Over the last week or two, I've been quietly absorbing information - letting ideas slowly slot into place in my mind. Instead of forcing problems, I often find that leaving them to percolate produces wiser more thoughtful results (perhaps thoughtfulness is a misnomer). When I was learning juggling tricks as a wayward teenager, I remember … Continue reading Chaorder, slow business and holistic economics
Ancient Futures
I’ve just finished Ancient Futures, by Helena Norberg-Hodge, a truly magical snapshot of a culture that has, until recently, lived in almost perfect symbiosis with its surroundings. It is a true manifesto for simple living, demonstrating how simplicity can and has brought about happiness in communities. It describes the balance needed to afford contentment and … Continue reading Ancient Futures
Simply defined
Sometimes, it's worth looking back at definitions in order to remind ourselves what we're banging on about. In this case, Wikipedia's definition of Simple Living gives a great guide to the world of simplicity.
Sounds Familiar – talk to see in London
The current economic crisis gives us all an opportunity to rethink our priorities. What really matters in life? The endless round of getting and spending, or less tangible things - spending time with friends and family, a walk in the countryside, admiring something beautiful? The National Trust 'Quality of Life' Debates, in conjunction with Intelligence², … Continue reading Sounds Familiar – talk to see in London
Inconvenient truths, convenient actions
My latest simplicity thoughts, picked up by Greenbiz and Greenopolis, here: If we want a billion people to act, we have to make a billion people want to act. The inconvenient truths are increasingly recognized, now we need convenient actions. We're constantly reminded that many of our planet's environmental problems stem from our relentless desire … Continue reading Inconvenient truths, convenient actions
Radical Simplicity
An interesting article that uses Miles Davis's "Kind of Blue" to explore the idea of 'radical simplicity'. In this case the move from complexifying be-bop, toward freer, simpler music - resulting in the most successful Jazz record ever.
Simplicity’s parable
I'm sure you've heard this before, but it's a parable for keeping things simple: An American businessman was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellow fin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of … Continue reading Simplicity’s parable
The wrong kind of simplicity
If you describe someone as Epicurean, you’ll find that the most widely understood meaning is of a person devoted to refined sensuous enjoyment (especially good food and drink). Synonyms include - hedonistic, sensualist, pleasure-seeking, self-indulgent, sybaritic, decadent, unrestrained, extravagant, intemperate, immoderate, gluttonous, gourmandizing. Epicurus was an ancient Greek philosopher (341-270BC) who based his teaching on … Continue reading The wrong kind of simplicity
Simply google
Making the decision to simplify my life has been, as you might be able to tell from this blog, the most rewarding decision I've made in recent years. I feel bolder, stronger and happier. I love the power that simplicity brings. It's amazing how many of the most influential businesses have extremely simple designs, plans … Continue reading Simply google
Why?
Simpletom will explore and analyze the increased desire and need for simplicity in modern society. We’re continually tantalized by simplicity. Our banks, our supermarkets, our computers, our phones – each claim to offer us a simpler life. A life of one-stop-shops, single-clicks, free delivery, no-hassle purchases and ease-of-use… and yet our world seems increasingly complex. … Continue reading Why?
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