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Living More With Less
Out of print.
In 1980, before living simply and green; became trendy and popular, Doris Janzen Longacre, author of the enormously popular More-with-Less Cookbook (over 900,000 sold), wrote Living More with Less, a practical guide for living in simple, sustainable, and healthy ways--ways that keep the future of the planet, and the plight of poor people, in mind. Thirty years later, Living More with Less 30th Anniversary Edition is being released as a way to celebrate and honor Longacre's foresight and vision, and to pass on her vision for simple and sustainable living to a new generation. Revised and updated by Valerie Weaver-Zercher, this 30th anniversary edition is true to Doris Janzen Longacre's spirit of living in ways that keeps poor people, God's creation and each other in mind--and is loaded with new and practical tips in areas such as money, travel, clothing, housing, celebrations and recreation.
In 1980, before living simply and green; became trendy and popular, Doris Janzen Longacre, author of the enormously popular More-with-Less Cookbook (over 900,000 sold), wrote Living More with Less, a practical guide for living in simple, sustainable, and healthy ways--ways that keep the future of the planet, and the plight of poor people, in mind. Thirty years later, Living More with Less 30th Anniversary Edition is being released as a way to celebrate and honor Longacre's foresight and vision, and to pass on her vision for simple and sustainable living to a new generation. Revised and updated by Valerie Weaver-Zercher, this 30th anniversary edition is true to Doris Janzen Longacre's spirit of living in ways that keeps poor people, God's creation and each other in mind--and is loaded with new and practical tips in areas such as money, travel, clothing, housing, celebrations and recreation.
295 pages, Paperback
First published June 2, 1980
24 people are currently reading
729 people want to read
About the author
Doris Janzen Longacre
4 books8 followersDoris Janzen Longacre was born February 15, 1940 in Newton, Kansas. She received her BA degree in home economics from Goshen College and did graduate studies at Goshen Biblical Seminary and Kansas State University. With her husband, Paul Longacre, and two daughters, Cara Sue and Marta Joy, she worked with Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) in Vietnam (1964-1967) and in Indonesia (1971-1972). She served as chairperson of the Akron Mennonite Church, as a member of the Board of Overseers of Goshen Biblical Seminary, and as a frequent speaker on world hunger.
Doris became well-known across North America and around the world through her two books: the More-with-Less Cookbook, a collection of recipes and suggestions on how to enjoy more while consuming less of the world's resources (Herald Press, 1976), and Living More with Less, a collection of tips and testimonies of people searching for ways to simplify their lives. Living More with Less was published in 1980, shortly after her death, at the age of 39, on November 10, 1979.
—from http://www.heraldpress.com/Bios/Longa...
Doris became well-known across North America and around the world through her two books: the More-with-Less Cookbook, a collection of recipes and suggestions on how to enjoy more while consuming less of the world's resources (Herald Press, 1976), and Living More with Less, a collection of tips and testimonies of people searching for ways to simplify their lives. Living More with Less was published in 1980, shortly after her death, at the age of 39, on November 10, 1979.
—from http://www.heraldpress.com/Bios/Longa...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
November 1, 2012
It took me a long time to read this book. There is a lot to chew on in its pages, and a lot to challenge me towards action within my home and my person, within my community, and within the world at large. I plan to write a more reflective review hopefully in the next day or so, but for now, I just want to note a few things that were particularly interesting to me about this book.
1) This is not just a book for Mennonites. Although it's clear from some of the cultural references and jargon (for lack of a better term) that this is written from a Mennonite perspective primarily for a Mennonite audience, it has so much of value to offer people from all backgrounds. I'm Unitarian Universalist with an affinity for buddhist teachings and practice, and I found myself thinking many times, "Wow...I had no idea how similar Mennonites and UUs are!"
