reputation for wisdom have been advocating frugality and simple living as the key to the good life. He also looks at why most people have ignored them, but argues that, in a world facing environmental crisis, it may finally be time to listen to the advocates of a simpler way of life.

The Wisdom of Frugality explores what simplicity means, why it's supposed to make us better and happier, and why, despite its benefits, it has always been such a hard sell. The book looks not only at the arguments in favor of living frugally and simply, but also at the case that can be made for luxury and extravagance, including the idea that modern economies require lots of getting and spending. A philosophically informed reflection rather than a polemic, The Wisdom of Frugality ultimately argues that we will be better off as individuals and as a society if we move away from the materialistic individualism that currently rules."

©2016 Princeton University Press (P)2016 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Mixed Review

Good: Great to see topic explored. Historic perspective of different schools of thought invaluable. An attempt at critical discussion.

Bad: Non-inspiring academic meandering. Book doesn't necessarily advocate simplicity. Author at times seemed to be an apologist for Capitalism and doing things the accepted way.

Enjoyed the various perspectives of scrutiny

Good review of all sides approaching frugality. Really enjoyed his reviews of those against frugality because they aren’t usually considered.

fantastic book loved it

it dovetails nicely with two other related titles "BULLSHIT JOBS" AND DO NOTHING. Together they make a nice trilogy. Makes you think about our society and our future . what are we really doing and what Are we doing it for.