Just Enough is Plenty: Thoreau's Alternative Economics

In our age of overconsumption Henry Thoreaus fiery criticisms of consumer culture and his poetic defence of simpler living have never been more relevant or necessary. But Thoreau is not an easy writer to read. His sentences are often very dense and his ideas are often challenging and provocatively expressed. For these reasons the casual reader can be easily put off. But his perspectives are too important to miss. This concise introduction provides a deep but accessible overview of Thoreaus philosophy of voluntary simplicity. Just Enough Is Plenty is a superb introduction to Thoreaus life and ideas written with clarity and style by a leading exponent of Thoreaus economics of voluntary simplicity. Samuel Alexander expertly guides the reader through the often difficult terrain of Thoreaus economic ideas highlighting the opportunities for living simpler freer lives. The result will help a new generation of readers understand Thoreaus essential message - and apply it to their own lives. The benefits of doing so are potentially immense. - Philip Cafaro author of Thoreaus Living Ethics