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The Wisdom of Frugality: Why Less Is More - More or Less
Why philosophers have advocated simple living for 2,500 years―and why we ignore them at our peril
From Socrates to Thoreau, most philosophers, moralists, and religious leaders have seen frugality as a virtue and have associated simple living with wisdom, integrity, and happiness. But why? And are they right? Is a taste for luxury fundamentally misguided? If one has the means to be a spendthrift, is it foolish or reprehensible to be extravagant?
In this book , Emrys Westacott examines why, for more than two millennia, so many philosophers and people with a reputation for wisdom have been advocating frugality and simple living as the key to the good life. He also looks at why most people have ignored them, but argues that, in a world facing environmental crisis, it may finally be time to listen to the advocates of a simpler way of life.
The Wisdom of Frugality explores what simplicity means, why it's supposed to make us better and happier, and why, despite its benefits, it has always been such a hard sell. The book looks not only at the arguments in favor of living frugally and simply, but also at the case that can be made for luxury and extravagance, including the idea that modern economies require lots of getting and spending.
A philosophically informed reflection rather than a polemic, The Wisdom of Frugality ultimately argues that we will be better off―as individuals and as a society―if we move away from the materialistic individualism that currently rules.
From Socrates to Thoreau, most philosophers, moralists, and religious leaders have seen frugality as a virtue and have associated simple living with wisdom, integrity, and happiness. But why? And are they right? Is a taste for luxury fundamentally misguided? If one has the means to be a spendthrift, is it foolish or reprehensible to be extravagant?
In this book , Emrys Westacott examines why, for more than two millennia, so many philosophers and people with a reputation for wisdom have been advocating frugality and simple living as the key to the good life. He also looks at why most people have ignored them, but argues that, in a world facing environmental crisis, it may finally be time to listen to the advocates of a simpler way of life.
The Wisdom of Frugality explores what simplicity means, why it's supposed to make us better and happier, and why, despite its benefits, it has always been such a hard sell. The book looks not only at the arguments in favor of living frugally and simply, but also at the case that can be made for luxury and extravagance, including the idea that modern economies require lots of getting and spending.
A philosophically informed reflection rather than a polemic, The Wisdom of Frugality ultimately argues that we will be better off―as individuals and as a society―if we move away from the materialistic individualism that currently rules.
328 pages, Hardcover
Published October 4, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
October 17, 2016
This is a philosophy book, not a how-to-live-on-less type of book. There is a lot to digest with both ancient and modern philosophies trying to determine if the simple life should be the one we strive for because life, in theory, will be better if we do.
As momma often says...the problem with philosophers is that they never come to any conclusion. While nicely laid out with accessible information, you won't reach the last page with any type of action plan. This is thought provoking however and thus worth a bit of self-examination time.
As momma often says...the problem with philosophers is that they never come to any conclusion. While nicely laid out with accessible information, you won't reach the last page with any type of action plan. This is thought provoking however and thus worth a bit of self-examination time.
July 12, 2018
I especially liked the final chapter and conclusion, which focused on some of the challenges and contradictions within different frugal/environmentally conscious habits.
July 2, 2025
3.5
Interesting topic which was well explored, yet when reaching modern economic theories it was too U.S. centered for me (economics, culture and societal wise).
But it was well written and accessible.
Interesting topic which was well explored, yet when reaching modern economic theories it was too U.S. centered for me (economics, culture and societal wise).
But it was well written and accessible.
December 5, 2020
So well written. It made me think about so many factors relating to the pros/cons of frugality, vs. extravagance.
Some thoughts to ask yourselves too, and some passages or parts to remember:
~ Why do you think simple living is synonymous if at all with living a good life?
~ Why does simple living equate to wisdom?
Is extravagance and luxury a moral failing?
Is it morally reprehensible to be extravagant EVEN if one has the means for doing so?
What are the bare necessities?
Food and drink adequate for survival, protection from elements in the form of basic clothing and shelter.
Living cheaply: adopting a lifestyle that requires little money and few resources.
'Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.'
Basic needs: electricity, running water, flush toilet, central heating, air conditioning, equipped kitchen, nowadays: a smartphone, internet connection, and a nearby Starbucks ( yes I"m guilty as charged! )
I should adopt Schopenhauer's and Kant's daily regimen!
- Breakfast/coffee, write for 3 hours, play the flute for 1 hour, lunch break, coffee / conversation, afternoon readings in Salons/ society, walk the dog, evening of reading.
Virtue ethics: the way moral behaviour flows naturally from a virtuous disposition.