2) This is not a guilt-inspiring book. When I read books like this, about all of the things that we need to change in order to promote environmental wellbeing, political and social equality, and economic justice, I tend to feel hope ("Wow! Look at all of the things that people are doing! I could do that, too!") followed closely by despair ("Holy cow, this job is way, way too big for me. Even if I totally rearrange my life, my efforts will be only a drop in the bucket."). I admit, I did at first follow this familiar pattern while reading this book, but the focus and structure of the book helped cushion the fall. Looking at each challenge through the lens of Longacre's Five Life Standards made simplifying seem like a change that adds something of value, not a change centered on sacrifice. Brian McLaren's afterword was the icing on the cake for me. McLaren spells out a way of reading the book and taking on the challenges outlined therein---with an outlook of joy and grace rather than guilt. It helped me, too, that he specifically opens up the idea to those who are not Mennonite---or even Christian. While I felt the invitation in the pages, it was nice to see it spelled out so explicitly. My favorite bit:
3) This is not only practical advice for simple living. At each step, the topic and suggestions come back to the Five Life Standards. As a result, each suggestion for change has a clear connection to the values and ideals that were outlined at the beginning of the book. It's not just simplifying for the sake of simplifying. It's action with a purpose, and that feels much more satisfying to me.
At any rate, I'm going to mull this one over a bit, maybe read the beginning again, and see what comes up. I really, really enjoyed it, even though I had to take it in small doses so as not to overwhelm myself. There is just so much to take in. It's such a deceptively radical act to consider, living according to our values.
1) This is not just a book for Mennonites. Although it's clear from some of the cultural references and jargon (for lack of a better term) that this is written from a Mennonite perspective primarily for a Mennonite audience, it has so much of value to offer people from all backgrounds. I'm Unitarian Universalist with an affinity for buddhist teachings and practice, and I found myself thinking many times, "Wow...I had no idea how similar Mennonites and UUs are!"
2) This is not a guilt-inspiring book. When I read books like this, about all of the things that we need to change in order to promote environmental wellbeing, political and social equality, and economic justice, I tend to feel hope ("Wow! Look at all of the things that people are doing! I could do that, too!") followed closely by despair ("Holy cow, this job is way, way too big for me. Even if I totally rearrange my life, my efforts will be only a drop in the bucket."). I admit, I did at first follow this familiar pattern while reading this book, but the focus and structure of the book helped cushion the fall. Looking at each challenge through the lens of Longacre's Five Life Standards made simplifying seem like a change that adds something of value, not a change centered on sacrifice. Brian McLaren's afterword was the icing on the cake for me. McLaren spells out a way of reading the book and taking on the challenges outlined therein---with an outlook of joy and grace rather than guilt. It helped me, too, that he specifically opens up the idea to those who are not Mennonite---or even Christian. While I felt the invitation in the pages, it was nice to see it spelled out so explicitly. My favorite bit:
"Grace is our best motivation for a more-with-less lifestyle. Having received grace ourselves, we want our neighbors in poverty to receive it, too. Even our enemies need grace, we realize. So do the rivers and streams, the soil and wind...the same goes for the birds of the air, the fish of the sea, the flowers and creatures of the field. We want all to be given all the grace they need to thrive and prosper. It is our joy to live with less so that others may have enough."
3) This is not only practical advice for simple living. At each step, the topic and suggestions come back to the Five Life Standards. As a result, each suggestion for change has a clear connection to the values and ideals that were outlined at the beginning of the book. It's not just simplifying for the sake of simplifying. It's action with a purpose, and that feels much more satisfying to me.
At any rate, I'm going to mull this one over a bit, maybe read the beginning again, and see what comes up. I really, really enjoyed it, even though I had to take it in small doses so as not to overwhelm myself. There is just so much to take in. It's such a deceptively radical act to consider, living according to our values.
August 18, 2018
Having grown up in "Amish country" in eastern Pennsylvania, I have always had a healthy respect for and curiosity about the Mennonite community. While reading this book, I was impressed to discover that they are much more progressive than I had thought, choosing to live simply out of a respect for the earth/energy conservation/community values/mindfulness, rather than an outdated fear of evil technologies (as I had assumed). That being said, the book takes on a very preachy tone, and is heavy on the Christianity talk. Even so, I am glad I read this book, as it gives a very different perspective to the issues that I think about often in my very secular life!
September 18, 2023
I think everything in this book is important, but even the new additions in the 30th anniversary seemed outdated. Of course, this was published in 2010, which is 13 years gone. I believe in the things written in the book but think we're at a point beyond this.
