Graceful Simplicity by: Jerome M. Segal 1999 This is a new book with the sub title: Toward a Philosophy and Politics of Simple Living. What i found inside was an argument that individual choice isn't effective and we need political systems which have different values. Trying to read this book was very frustration because of the numerous references and quotes from old dead philosophers. Quotes can be valuable to express ideas, but not to prove points. I really don't think the opinion of a Greek who lived a thousand years ago is a valid argument. There are some good arguments saying people are controlled by politics rather than controlling politics. This viewpoint i understand and agree with, but i did not see it elaborated very effectively. At the end of the book it was clear that someone who accepted the conclusions would be a helpless pile of jello. About all they can do is go off and join some political change movement. This would turn them into a fighting machine and help build a better world of fighting machines (Yes, that is an exaggeration to make a point). Guess i'm not willing to accept the viewpoint that the problem is elsewhere or that the answer is to fight city hall. It looks a lot more complicated to me. This isn't saying we don't need political change, just that we need a different way of thinking. It would help to build rather than fight. To run towards something rather than away from problems. Do we have a shared model for the future that will unite people? Ha! that is a touchy subject and no politician would ruin their future by suggesting a cultural change. Hey! that would result in constant ridicule. rant, rant, rant, reading some books gets me going. I did get the latest issue of HomePower magazine and will write about it tomorrow.