The everyday practices and habits that shape and reflect a person's moral character.
A value: something we consider good, to be / have / experience.
Paraphrased from 'The Consolation of Philosophy'
It seems as if you feel a lack of your own inside you which is driving you to seek your blessings in things separate and external. WHen a being endowed with a godlike quality in virtue of his rational nature thinks that his only splendor lies in the possession of inanimate goods it is the overthrow of the natural order...
If you seek to adorn your superior nature with inferior objects, you do great wrong to your Creator.
Nothing satisfies the man who is not satisfied with a little.
The Key idea: bring desires under control.
The Hedonic treadmill.
Some thoughts to ask yourselves too, and some passages or parts to remember:
~ Why do you think simple living is synonymous if at all with living a good life?
~ Why does simple living equate to wisdom?
Is extravagance and luxury a moral failing?
Is it morally reprehensible to be extravagant EVEN if one has the means for doing so?
What are the bare necessities?
Food and drink adequate for survival, protection from elements in the form of basic clothing and shelter.
Living cheaply: adopting a lifestyle that requires little money and few resources.
'Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.'
Basic needs: electricity, running water, flush toilet, central heating, air conditioning, equipped kitchen, nowadays: a smartphone, internet connection, and a nearby Starbucks ( yes I"m guilty as charged! )
I should adopt Schopenhauer's and Kant's daily regimen!
- Breakfast/coffee, write for 3 hours, play the flute for 1 hour, lunch break, coffee / conversation, afternoon readings in Salons/ society, walk the dog, evening of reading.
Virtue ethics: the way moral behaviour flows naturally from a virtuous disposition.
The everyday practices and habits that shape and reflect a person's moral character.
A value: something we consider good, to be / have / experience.
Paraphrased from 'The Consolation of Philosophy'
It seems as if you feel a lack of your own inside you which is driving you to seek your blessings in things separate and external. WHen a being endowed with a godlike quality in virtue of his rational nature thinks that his only splendor lies in the possession of inanimate goods it is the overthrow of the natural order...
If you seek to adorn your superior nature with inferior objects, you do great wrong to your Creator.
Nothing satisfies the man who is not satisfied with a little.
The Key idea: bring desires under control.
The Hedonic treadmill.
November 14, 2018
I have sometimes told my children to my wife's great despair that I am the cheapest man on earth. As a person of Scottish descent, I take pride in my frugality, and as the king of self-justifying philosophy, I was eager to read a book on the wisdom of living a simple life that would validate all of my deeply held beliefs in the glories of parsimony. However, Westacott does not come down unequivocally on the side of simplicity. He points out correctly that the concept of what constitutes simplicity is different in different societies and times and that extravagance is important in developing refined tastes and in building culture and is a necessary element to the operation of the modern economy. A life dedicated to money and things may not be ultimately as fulfilling as a simple life of contemplation, but it is also true that for most of us the opportunity to have at least a few nice things and to enjoy some material pleasures beyond bare necessities can add to the overall sense of a good life. If frugality is so good, how come so few people truly practice it? Still in the end, after presenting a balanced point of view, Westacott comes down on the side of simplicity, and having already reached the same conclusion myself before opening the book, I found the argument persuasive.
March 5, 2025
A competent and readable overview of the philosophy of simple living. Most of it was already familiar to me.
January 2, 2025
On philosophy and frugality.
February 16, 2023
An interesting book on a critical topic. Westacott tried valiantly throughout to maintain impartiality, which made for interesting takes, but to me this resulted in a less compelling work. For all that it was enjoyable and that temperance is perhaps one of the better arguments for his premise- Westacott was prudent even with his passion, making his case frugally as he poked at it from numerous angles. His final concluding sentences are soft, beautiful and soothing rather than fervent, demanding, and strident. And that was almost certainly a more fitting and impactful end to the book; ultimately more powerful to those willing to be compelled, meaningfully to a more frugal and intentional life.
May 21, 2017
This is a philosophy book. If you enjoy philosophy books then you'll most likely enjoy it. It takes you through the history of frugality and simple living. The author goes back to the Greek philosophers, to Thoreau's Walden, to present day views of simple living. Good book.
March 1, 2025
I found this a very well researched and reflective take on living the “simple-life” in the technologically advanced society we find ourselves in compared to the “simple-life” of past philosophers. The author did an excellent job comparing and contrasting different philosophical takes which really allowed me to reflect on what it is that draws me to scaling back and living more like Thoreau in Walden. The only part I didn’t care for was that it started to feel a bit repetitive which severely slowed down my progress in finishing the book. Overall, a pretty interesting take from a philosophy book.
