The Abundance of Less cover art

The Abundance of Less

Lessons in Simple Living from Rural Japan

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The Abundance of Less

By: Andy Couturier
Narrated by: Adam Riley
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About this listen

Inspiring stories of 10 urbanites who decided to ‘the simple life’ in the rural mountains of Japan—for anyone interested in sustainable living, Japanese culture, and Eastern spirituality.

“Subversive in the best possible way.” —Bill McKibben, New York Times–bestselling author

The Abundance of Less captures the texture of sustainable lives well lived in these 10 profiles of ordinary—yet exceptional—men and women who left behind mainstream existences in urban Japan to live surrounded by the luxuries of nature, art, friends, delicious food, and an abundance of time. Drawing on traditional Eastern spiritual wisdom and culture, these pioneers describe the profound personal transformations they underwent as they escaped the stress, consumerism, busyness, and dependence on technology of modern life.

This intimate and evocative book tells of their fulfilling lives as artists, philosophers, and farmers who rely on themselves for happiness and sustenance. By inviting readers to enter into the essence of these individuals’ days, Couturier shows us how we too can bring more meaning and richness to our own lives.
Anthropology Sustainable & Green Living Imperial Japan China
All stars
Most relevant
highly recommended this book. It is inspiring, though provoking and encourages reflection. I absolutely loved this and will listen again and again.

loved every chapter

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Loved every minute of it. It feels like these people are now also my friends!

Eye Opener!

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An invitation to re-think how we live and to go slow. I appreciated the sentiments around the fallacy that convenience gives us more time.

Live slow and we’ll

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I lived this book, it's deep insights and picture of what integrity shows up as in everyday living.

Simplicity

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Not my cup of tea. A good reflection piece and an insight on activism and rural living.

Not what I was expecting

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.