A sceptical viewer of the movement towards simplicity may think that it is just a move against technology. They will see many practitioners of a simple life as being Luddites who, unable to cope with the changes that technology brings, opt out and decide not to use it. Such claims are often levelled at the Amish of North America. They live a life that seems like living in another century to many onlookers. It is certainly seen as ‘quaint’ or ‘charming’ for sure but can also be considered to be restrictive and sometimes even austere. A closer examination of the Amish, however, reveals that while some contemporary technology is rejected, other aspects are embraced. For instance, while the Amish will not have computers in their homes, they are happy for their children and themselves to use pocket calculators. While electricity is not supplied to houses, LPG (propane) tanks are used to provide gas for cooking. While telephones are not found in Amish houses, they are used in Amish businesses, including farm buildings. While the Amish wear traditional clothing, they are able to make the clothes from modern synthetic materials. Washing machines are found in most Amish homes, the power coming from small generators connected directly to the appliance. From these few examples we can see that the Amish do not reject modern technology, rather they are very selective in how they use it! We would be wise to do the same and consider the impact of new technology on our lives before falling over ourselves to embrace it, sometimes based on nothing more than the skilful marketing techniques of those who would wish to sell it to us.
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Simplicity and change.
It is both true and clear to us that change has always taken place. Changes in society, changes in technology and the evolution of new ideas. However, it is the rate of change which causes us to catch our breath at times. Try explaining to any child of ten or eleven years of age what the world was like when you were their age ~ striking differences will be revealed and the child will wonder just how you got by with such a staggering lack of communication channels and the pure ‘smallness’ of your childhood, as compared to theirs. So much of the world around them is filtered through electronic gadgets nowadays, and the level of information is both daunting and dubious in its accuracy, as well as offering a view of the world that is often slanted, commercial and sometimes divisive.
To some extent, simplicity does have built within it the power to resist those economic problems which have cast great waves of uncertainty around the globe. It acts as a buffer; spending less of your income leaves a surplus and provides you a safety net; moreover, being self-sufficient lessens your reliance on others. If you are growing your own carrots, then the price of carrots in the supermarket is not a problem to you! If you buy less the rate of inflation affects you less, if you consume less, then the power of advertising upon you is lessened and your independence increases.
Above All
Don’t assume that simplicity can be used as an ‘add on’ to your life; neither can complexity be removed. Simplicity must be woven into your life and everything that you do. Strands of it will hold your life together in ways you never expected; it will add strength and beauty and make the fabric of your life into a wonderful, yet simple tapestry. Simplicity will not restrict your life but enable you to redefine your life in terms of reduced complexity, sustainability and sound ethical values. Simplicity gradually affects more and more areas of your life, until it is making a real impact on you, your family and those that know you. Don’t expect the world to understand all that you do but do expect people to notice your life and think about their own.
(C) Ray Lovegrove 2015 2022
