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The Simpler Way: Collected Writings of Ted Trainer
Ted Trainer is an Australian scholar-activist who for decades has been defending and practising an 'eco-anarchist' perspective he describes as the Simpler Way. His vision is of a world where self-governing communities live materially simple but sufficient lives, in harmony with ecological limits.
This anthology contains some of Trainer's most insightful and provocative essays, covering all aspects of his challenging but inspiring vision of a just and sustainable society. Topics include a radical critique of consumer-capitalism, the need for fundamental system change, and a transition theory based on building a new society within the shell of the old. Trainer also presents detailed descriptions of the Simpler Way society based on low energy requirements; explains why frugal but sufficient material living standards are necessary to live within planetary limits; and shows why technology alone is unable to resolve environmental problems. He also shares strategic advice on how to contribute positively to societal change, while also critically engaging some green and left strategies. Far from involving deprivation and hardship, Trainer argues that a Simpler Way society would enable liberation to a much higher quality of life for all.
As the first collection of Trainer's work, this book gives due attention to one of Australia's most insightful, but under-appreciated, thinkers.
This anthology contains some of Trainer's most insightful and provocative essays, covering all aspects of his challenging but inspiring vision of a just and sustainable society. Topics include a radical critique of consumer-capitalism, the need for fundamental system change, and a transition theory based on building a new society within the shell of the old. Trainer also presents detailed descriptions of the Simpler Way society based on low energy requirements; explains why frugal but sufficient material living standards are necessary to live within planetary limits; and shows why technology alone is unable to resolve environmental problems. He also shares strategic advice on how to contribute positively to societal change, while also critically engaging some green and left strategies. Far from involving deprivation and hardship, Trainer argues that a Simpler Way society would enable liberation to a much higher quality of life for all.
As the first collection of Trainer's work, this book gives due attention to one of Australia's most insightful, but under-appreciated, thinkers.
- GenresNonfiction
406 pages, Paperback
Published January 27, 2020
62 people want to read
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June 24, 2020
This is possibly the most in-depth analysis of the situation humanity has gotten itself (and the rest of the biosphere) into, our short and mid term prospects, as well as a definite guide on how to avert many of the problems we're facing and continue to inhabit this planet prosperously for generations to come. Sounds good, right?
The major issue is that very few people are in a position from which they can think critically and make lifestyle choices that will align us with positive long term goals. This is not a book of half-measures and blind optimism, but putting in the WORK that's needed while dodging bullets from those in power (via marketing, economic pressures, force, etc.).
It's a big hill to climb, and the author agrees we're not likely to make it, but the further we start climbing now the better off we'll be when the shit hits the fan in our locality. Besides, what else can we do? Even the very act of building a better future is much more fulfilling than numbing our senses in hyper-consumerism.
The major issue is that very few people are in a position from which they can think critically and make lifestyle choices that will align us with positive long term goals. This is not a book of half-measures and blind optimism, but putting in the WORK that's needed while dodging bullets from those in power (via marketing, economic pressures, force, etc.).
It's a big hill to climb, and the author agrees we're not likely to make it, but the further we start climbing now the better off we'll be when the shit hits the fan in our locality. Besides, what else can we do? Even the very act of building a better future is much more fulfilling than numbing our senses in hyper-consumerism.
Displaying 1 of 1 review