July 26, 2013
I read this on the plane home from Texas, with my new smart phone, and my Kindle for playing Fruit Ninja on (and reading a million books!) in my fancy Vera Bradley purse (but I got it for 15 dollars so it's ok right?) ... so my point is, why was I reading it? A couple of reasons -- first of all, we just got home from living out of two big suitcases in China for 4 months, and I'm overwhelmed by having access to my 12 ft truck's worth of STUFF again. So I really want to pare it down. Secondly, we're going back to having a comfortably salaried life with all of the opportunities for disposable income spending that entails. Let's just buy a new Ipod every month! No. That is a bad idea. We want to figure out how to live in a way that is good for the environment and for the people around us, and for ourselves (i.e. less or no T.V., more walking places, less trash, more gardening!)... So this was a great opportunity to get the wheels turning.
This book was a combination of a Christian philosophy, specifically Mennonite (oh, how I struggled to explain how this was different than Catholic social justice philosophy), which advocates being careful and caring with the resources God has given, sharing what you have with others, and doing good with much thought to poverty in communities throughout the world. The other part of the combination was personal tips for more considerate living -- get rid of the 2nd car! low flush toilets! share your church space! don't give people birthday presents! travel less frivolously! Air -dry your clothes like the rest of the world does! Some of that stuff was thought-provoking, and some of it was hippie-dippie mush that would not work for us and doesn't match up with our own values.
This book is great for those with simpler-life aspirations -- a good introduction to how that looks for some people. I think it's hard to put all of the goals it presents into practice, but it's good to start thinking about what matters and how to put into practice gradually and not lose sight of it as we have more chances to make our life "comfortable" in the American middle-class sense. But it's just a primer -- there's a lot more work to do.
This book was a combination of a Christian philosophy, specifically Mennonite (oh, how I struggled to explain how this was different than Catholic social justice philosophy), which advocates being careful and caring with the resources God has given, sharing what you have with others, and doing good with much thought to poverty in communities throughout the world. The other part of the combination was personal tips for more considerate living -- get rid of the 2nd car! low flush toilets! share your church space! don't give people birthday presents! travel less frivolously! Air -dry your clothes like the rest of the world does! Some of that stuff was thought-provoking, and some of it was hippie-dippie mush that would not work for us and doesn't match up with our own values.
This book is great for those with simpler-life aspirations -- a good introduction to how that looks for some people. I think it's hard to put all of the goals it presents into practice, but it's good to start thinking about what matters and how to put into practice gradually and not lose sight of it as we have more chances to make our life "comfortable" in the American middle-class sense. But it's just a primer -- there's a lot more work to do.
October 19, 2014
I have a lot of thoughts about this book. It is a fabulous, living giving work of many people full of compelling arguments and practical wisdom. I took a really long time to read this book, partly because I misplaced it but partly because I didn't want to find it again. Reading this book was not a comfortable experience for me.
On the one hand, the Holy Spirit was there convicting me, speaking within me, reminding me of importance and relevance of what I was reading. My best friend's mother came to mind as read this book over and over. I would read practical ideas about composting and gardening and I would remember her saving scrapes and working in her garden. I would read about knowing where our products come from and how they impact the lives of the people who make them and I would see her coming back from shopping, her bags of fair trade coffee and packages of fair trade chocolate going on the shelf.
On the other hand, as I read this book, Satan would attack me with over whelming guilt leading to despair. How could I think that turning off the heat dry cycle on my dishwasher was making any kind of a difference, he would whisper. Look at this story about people starving in Africa. Surely I had helped cause that. Their deaths were on my head. And even though I bus everywhere it's because of a fear of driving and not some noble motive. And on and on he would whisper, until I was so overwhelming that I stopped reading. I put the book down and let it become lost on a shelf.
But despair and overwhelming guilt are not what God wants for us. We can move forward. We can make a difference. This book is full of lots of practical suggestions for how to do that. And even if they are small, every little bit helps.