November 2, 2018
I picked this up for inspiration, maybe motivate me to become a notch more frugal. Thanks to MMM, I've already made some huge changes, but there's always room for improvement.
Anyway, the title is a bit misleading (as they often are) It's not hugely biased towards frugality, it rather examines the question is frugality good or bad? So we see many arguments for frugality, with many counter-points for living less frugally. It's really more of a philosophical debate, but it brings many good points to the table. A huge positive point is that it's not dry philosophy. Sure it has some quotes from Plato etc. but then again there's this:
So it's philosophy, but fairly readable. Why read it if you're already frugal-minded? It offers a balanced view and for most counter-arguments, there's a counter-counter-argument you could use if you're the kind who loves debating. The greatest teaching I've gotten from it though isn't really worded out, but at some point it's said that what seems to matter most regarding happiness vs. money, is how much we have relative to others, i.e. our relative social standing. I think there's a great point to be made: by embracing frugality as a way of life, we constantly remind ourselves that this relative social standing is psychological and doesn't have to be coupled with happiness.
Anyway, the title is a bit misleading (as they often are) It's not hugely biased towards frugality, it rather examines the question is frugality good or bad? So we see many arguments for frugality, with many counter-points for living less frugally. It's really more of a philosophical debate, but it brings many good points to the table. A huge positive point is that it's not dry philosophy. Sure it has some quotes from Plato etc. but then again there's this:
The fact that the Internet this afternoon is humming with the latest gossip about Kim Kardashian's cosmetic surgery is and should be of supreme indifference to anyone who has a life worth living.
So it's philosophy, but fairly readable. Why read it if you're already frugal-minded? It offers a balanced view and for most counter-arguments, there's a counter-counter-argument you could use if you're the kind who loves debating. The greatest teaching I've gotten from it though isn't really worded out, but at some point it's said that what seems to matter most regarding happiness vs. money, is how much we have relative to others, i.e. our relative social standing. I think there's a great point to be made: by embracing frugality as a way of life, we constantly remind ourselves that this relative social standing is psychological and doesn't have to be coupled with happiness.
February 7, 2017
written by a philosopher with a sense of humor. we get some history back to the greeks, buddha, christ
for each argument for consuming less or the simple life, he challenges it and poses counter-arguments. Much of the discussion depends of course on how one defines simple life
even though not a economist, he discusses what might happen to our (capitalism, growth based) economy if people realized the folly of over-consumption and pulled back dramatically. He says not to worry because it's unlikely masses of people will change their habits so quickly.
for each argument for consuming less or the simple life, he challenges it and poses counter-arguments. Much of the discussion depends of course on how one defines simple life
even though not a economist, he discusses what might happen to our (capitalism, growth based) economy if people realized the folly of over-consumption and pulled back dramatically. He says not to worry because it's unlikely masses of people will change their habits so quickly.
December 30, 2019
This book was a difficult read from cover to cover. While Westacott's dedication to thoroughness is admirable, and frugality was covered from every angle, facet, and perspective. However, that same thoroughness gave me the realization that I never wanted to hear the word frugality again. The author certainly beat that dead horse to a pulp. All in all, this would be a decent reference book, but not the best of reads.
March 11, 2017
A fresh yet classic way of seeing life from a few fathers of philosophy.
October 7, 2021
The breadth of issues covered through the lens of frugality in this book were far greater than I expected. Interesting and thought provoking.
August 1, 2018
A wonderful philosophical dissection of the myriad perspectives on frugality, in which Westacott allows the reader to decide what she/he/etc. decides is best. There is no easy answer, but for me, frugality is a boon in this age of hyper-consumerism and wanton waste. We can do things better, more efficiently, and in ways that benefit the greater good for all, if only the powers-that-be would have stronger ethics and environmental morals. Coal miners can be retrained, plastic bags can be banned, recycling can be profitable, and a universal basic income can help equilibrate the masses comfortably when guided by frugality, education, and humanistic stewardship.
