A Simpler Life

The modern world can be a complicated, frenzied and noisy place, filled with too many options, products, ideas and opinions. That explains why what many of us long for is simplicity: a life that can be more pared down, peaceful and focused on the essentials.

But finding simplicity is not always easy; it isn't just a case of emptying out our closets or trimming back commitments in our diaries. True simplicity requires that we understand the roots of our distractions - and develop a canny respect for the stubborn reasons why things can grow complex and overwhelming.

This book is a guide to the simpler lives we crave and deserve. It considers how we might achieve simplicity across a range of areas: our relationships, social lives, work routines and our approaches to possessions and media. Along the way, we learn about Zen Buddhism, modernist architecture, monasteries, psychoanalysis, and why we probably don't need more than three good friends or a few treasured belongings.

It isn't enough that our lives should look simple; they need to be simple from the inside. This book takes a psychological approach, guiding us towards less contorted hearts and minds. It suggests that once we truly know who we are and what we want, we will be able to live with far less than we currently believe we need. We have for too long been drowning in excess and clutter from a confusion about our aspirations; A Simpler Life helps us tune out the static and focus on what properly matters to us.

“What Readers are saying: "A perfect meditation on a simpler life - I loved it." - NetGalley review "An interesting and thoughtful book that breaks down different aspects of life and how to simplify [it]." - NetGalley review”

What Readers are saying:

"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." - NetGalley review

"An interesting and thoughtful book that breaks down different aspects of life and how to simplify [it]." - NetGalley review

"If you feel overwhelmed, then you will find solace with this book." - NetGalley review

"Readers searching for recommendations for simplifying their lives will find food for thought in this [book]." - NetGalley review

"I enjoyed this well written book about improving the quality of life and creating a more peaceful existence by simplifying some areas ... The book in itself is simply laid out, with short, concise chapters and lends itself well to the reduction of our carbon footprint and re-focusing in a stressful world." - NetGalley review

"This book is my favourite to date. Every chapter made me stop and pause. Thank you, The School of Life, for your work. It's inspirational." - NetGalley review

"A well written and thoughtful book. Short chapters that can be read and understood with ideas that you are able to put into practice." - NetGalley review

"An enjoyable read that prompts self-exploration and personal growth." - NetGalley review

"Packed full of information, this book is written in easy to read, straightforward language that gets to the point quickly without waffle." - NetGalley review

"What an excellent book on both the absurdness of modernity as well as the value of living with intention and simplicity. Give this a read and you surely won't be disappointed that you did." - NetGalley review

"As we come out of a global pandemic and are pulled back into a busy life [with] work [and] family commitments, this book is great to dip in and out of to remind us of how to slow down, what is important and isn't." - NetGalley review

"A superb and timely overview on how to lead a simple life. I particularly enjoyed dipping in and out of this guide. As someone whose word for 2022 is 'simplify', I found the advice and philosophy on these pages fascinating and useful in trying to resist the onward march of consumerism and the 'must haves' in our modern world. Recommend for anyone wanting to switch off and reconfigure what's important in their life." - NetGalley review

"A wonderful book exemplifying the virtues of living a simpler life. Just reading this book was so calming and motivational to tweak areas in my own life that could benefit from more simplicity. This book would be a lovely gift and the cover is gorgeous too. The perfect book to curl up under a blanket with a pot of tea and meander a Sunday afternoon away with." - NetGalley review

"I love The School of Life books and this one is amongst the best as it's full of food for thought. I think we all want a simpler life and this book was useful to help me reflect." - NetGalley review

"A thought-provoking read to help you live a simpler life. Sometimes we don't realise how we complicate our lives and this book will help you disentangle what you can change and what you have to accept. A book you will return to again and again." - NetGalley review

The School of Life is a global organisation helping people lead more fulfilled lives. Through our range of books, gifts and stationery we aim to prompt more thoughtful natures and help everyone to find fulfilment.

The School of Life Press brings together the thinking and ideas of the School of Life creative team under the direction of series editor, Alain de Botton. Their books share a coherent, curated message that speaks with one voice: calm, reassuring and sane.

The modern world can be a complicated, frenzied and noisy place, filled with too many options, products, ideas and opinions. That explains why what many of us long for is simplicity: a life that can be more pared down, peaceful and focused on the essentials.But finding simplicity is not always easy; it isn't just a case of emptying out our closets or trimming back commitments in our diaries. True simplicity requires that we understand the roots of our distractions - and develop a canny respect for the stubborn reasons why things can grow complex and overwhelming.This book is a guide to the simpler lives we crave and deserve. It considers how we might achieve simplicity across a range of areas: our relationships, social lives, work routines and our approaches to possessions and media. Along the way, we learn about Zen Buddhism, modernist architecture, monasteries, psychoanalysis, and why we probably don't need more than three good friends or a few treasured belongings.It isn't enough that our lives should look simple; they need to be simple from the inside. This book takes a psychological approach, guiding us towards less contorted hearts and minds. It suggests that once we truly know who we are and what we want, we will be able to live with far less than we currently believe we need. We have for too long been drowning in excess and clutter from a confusion about our aspirations; A Simpler Life helps us tune out the static and focus on what properly matters to us.

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