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Title: I wanted to like it
Review: Voluntary simplicity has some features to it that would benefit most people in the United States, and that I am actively trying to incorporate into my own life. These include less consumerism/materialism, financial "modesty" (for lack of a better term), less cluttered living, etc. When we speak of the priorities, however, we must not forget the "voluntary" aspect.I can sum up my problem with this book with a single quote from page 170, "Simplicity is not about imposing beliefs on others or judging their actions... except, of course, by enacting and enforcing laws that mandate..." Throughout the book, every topic ends up with a discussion of how to tax, fine, or otherwise manipulate and coerce people into adopting the practices that the author believes would be best for them.This sanctimonious, condescending attitude was so offensive that I found it difficult to draw anything positive from the book.
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