“Consumerism misguidedly seeks happiness and meaning in the acquisition of things; corporate capitalism is driven by the desire for ever more wealth and measures everything by its contribution to this end.” (pp. 247-8)
But “[o]f course, the likelihood of frugal zealotry going viral overnight is remote. The majority of people enjoy consuming. One can imagine such an event occurring in response to a collapsing economy, but a radical overnight change of mind-set is unlikely to be the cause of that collapse. A slightly more plausible scenario, however, is one in which frugal or anti consumerist values gradually gain ground, perhaps owing to mounting concerns about the environment, or perhaps just because people become surfeited with consuming. Possibly we will start to look back on the past half century or so as a slightly embarrassing, though understandable, temporary phase when people in wealthy societies reacted to the novelty of having a level of purchasing power [and credit power to purchase beyond normal means] unprecedented in human history by buying loads of stuff just because they could, rather as people who have been underfed for years might gorge on a feast spread before them beyond the point where eating is either healthy or pleasurable.” (pp. 228-9)
He doesn’t really pry open the psychology of consumerism, the addictive behaviors fueled by the spells cast by corporations and technologies to turn people into Pavlovian dogs barking for instant gratification at earlier and earlier ages, running on their hedonic treadmills with ever-shorter intervals between highs, because this work encompasses philosophy, but there are other works that delve into the neurological, psychological, and social-psychological aspects of hyper-consumerism, especially in the huge and developing nation of China (https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/20...), which The New Yorker has published several articles about just over the past year.
Here, The Wisdom of Frugality enjoyably tackles the pros and cons of frugality, as debated through the ages. I think everyone would benefit from reading this book, and doing some serious self-reflection on their own habits, desires, and needs.
“Consumerism misguidedly seeks happiness and meaning in the acquisition of things; corporate capitalism is driven by the desire for ever more wealth and measures everything by its contribution to this end.” (pp. 247-8)
But “[o]f course, the likelihood of frugal zealotry going viral overnight is remote. The majority of people enjoy consuming. One can imagine such an event occurring in response to a collapsing economy, but a radical overnight change of mind-set is unlikely to be the cause of that collapse. A slightly more plausible scenario, however, is one in which frugal or anti consumerist values gradually gain ground, perhaps owing to mounting concerns about the environment, or perhaps just because people become surfeited with consuming. Possibly we will start to look back on the past half century or so as a slightly embarrassing, though understandable, temporary phase when people in wealthy societies reacted to the novelty of having a level of purchasing power [and credit power to purchase beyond normal means] unprecedented in human history by buying loads of stuff just because they could, rather as people who have been underfed for years might gorge on a feast spread before them beyond the point where eating is either healthy or pleasurable.” (pp. 228-9)
He doesn’t really pry open the psychology of consumerism, the addictive behaviors fueled by the spells cast by corporations and technologies to turn people into Pavlovian dogs barking for instant gratification at earlier and earlier ages, running on their hedonic treadmills with ever-shorter intervals between highs, because this work encompasses philosophy, but there are other works that delve into the neurological, psychological, and social-psychological aspects of hyper-consumerism, especially in the huge and developing nation of China (https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/20...), which The New Yorker has published several articles about just over the past year.
Here, The Wisdom of Frugality enjoyably tackles the pros and cons of frugality, as debated through the ages. I think everyone would benefit from reading this book, and doing some serious self-reflection on their own habits, desires, and needs.
February 20, 2022
3.5 stars!
This book was a bit of a hidden gem for me. I've been trying to focus on living frugally this year, so I picked up this audiobook randomly off Libby from my local library. I thought maybe it would be like a modern self-help book but with more insight into why frugality was a good idea - but as it turned out, it wasn't a self-help book at all, and it didn't give me techniques for living a frugal lifestyle. Instead, it gave me something different.
Westcott's book is basically one long essay on the philosophy of frugal living and simplicity, and how it inersects with our modern lives. It was surprisingly interesting to read such an essay, because it didn't shy away from questions like "Does living frugally help the environment?", "What's different about the concept of 'simple living' in a modern capitalist world?" and "How do people justify frugality, anyway?"
The audiobook was a mixed bag, because the person reading the book had a very British accent and pronounced a bunch of words very strangely, and it wasn't particularly well-produced. But it was organised very logically, so despite the fact that it was an audiobook I always felt like I could pick back up from where I left off and follow the author's reasoning.
This isn't the kind of book you read all at once unless you're particularly intellectually invested in it, but it's the kind of book you can enjoy coming back to every now and again - a little bit like a ritual in itself. I enjoyed each little bit of this book that I got to read, and I enjoyed how pleasantly surprised I was by the quality of the work.
If you are interested in questions of what it means to live "simply" in this modern age, and you're happy to learn a bit about basic philosophy along the way, this might be the kind of book that piques your interest.
