Readers searching for recommendations for simplifying their lives will find food for thought in this relatively quick read, published by The School of Life. As the author notes, for much of human history, people aspired for more, rather than less, because to move beyond a subsistence level of existence was a type of freedom that only the privileged enjoyed. Making the choice to step away from more things, more opportunities, more engagement was almost unnatural, yet some managed to do just that: the 20th century philosopher Wittgenstein in a tiny cabin overlooking a Norwegian fjord, Thoreau at Walden, Diogenes in his barrel.

And perhaps this is what kept me from wholeheartedly enjoying “A Simpler Life,” that the perspective seemed to come from a place of privilege and a somewhat antiquated one at that. For those in lower socioeconomic classes, lack of financial resources means constant complications - arranging transportation, juggling medical bills, scrambling to obtain childcare in order to make it to a job that doesn’t pay enough to cover living expenses. Perhaps these folks are not the audience for this book. It’s tough to simplify when every little thing is a struggle and depictions in the media make it appear that most people are living the high life . But I think there is real value in a discussion of how people who are struggling can develop real skills as they develop networks of social support to manage some of their challenges. Living intentionally and simply isn’t a luxury. It can be a very real necessity.

The sections of the book I enjoyed most were those dealing with relationships, as the author extolled the wisdom of honesty and straightforwardness, arguing that we waste too much time and energy by trying to tell people what we think they want to hear. Another high point: the parts about family and an attitude of compassion towards one’s parents. Tears came to my eyes at this passage: “We would do well to accept that as a strange, yet constant and simple feature of the human condition, we are all emotionally tethered for life to someone who is both an irritating stranger with maddening habits and the person who wept for joy when we were born.” This is a perspective that becomes more meaningful the older I get, as I acknowledge that I am for my children that irritating stranger with maddening habits who still thanks the universe everyday that they are in the world.

The part on staying up too late also spoke to my condition, particularly the notion that “We’re not idiots because we stay up into the night; we’re just in search of something important. The problem isn’t what we’re looking for but the fact we can’t find it this way.” This is such a profound insight, something I hope to remember while doomscrolling at midnight.

This book, while not entirely what I’d hoped for, was intriguing, and I’ll definitely keep an eye out for other School of Life titles.

Review based on pre-publication copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

An interesting and thoughtful book that breaks down different aspects of life and how to simplify. A little wordy at times, but I liked how it made me pause and think too. Would recommend.

A perfect meditation on a simpler life. I absolutely love this book. The perfect manifesto for streamlining the clutter exist in most of our lives. I highly recommend.