A Philosophy of Simple Living

In this insightful debut, Brillaud, professor of French at the University of Manchester, analyzes the “simple life” by examining historical figures who “saw simplicity as a way of life.” Among the exemplars of simplicity Brillaud surveys are antiestablishment spiritual pioneers such as the desert monks of early Christianity and the Shakers of the late 18th century, as well as philosophical giants including 4th-century BCE philosopher Diogenes the Cynic and American transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau. Each, Brillaud writes, sought to lessen the noise of a busy life in order to “remain attuned to the quiet activity of living which transpired in and around them.” Ironically, in offering a diverse array of paragons and dissecting their choices—for example, when he opens the book with a deep dive into various stages of Greek philosophy, language, and history—Brillaud’s study gets pretty complicated. While the academic nuance helps illustrate different approaches to the simple life, one is left wondering what the simple life really is; Brillaud admits it’s “a concept with far-reaching resonance” and that it cannot be reduced to “static principles, lofty ambitions, or technological expedients.” Those looking for advice on creating a “life governed by simple rules” will enjoy Brillaud’s inviting portraits. [em](May) [/em]