The problem with the simplicity movement

The problem with the simplicity movement is that its proponents mistake simplicity, which is an aesthetic lifestyle choice, for humility, which is a genuine virtue. Humility is an honest acknowledgment of one's limitations and lowliness in the great scheme of things and a realization that power over other human beings is a dangerous thing, always to be exercised with utmost caution. The Amish, as well as monks, Eastern and Western, cultivate humility because they know they have a duty toward what is larger than themselves.

Original: Not Really Simple by Charlotte Allen, April 19, 2010.

Family Gets in the Way of Work for Materialistic Individuals, Study Finds

Via ScienceDaily:

"Highly materialistic people pour their efforts into work as this produces tangible materialistic rewards -- money and possessions. They therefore see any obstacle to work -including their family, as disruptive. This finding adds 'work-family conflict' to the already long list of the negative effects of materialistic values on personal well-being."

The Futility of Possession

A recent study by Cornell University concludes:

... people get more enduring happiness from their experiences than their possessions ...

Possessions have value only to the degree that we consider them "ours" but nothing belongs to us forever. Possessions will deteriorate, loosing their novelty and value over time. Still, we work so hard to acquire, retain and protect them. Those efforts are ultimately futile, hence the inherent dissatisfaction with possessions.

I'd like to emphasize the experience of letting go as exemplified by the chorus of The Streets' Everything Is Borrowed:

I came to this world with nothing
And I leave with nothing but love
Everything else is just borrowed