On the one hand, the Holy Spirit was there convicting me, speaking within me, reminding me of importance and relevance of what I was reading. My best friend's mother came to mind as read this book over and over. I would read practical ideas about composting and gardening and I would remember her saving scrapes and working in her garden. I would read about knowing where our products come from and how they impact the lives of the people who make them and I would see her coming back from shopping, her bags of fair trade coffee and packages of fair trade chocolate going on the shelf.
On the other hand, as I read this book, Satan would attack me with over whelming guilt leading to despair. How could I think that turning off the heat dry cycle on my dishwasher was making any kind of a difference, he would whisper. Look at this story about people starving in Africa. Surely I had helped cause that. Their deaths were on my head. And even though I bus everywhere it's because of a fear of driving and not some noble motive. And on and on he would whisper, until I was so overwhelming that I stopped reading. I put the book down and let it become lost on a shelf.
But despair and overwhelming guilt are not what God wants for us. We can move forward. We can make a difference. This book is full of lots of practical suggestions for how to do that. And even if they are small, every little bit helps.
September 27, 2015
I thought I was getting a "Helpful Hints" book when I scooped this up at the library, but when The Syracuse Cultural Workers were mentioned early on ( a group which I am very familiar with and don't always agree with..) I realized I was in a whole different sphere! The book is packed with thought provoking ideas instead of lists helpful hints (sort of what I was looking for! basic mindless hints!) , that's fine but it gets very serious so be prepared! It's mostly about how to live as a good Mennonite and how the original author came to her faith. This is an updated 30th anniversary edition of the original. I have seen the Mennonites in action here in Oklahoma building hundreds houses for people in need after fires and weather events and supporting poor workers in other countries by selling Ten Thousand Villages goods. They have an amazing community. I think everyone could get something out of this book. It's not as simple as it may appear at first glance. At times it gets too socialist for me but I was still able to enjoy the book as a whole.http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/
May 10, 2021
In addition to being a really interesting example of an updated edition of a book, this is a helpful resource. The original book has been updated and added to by multiple contributors and it features ideas submitted by many others. It is a book on the theology and praxis of simple living as more than a fad, from a Mennonite perspective.
April 17, 2013
I found this book at ten thousand villages while perusing the usual exciting knick knacks. I bought it not realizing that it was a Christian-themed environmentalism book, so I was a little perplexed by the introduction. Once I'd realized the target audience, I wasn't so confused.
I think this book has a lot of nuggets of thought-provoking wisdom (even for non-Christians). I especially like the idea of 'nonconformity' in that it challenges the standard american ideals of excessive consumerism and trying to impress people you don't even know with your possessions; instead, you are encouraged to try to make changes that may seem extreme to others, and to seek a "less is more" support group so that you don't feel so crazy.
This book is not really a "how-to" book, rather it is a thought-provoking book. How can we think about the choices we make every day? Is it better to take the time to do more laborious tasks if it connects us with our community in a new way? Can we use our free time differently? Like biking to work instead of driving? I think America made a big mistake it the shift towards convenience, and we are left isolated from each other, grumpy, and spiritually hungry.
There are a few examples in the book of people trying to make a wise choice, but maybe not being successful, which I think is important. Environmentalism is not about perfection or "I'm greener than you!" it's about trying to change your life in manageable ways to have less impact on the environment.
I think this book has a lot of nuggets of thought-provoking wisdom (even for non-Christians). I especially like the idea of 'nonconformity' in that it challenges the standard american ideals of excessive consumerism and trying to impress people you don't even know with your possessions; instead, you are encouraged to try to make changes that may seem extreme to others, and to seek a "less is more" support group so that you don't feel so crazy.
This book is not really a "how-to" book, rather it is a thought-provoking book. How can we think about the choices we make every day? Is it better to take the time to do more laborious tasks if it connects us with our community in a new way? Can we use our free time differently? Like biking to work instead of driving? I think America made a big mistake it the shift towards convenience, and we are left isolated from each other, grumpy, and spiritually hungry.
There are a few examples in the book of people trying to make a wise choice, but maybe not being successful, which I think is important. Environmentalism is not about perfection or "I'm greener than you!" it's about trying to change your life in manageable ways to have less impact on the environment.
February 20, 2022
It's difficult to describe this book in a simplified way. I find it to be a lot of things especially good ones that have slowly been eroded in our society.
