The Wisdom of Frugality, Emrys Westacott
The Wisdom of Frugality, Emrys Westacott
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The Wisdom of Frugality
Why Less Is More - More or Less

Author: Emrys Westacott

Narrator: Michael Healy

Unabridged: 9 hr 17 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 09/27/2016


Synopsis

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.

About Emrys Westacott

Emrys Westacott is professor of philosophy at Alfred University in Alfred, New York. His work has been featured in the New York Times and has appeared in the Philosopher's Magazine, Philosophy Now, The Humanist, and other publications. He is also the coauthor of Thinking through Philosophy: An Introduction.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Gloria

This is a philosophy book, not a how-to-live-on-less type of book. There is a lot to digest with both ancient and modern philosophies trying to determine if the simple life should be the one we strive for because life, in theory, will be better if we do. As momma often says...the problem with philoso......more

I especially liked the final chapter and conclusion, which focused on some of the challenges and contradictions within different frugal/environmentally conscious habits.......more

Goodreads review by Sheelie

So well written. It made me think about so many factors relating to the pros/cons of frugality, vs. extravagance. Some thoughts to ask yourselves too, and some passages or parts to remember: ~ Why do you think simple living is synonymous if at all with living a good life? ~ Why does simple living equa......more

Goodreads review by Richard

I have sometimes told my children to my wife's great despair that I am the cheapest man on earth. As a person of Scottish descent, I take pride in my frugality, and as the king of self-justifying philosophy, I was eager to read a book on the wisdom of living a simple life that would validate all of......more