Simple Living

Simple living?????

I have read several accounts of people simplifying their life.  The Nearings, Wm.  Coperthwaite and The Hubards.  Each took simplicity to a level that I could only imagine.  Each did it without children.  So the question is --  What is the definition of Simple Living?  I was inspired by Coperthwaite's statement "The main thrust of my work is not simple living......My central concern is encouragement - encouraging people to seek, to experiment, to plan, to create, and to dream.  If enough people do this we will find a better way."

"To require little is better capital that to earn much.  The need to earn much enslaves a man, while the ability to do with little makes him free.  He who needs little will more easily strive toward the goals he has in view, and will in general lead a richer, fuller life that he who has many wants."  Fridtjof Nansen

So that is what we tried to do with our house (seek, experiment, plan, create and dream) and require little.  A house can be essential to a family.  No matter the size, style, cost or location it is what anchors a family together and provides protection from the elements.  The house should connect the family unit together not segregate each individual spaces shut behind closed doors. Now to connect net zero to simple living.

Is simple living devoid of technology???  Using the latest technology to create energy and sustain a family could become pretty complicated.   What then are simple things?  I turn to Coperthwaite.

• Low in cost
• Simple to make and easily replaced
• Easily cared for
• Pleasing to the eye and the mind
• Not dangerous to use, make, or dispose of
• Durable, aging well
• Made with care and affection

This is what I wanted my house to be.  This is how we came up with our guiding principle for construction of our new home.

• Try to use only our fair share of the world
• Utilize local products and crafts people
• Consider the life cycle of products
• Keep it simple
• Attempt to keep construction around 1000 Sq Ft
• The house should help reconnect the family unit
• Things should have dual purposes
• It should feel right
• Less we spend, the less we need to earn, the sooner we can disconnect work from money
• Build a house the average person can afford

After all the quotes and contemplating, how to I define simple???  Do what your spirit tells you is the right thing,  follow your hopes and dreams and remember that no one way is the right way.