What captivates me the most is the author's simplicity to the basic things in life. I have always believed that we should not ask our children to strive for extraordinary lives rather to find the wonder and marvel of an ordinary life; the joy of tasting tomatoes and apples, show them how to cry when pets and people die, show them the infinite pleasure of the touch of a hand and make the ordinary come alive for them. In a way, the author made me see that.
Some thoughts and ideas are impractical especially from a Kenyan perspective. Most i selfishly admit can work well in other cultures, not mine. My society simply needs time to grow to these levels and having our heads wrapped around these ideas massively helps.
The culture mix is rich getting ideas and stories from many different culture setups providing references for more. The method is pragmatic with each story having lessons simple enough to try at home.
The conclusion was well done. That having known what you know, "its easy to be tempted to becoming a critic of everyone who is now where you once were" and that "if we changed, others can too. We need to extend the grace to others".
Oh and the last section detailing the contributions ensured credit is passed to the right places. Kudos
Overall a great book, one everyone should read
What captivates me the most is the author's simplicity to the basic things in life. I have always believed that we should not ask our children to strive for extraordinary lives rather to find the wonder and marvel of an ordinary life; the joy of tasting tomatoes and apples, show them how to cry when pets and people die, show them the infinite pleasure of the touch of a hand and make the ordinary come alive for them. In a way, the author made me see that.
Some thoughts and ideas are impractical especially from a Kenyan perspective. Most i selfishly admit can work well in other cultures, not mine. My society simply needs time to grow to these levels and having our heads wrapped around these ideas massively helps.
The culture mix is rich getting ideas and stories from many different culture setups providing references for more. The method is pragmatic with each story having lessons simple enough to try at home.
The conclusion was well done. That having known what you know, "its easy to be tempted to becoming a critic of everyone who is now where you once were" and that "if we changed, others can too. We need to extend the grace to others".
Oh and the last section detailing the contributions ensured credit is passed to the right places. Kudos
Overall a great book, one everyone should read
July 4, 2014
My only issue with this book is that I am now curious as to what the original book was like as this barely seemed to have much by Doris Janzen Longacre, who wrote the original book in 1980. This book is mainly a compilation of more recent accounts of people and how they believe in sustainable living in order to help the creation God put His joy into (the earth, the air, the animals, and most of all the people). How can we help conserve energy or enjoy each other's company more by working together even? How can we shop with more understanding for those who may be enslaved? How are all these things affiliated with God's Word?
If you are not a Mennonite or Anabaptist, you probably won't understand a lot of what is brought up in this, as they mention the MCC and such regularly. I am an Anabaptist Mennonite, so I loved all that was mentioned (and no, this is not anything to do with how the Amish live - the Mennonite people are actually a bit different. . I am typing this on the internet and the Amish don't use the internet for instance, though they definitely have sustainable living). It was pretty encouraging and there were a few recipes included (not for cooking, but for things like shampoos and cleaning products you can make for cheap and without crazy chemicals).
If you are not a Mennonite or Anabaptist, you probably won't understand a lot of what is brought up in this, as they mention the MCC and such regularly. I am an Anabaptist Mennonite, so I loved all that was mentioned (and no, this is not anything to do with how the Amish live - the Mennonite people are actually a bit different. . I am typing this on the internet and the Amish don't use the internet for instance, though they definitely have sustainable living). It was pretty encouraging and there were a few recipes included (not for cooking, but for things like shampoos and cleaning products you can make for cheap and without crazy chemicals).
September 12, 2023
Never have I ever experienced more emotional flip-flopping while reading a non-fiction book. I was fully on board and cheering internally with one paragraph and wanted to yell at the authors in the very next paragraph.
In a lot of ways it's super ahead of its time when it comes to sustainability, low-waste living, energy conservation and environmental consciousness. But it is not intersectional AT ALL and completely blind to systemic poverty, racism, disability, capitalism, etc. And it's the most bizarre mix of being aware of the need for community action, while also being pretty individualistic.
