In a world where nearly one billion people live near the edge of physical survival the relevance of intentional simplicity by the more affluent people of the world cannot be over estimated.

Poverty is mean and degrading to the human spirit, whereas a life of conscious simplicity can have both a beauty and a functional integrity that elevates the human spirit.

The character of a whole society is the cumulative result of countless small actions, day in and day out, of millions of persons.

I feel more voluntary about my pleasures and pains than the average American who has his needs dictated by Madison Avenue (my projections, of course). I feel sustained, excited, and constantly growing in my spiritual and intellectual pursuits.

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

To me, voluntary simplicity means integration and awareness in my life.

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