Elegant Simplicity: The Art of Living Well

171 Pages·2016·5.62 MB·English

by  Satish Kumar

Advance Praise for Elegant Simplicity
A wonderful manifesto for a life well-lived . . . like its author, this book is wise,
warm, and simply elegant.
— David Orr, Paul Sears Distinguished Professor of Environmental Studies
and Politics Emeritus, Oberlin College Satish Kumar ‘s book Elegant
Simplicity is the distillation of his lifetime of ideas and actions. It shows the
intimate connections between the inner and outer world, soil, soul and
society, beauty, joy and non-violence. It indicates that solutions to the big
problems of our time—climate change, hate and violence, hopelessness,
and despair—lie in thinking and living with elegant simplicity, reducing our
ecological footprint while enlarging our hearts and minds.
— Vandana Shiva, activist and author, Earth Democracy and Who Really
Feeds the World
Satish Kumar embodies the elegance of simplicity in his life and his teachings. I
have learnt both wisdom and creative solutions from him to complex problems.
Follow his path to make your life simple elegant and inspiring.
— Deepak Chopra
An inspiring explanation of the fruits of simplicity and what living simply
involves, by a writer who has experienced what it means to live a simple life.
— Mark Tully, former Bureau Chief of the BBC, New Delhi, journalist and
author, No Full Stops in India
In Elegant Simplicity, Satish Kumar shares extraordinary insights from his
incredible life of spiritual activism, teaching, and practical living. A profound
and accessible guide to an ecological civilization of peace, material sufficiency,
and spiritual abundance for all. A must-read for all who seek an alternative to an
economy now driving us to self-extinction.
— David Korten, author, When Corporations Rule the World, The Great
Turning, and Change the Story, Change the Future
There is no one on the planet better-equipped to tackle this project, and his
insights will make you think and rethink how you’re living and how you might
change. Powerful!
— Bill McKibben, author, Falter: Has the Human Game Begun to Play
Itself Out?
My parents married during the Great Depression, which shaped their values that
were passed on to me: “Live within your means,” “Save some for tomorrow,”
“Share, don’t be greedy,” and “Work hard for the necessities in life, but money
does not make you a better or more important person.” Those life lessons were
swept aside as post-war America chose consumption as the way to economic
recovery. When the economy becomes society’s goal rather than a means to a
higher end, Donald Trump is the ultimate consequence. In this moving and
eloquent book, Satish Kumar takes us through his own journey to a simpler,
happier life with a low ecological footprint. In a time of lavish consumerism,
loneliness, and alienation, Kumar’s message is an uplifting gift that is a welcome
antidote.
— David Suzuki, award-winning geneticist, author, broadcaster, and
environmental activist
Reading Satish Kumar’s books is always uplifting! In Elegant Simplicity he
distills a life of commitment to positive action and experience into his deep love
for the human family and all life on this beautiful, endangered planet. He honors
us all at the deepest level by acknowledging the abundance we create when we
trust and care for all in our biosphere , practice forgiveness, and enjoy all the
simple delights of everyday life. Beyond all sects and ideologies, this book is a
benediction!
— Hazel Henderson, author, Creating Alternative Futures, and founder &
CEO, Ethical Markets Media Weaving vivid stories and lucid wisdom
teachings, gentle yet direct, this book is a magnificent embodiment of its
title.
— Charles Eisenstein, author, Climate: A New Story

Copyright © 2019 by Satish Kumar. All rights reserved.
Cover design by Diane McIntosh.
Cover Image: Breath © Olivia Fraser, www.oliviafraser.com
Printed in Canada. First printing March 2019.
This book is intended to be educational and informative.
It is not intended to serve as a guide. The author and publisher disclaim all responsibility for any liability,
loss or risk that may be associated with the application of any of the contents of this book.
Inquiries regarding requests to reprint all or part of Elegant Simplicity should be addressed to New Society
Publishers at the address below. To order directly from the publishers, please call toll-free (North America)
1-800-567-6772, or order online at www.newsociety.com
Any other inquiries can be directed by mail to:
New Society Publishers
P.O. Box 189, Gabriola Island, BC V0R 1X0, Canada
[phone]
LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES CANADA CATALOGUING IN PUBLICATION
Kumar, Satish, 1936–, author
Elegant simplicity : the art of living well / Satish Kumar.
Issued in print and electronic formats.
ISBN 978-0-86571-910-1 (hardcover).—ISBN 978-1-55092-703-0 (PDF).—ISBN 978-1-77142-299-4
(EPUB)
1. Simplicity. 2. Conduct of life. 3. Sustainable living. 4. Social values. 5. Self-actualization (Psychology).
I. Title.
646.7 C2018-906384-X
BJ1496.K86 2019
C2018-906385-8
New Society Publishers’ mission is to publish books that contribute in fundamental ways to building an
ecologically sustainable and just society, and to do so with the least possible impact on the environment, in
a manner that models this vision.
In dwelling, live close to the ground.
In thinking, keep to the simple.
In conflict, be fair and generous.
In governing, don’t try to control.
In work, do what you enjoy.
In family life, be completely present.
— LAO TZU
Contents
Gratitude and Thanks
Foreword by Fritjof Capra
Preface: Let’s Be Simple
1. My Story: Beginnings
2. Simplicity of Walking
3. Life Is a Pilgrimage
4. Elegant Simplicity
5. A Society of Artists
6. Yoga of Action
7. Learning and Living
8. Right Relationships: We Are All Related
9. Love Unlimited
10. Power of Forgiveness
11. Dance of Opposites
12. Deep Seeing
13. Union of Science and Spirituality
14. Soil, Soul, and Society
About the Author
A Note About the Publisher