The first few chapters of the 2010 edition are annoying because they're just talking about how the 1980 version impacted people, but once it gets into the meat of the book, I appreciated the practical, hands-on suggestions. Seldom have I read a Christian book that's so DOABLE.
It's definitely aimed at middle-class White, able-bodied, neurotypical North Americans. And for that audience, it's a vital wakeup call, but this books should be a starting point, not an ending point. Learning about systemic greed and injustice, capitalism, and ableism would make the concepts of living more with less that much more impactful and life-giving.
In a lot of ways it's super ahead of its time when it comes to sustainability, low-waste living, energy conservation and environmental consciousness. But it is not intersectional AT ALL and completely blind to systemic poverty, racism, disability, capitalism, etc. And it's the most bizarre mix of being aware of the need for community action, while also being pretty individualistic.
The first few chapters of the 2010 edition are annoying because they're just talking about how the 1980 version impacted people, but once it gets into the meat of the book, I appreciated the practical, hands-on suggestions. Seldom have I read a Christian book that's so DOABLE.
It's definitely aimed at middle-class White, able-bodied, neurotypical North Americans. And for that audience, it's a vital wakeup call, but this books should be a starting point, not an ending point. Learning about systemic greed and injustice, capitalism, and ableism would make the concepts of living more with less that much more impactful and life-giving.
March 9, 2015
I did not realized when I picked this book up that it was meant for Mennonite Christians. I read it anyway and as several other reviewers have noted it is good to take this book in small sections, mull them over, see how it applies to your life.
There is a very broad range of ideas. Some of the suggestions in this book don't even seem frugal to me, they sound like how normal people do things and not us weird conservation freaks. Others are way too extreme for me and a great many fall in the middle and sound like great ideas or are exactly what I already do.
In some cases the "simpler" option was entirely out of my budget. Other times the writers seem to eschew progress due to a lack of proper understanding of efficiency.
All together it is actually a very interesting read and I definitely recommend it if you are very good at replacing references to Christian theology with vaguer terms in your head as you read or if you are comfortable with simply reading it in Christian terms.
I was disappointed that the book really focused on mainstream frugality and wasn't full of awesome DIY projects, which is what I would put in a book by this title if it wasn't already taken.
There is a very broad range of ideas. Some of the suggestions in this book don't even seem frugal to me, they sound like how normal people do things and not us weird conservation freaks. Others are way too extreme for me and a great many fall in the middle and sound like great ideas or are exactly what I already do.
In some cases the "simpler" option was entirely out of my budget. Other times the writers seem to eschew progress due to a lack of proper understanding of efficiency.
All together it is actually a very interesting read and I definitely recommend it if you are very good at replacing references to Christian theology with vaguer terms in your head as you read or if you are comfortable with simply reading it in Christian terms.
I was disappointed that the book really focused on mainstream frugality and wasn't full of awesome DIY projects, which is what I would put in a book by this title if it wasn't already taken.
June 7, 2018
I read the original of this book back in the 80s and loved it then. And I love this anniversary edition even more. The speed at which the world has changed in this 30 years is breathtaking, and the social and spiritual implications for our way if lucking are enormous. This book presents these truths and how we respond to the truth in a myriad of ways. I love the practicality of the book, the challenges it presented me, and the variety of voices.
Although it was written from a Christian perspective, this is not just a book for Christians. It is a book for anyone who is thinking about and wants to explore further applications of technology and the rapid pace pace of change in the world. As others have said in these reviews, it is not a book filled with guilt ridden statements, I didn’t feel shamed, but I felt challenged and encouraged to continue to do more individually, and as a community, to address the very real dangers of living as we have lived for the past 100+years.
I highly recommend this book to all my friends who care.
Although it was written from a Christian perspective, this is not just a book for Christians. It is a book for anyone who is thinking about and wants to explore further applications of technology and the rapid pace pace of change in the world. As others have said in these reviews, it is not a book filled with guilt ridden statements, I didn’t feel shamed, but I felt challenged and encouraged to continue to do more individually, and as a community, to address the very real dangers of living as we have lived for the past 100+years.
I highly recommend this book to all my friends who care.