This book was a bit of a hidden gem for me. I've been trying to focus on living frugally this year, so I picked up this audiobook randomly off Libby from my local library. I thought maybe it would be like a modern self-help book but with more insight into why frugality was a good idea - but as it turned out, it wasn't a self-help book at all, and it didn't give me techniques for living a frugal lifestyle. Instead, it gave me something different.
Westcott's book is basically one long essay on the philosophy of frugal living and simplicity, and how it inersects with our modern lives. It was surprisingly interesting to read such an essay, because it didn't shy away from questions like "Does living frugally help the environment?", "What's different about the concept of 'simple living' in a modern capitalist world?" and "How do people justify frugality, anyway?"
The audiobook was a mixed bag, because the person reading the book had a very British accent and pronounced a bunch of words very strangely, and it wasn't particularly well-produced. But it was organised very logically, so despite the fact that it was an audiobook I always felt like I could pick back up from where I left off and follow the author's reasoning.
This isn't the kind of book you read all at once unless you're particularly intellectually invested in it, but it's the kind of book you can enjoy coming back to every now and again - a little bit like a ritual in itself. I enjoyed each little bit of this book that I got to read, and I enjoyed how pleasantly surprised I was by the quality of the work.
If you are interested in questions of what it means to live "simply" in this modern age, and you're happy to learn a bit about basic philosophy along the way, this might be the kind of book that piques your interest.
June 3, 2020
This is not a "how to be frugal" book, it is more of a "why to be frugal, or should you be frugal? And if so, what are the benefits and what are the drawbacks? And is it sometimes better to not be frugal? And what about the times when there is tension between competing goods - simplicity and economic activity, or frugality and experiencing the world?" kind of book. It is written by a philosopher and examines these questions quite thoroughly. If you are the sort of person who loved The Tightwad Gazette (mentioned in this book!), you'll probably enjoy this too. The philosophical musings of Amy Dacyczyn are less rigorous, but of a type with this. People who think seriously about their consumption and way of moving through the world will enjoy this, I think. And it even talks a bit about the inevitable question - how to still have an economy if everyone stopped consuming so much junk.
July 16, 2022
Enjoyed the beginning chapters—interesting facts and theories presented as to why humans naturally chase material wealth and how a life of simplicity is the antidote to modern ennui, with plenty of supporting evidence from the classics like Thoreau and Epicurus. But about halfway through I wasn’t sure what the thesis was anymore— is there wisdom in frugality or not? The author doesn’t seem so sure after awhile. While this is a perfectly acceptable opinion, it seems strange to me the book should start strong on one opinion and then ultimately kind of waver in its support of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2018
Westacott runs through a long history of frugality, the way it has evolved and changed over time and how it previous applied to more than just not spending money on items but fit with an overall philosophy. He traces that philosophy and the various forms of frugality through the ages to give readers a better understanding of what it means to be frugal and how and why a frugal and simple life leads to a satisfied and good life.
August 16, 2017
An interesting (and readable) consideration of frugality and simplicity. I particularly appreciated the presentation of the different early thinkers and philosophers. For a non-philosopher, this is accessible and while it doesn't answer many of the questions, it did give me a way to think beyond the surface level.
September 20, 2022
I would consider this to be more of a beginning philosophy book, mostly because the lack of convoluted language. It brings in a lot of different ideas from a good number of philosophers and for the most part keeps a balanced opinion. Towards the end, the book delves into practical philosophy, by which I mean politics.
December 17, 2017
I found this book hard-going, although it was high quality writing on my favorite topic. Why? I’m not sure. It included the philosophical background of frugality, and arguments for a simple lifestyle. It also looked at some of the arguments against a frugal lifestyle.
June 1, 2021
Could have said it in a lot less words... but perhaps Westacott sees no wisdom in being frugal with words. I appreciate he said everything under the sun about frugal lifestyles, this could be good research material for anyone who wants to write about the topic themselves.
September 27, 2022
Filled with great intellectual humility and argued with so much nuance. The kind of non-fic writing we don't get much of these days and are therefore not used to, but the kind we definitely need more of.
April 17, 2023
I like this book talking about simplicity and frugality more in a philosophic perspective than a condescending how-to-live-with-less self-help type. However, the thoroughness could be sending a beating a dead horse message. It is more of a "useful" read than a "fun" read".
March 23, 2025
The title is a bit misleading. it’s a philosophical examination of simple living. Does simple living bring more happiness? Is it more moral? More socially responsible? Better to build resilient characters?
July 6, 2017
A good read; yet nothing revolutionary
October 19, 2018
Interesting, but very dry.
November 30, 2018
This book challenges the view that frugality always leads to good results. Interesting arguments!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews