Only after people express their anger and sadness over the broken dreams of material prosperity will they turn to the task of building a sustainable economy.

Voluntary simplicity has more to do with the state of mind than a person's physical surroundings and possessions.

Compassion will no longer be seen as a spiritual luxury for a contemplative few; rather it will be viewed as a social necessity for the entire human family.

The essence of voluntary simplicity is living in a way what is outwardly simple and inwardly rich.

Living simply is not about living in poverty or self-inflicted deprivation. It's about living an examined life where one has determined what is truly important and enough … and then just let go of all the rest.

The intention of this way of life [voluntary simplicity] is not to dogmatically live with less. It's a more demanding intention of living with balance. This is a middle way that moves between the extremes of poverty and indulgence.

Only after people express their anger and sadness over the broken dreams of material prosperity will they turn to the task of building a sustainable economy.