December 25, 2018
There's a lot to admire about Living More With Less. It's full of stories and tidbits from many individuals, families, and communities who are dedicated to living simple, low impact lives. I love that, and I dog eared a few pages to return to with some tips I'd like to implement in my life.
When I picked this book up at a Free Little Library in DC, I didn't peruse it carefully enough to realize it was published by and for Anabaptist Mennonites. While I appreciated a Christian perspective that I don't usually go looking for in the books I read, I felt like the book went overboard with evangelizing the more with less lifestyle through a Christian lens at times. I got really tired of that really fast (given this is book is a compilation of essays, the level of evangelizing was really dependent on each individual writer).
I admire Doris Jansen Longacre for all she did for the more with less movement, and I admire all those who have followed in her footsteps. That said, the next more with less type book I read will be secular.
When I picked this book up at a Free Little Library in DC, I didn't peruse it carefully enough to realize it was published by and for Anabaptist Mennonites. While I appreciated a Christian perspective that I don't usually go looking for in the books I read, I felt like the book went overboard with evangelizing the more with less lifestyle through a Christian lens at times. I got really tired of that really fast (given this is book is a compilation of essays, the level of evangelizing was really dependent on each individual writer).
I admire Doris Jansen Longacre for all she did for the more with less movement, and I admire all those who have followed in her footsteps. That said, the next more with less type book I read will be secular.
February 21, 2009
I haven't looked at this book in eight years, but the fact that I still remember so vividly how much it annoyed me convinced me to write a review. I love Longacre's cookbook (the predecessor to this volume), and I bought this hoping for more practical ideas for living a simpler life. I was expecting some pontificating, since that is inevitable in these sorts of books, but a large part of the book consists of anecdotes built on the "All the evil consumers do X, but I do Y" model. One example still sticks in my mind--one couple made their wedding bands out of gold-tone paper clips that they braided and then welded together.If it was a matter of money, sure, but I don't see how that is more inherently ecological than a simple metal band that could easily be purchased second-hand, and would be a great deal less silly and more durable. There are some very valid points raised throughout, but they are buried in a great deal of self-aggrandizing nonsense.
August 5, 2012
Doris Longacre wrote the Living More with Less Cookbook in 1976, as part of her Mennonite Community work. This followup book was begun a few years later, but unfortunately Doris died of cancer before she could complete it herself. Others finished it for her and it was published in 1980. It was interesting on several perspectives. First, it had a world view, sharing not only how Americans could live more with less, but also how others, around the world regularly did. Second, in many ways it paralleled my own lifestyle back in the late 1970s-early 1980s, and lead me to reflect our how my life has changed, for better and worse. Finally, it made me wonder whether there aren't still groups out there living this type of lifestyle - 30 years after many of us gave it up. We live in an area with Amish and Mennonite neighbors, and I believe they would not find this book to be an anachronism to this day.
February 22, 2013
An updated version of Doris Janzen Longacre's classic. Reading it confirmed how much living more with less is already a way of life for me--I certainly don't have to try hard to take a sabbatical from air travel for 6 months! Or to beat eggs with a fork instead of an electric mixer since I don't have an electric mixer anyway! These and some of the other ideas in this book are already second-nature to me, and yet there is also enough to make me reflect on my life--can I do without the car one day a week and walk to work? what more do I need to learn about mining justice? The thought that stands out most for me is from Malinda Berry, commenting on jars of home-made, home-canned tomato sauce: "These jars are not simple because they are quick and easy; they are simple because they are authentic."
May 14, 2011
I also read and own the 1980 version of this book. Happily I also attend a group where we read and share about these topics in person, because the details of the way we live are too easy to ignore or belittle. My group started out reading the chapter on "Money and Stewardship" and, so far, whenever later topics do not spark conversation, we return to money. Money dependably brings up those topics we need to air, confess or question. Insurances, Bank accounts, Car habits, spending on this or that, shopping and on and on. This book and the group helps make it a priority to notice and tend to how we integrate ourselves into Earth ecosystems. For example, I am celebrating that I live on acreage that is more earth than house and concrete--realizing that's somewhat unusual in my Bay Area.
