When I first discovered the concept of voluntary simplicity in 1995, I was excited to find well articulated concepts for many of the random thoughts that had been ruminating in my brain for years. I immediately read everything I could find on the topic. I read books that told me why to simplify my life and how to simplify my life, but I found few tomes about the real life stories of those who had done it. Hmmm, I wondered. What does simple living actually look like in the lives of real people? How does it translate into our modern, day-to-day world? Can people who embrace this lifestyle sustain it over time? What are the downsides? Is it worth it? Do they miss their former lifestyles?

And so The Pierce Simplicity Study was born. For the next three years, I conducted a national study to find out what has happened in the lives of people who have embraced this approach to life. 211 people from 40 states and eight countries participated in the study. The study participants represent a wide range of lifestyles, income levels, and occupations. They live in varied types of locales, including cities, suburbs, rural areas and small towns. Each participant answered a detailed survey concerning many aspects of their lives including work, home, material possessions, leisure, relationships, environmental concerns, community involvement, health, spirituality, nature, self-reliance, transportation, and money.

I also conducted in-depth telephone or face-to-face interviews with 40 participants and exchanged extensive email correspondence with many of the participants. The diversity and creativity exhibited by their life experiences is quite impressive. In fact, if there is one truth about simple living, it is that there is no fixed, determined way to live simply. For a summary of the statistical findings of the study, click here.

I have written a book based on the study entitled Choosing Simplicity: Real People Finding Peace and Fulfillment in a Complex World. In this book, I share the real-life stories of people who are living simply, as they define it, and the many lessons we can learn from their lives. Their stories are inspiring and awesome.