Many people needlessly complicate life. They say, “I need a new TV,” or, “I need a new car,” and they buy things they cannot afford. The economic difficulties that we see around us should encourage us to simplify our lives and live within our means.
In 1845 the author Thoreau decided to try a simplified life. He built a small cabin, planted a garden, and spent his time studying nature and writing. For two years he lived in the cabin until his experiment ended and he left with the conclusion that the four things we really need are food, clothing, shelter, and fuel.
I don't think that we should all move to cabins in the woods, but we can simplify our lives by removing things we don't need. Do we “need” a big screen TV, or would a smaller TV work? Do we “need” a new car, or would an older model drive just as well? If we live within our means, we will be free of debt and be able to do as Thoreau did and enjoy the world around us.
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