November 15, 2012
What an incredible book. Written from the perspective of a Mennonite. Sole focus is about making a conscious choice to do more with less. Tons of ideas for everyday life. Non-Mennonites (like me) can still gain from reading. We in our household already live fairly simply, but this book takes it to an entirely different level. A quote that really tells this book's story: "It sounds too simple, even for a book on simple living. But when we are more content to stay at home, to think and to pray, we are better able to nurture each other."
April 28, 2015
It was actually the 20th anniversary addition. It was a good reminder of how to live more simply but reading it with a woman who talked a lot about doing things to the extreme but was the laziest person I knew kind of ruined it for me. I appreciated the author reminding the reader that these are only examples and that just because you don't do them doesn't mean that you are a horrible human being. The book was just a reminder that we are fortunate and can do more to make sure everyone gets what they need.
September 19, 2008
What I'm learning:
1) Simple living isn't something that can really be quantified, and it is a process of learning and being teachable, as well as a position of the heart; much less a place that we "arrive at."
2) There are many practical ways that we can learn from each other, and that we should learn from each other. Specifically, that the western church can learn from the rest of the world.
3) Community unity and nurture are key elements.
1) Simple living isn't something that can really be quantified, and it is a process of learning and being teachable, as well as a position of the heart; much less a place that we "arrive at."
2) There are many practical ways that we can learn from each other, and that we should learn from each other. Specifically, that the western church can learn from the rest of the world.
3) Community unity and nurture are key elements.
September 4, 2010
One word: Inspiring. Did not read like a 30-year-old book. Sad that most of what the contributors are suggesting still isn't being done on any grand scale. But it made me feel that I'm not alone in the wilderness. Also a delight to hear about what people are doing in other places, and how they view American excess. That it is centered in a peaceful Christianity is also comforting. Oh, yeah. *THAT* Christianity....
August 5, 2013
Two years ago I read the 1980 version of the book. Today I finished the 2010, 30th anniversary edition of the book. The updates to the book were refreshing and held a lot of meaning for me. What a great book to help me make necessary changes in my life as a young adult coming of age in the Great Recession, but also as a member of a Church of the Brethren. I need to live more simply and to live with better purpose so that my global brothers and sisters may also simply live.
May 15, 2012
While some of the suggestions may seem a bit austere for some, this is the Mennonite guidebook for living well, but very frugally, all with the intentional of leaving a lighter footprint in the world and perhaps making life a bit better in less advantaged countries. Originally published 30 years ago, this is updated with contemporary examples. There is a definite spiritual tone to it, but even those who are not religious will find many take-aways.
August 16, 2016
My first book club book ever! This summer a bunch of friends took the Living More with Less Challenge and we've been making our way through this book, touching base on a weekly basis to discuss our thoughts, our challenges and our successes. I have made many tweaks to the way we do life here at home, and feel like this book will be one I pick up over and over again to continue to challenge myself to be a better stewart of this earth!
October 25, 2016
This book had a lot of why, but also a lot of how. I was challenged to find ways to save resources within my own home. It's so easy to get complacent and just do things out of habit, like throw something alway instead of fix it, drive somewhere close by because it's quicker, and to consume consume consume. I hope I will break some habits and be more mindful of people who are without the things I take for granted.
July 6, 2018
A re-read. Written in the late 70's, early 80's, Longacre asks us to look at every aspect of our lifestyle and consider if it is just and equitable. The treasure of this collection of essays, testimonies and advice is that much of it comes from people living in other countries - often impoverished countries. This brings a tremendous perspective shift that is necessary for the North American reader. It's amazingly timely and pointed advice, even though it was written forty years earlier.
June 22, 2021
This is a classic book on "simply living so that others may simply live." It is based on Christian love for neighbors, strangers, and enemies and how our life choices can affect others both in our own families and communities as well as around the globe. Some of the advice is dated, as it was published long before computers, cell phones, and the internet took over our lives, but much of it is universal. Highly recommended.
November 24, 2012
While this is an excellent book with very useful information, I did not find it to be particularly helpful because I have been reading these types of books for at least the last 5 years. I am certain that this book was revolutionary when it was written, but this is not the case now.
October 23, 2018
Helpful book in terms of engaging in the pursuit of justice on a personal and communal level.
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