A Classical Life Can Mean A Simpler Life

Some people were of the opinion that a sober and abstemious mode of living    considerably reduced the risk of infection. They therefore formed themselves into groups and lived in isolation from everyone else. Having withdrawn to a comfortable abode where there were no sick persons, they locked themselves in and settled down to a peaceable existence, consuming modest qualities of delicate foods and precious wines and avoiding all excesses. They refrained from speaking to outsiders, refused to receive news of the dead or the sick, and entertained themselves with music and whatever other amusements they were able to devise.

                                                                                'The Decameron,' Boccaccio (p7)

We are not the first ones to have to isolate due to a pandemic, yet I think we are the first ones to have choice and opportunities available to us as to how we would like to spend our time during such a lockdown. Many of us are working for home (it isn't lounging about for everyone!) yet without our normal social interactions, trips away and frequent trips to the shops/galleries/theatres/sports matches etc we do undoubtedly have more time at home. 

And it seems that many of us have used this unexpected time at home to return to simple living. To clarify, when I use the term 'simple' I don't necessarily mean 'easy'. A definition of 'simple living' that I most align myself with comes from one of my favourite authors and bloggers, Rhonda Hetzel where she says of her own move to simple living:

"Over the months that followed I made everything I could make that we used to buy at the shops and consequently reduced our grocery bill significantly.  We used less electricity, gas and water, we got rid of our second car, I stopped recreational shopping, pulled the plug on pay TV and magazines and we glided into a wonderful life of less. We produced a lot of fresh produce in the back yard, we saved money."

With enforced (and voluntary) lockdowns around the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic, people are turning their attention to their homes, and the spaces they occupy - indoors and out. Past-times that were once considered 'drudgery' or 'boring' are now becoming Instagram-worthy moments.

Bread making.

Housework.

Gardening.

Supporting local producers.

Sewing.

DIY Hair and beauty. 

The list goes on and on. There is also a social media trend toward cottage living - cottagecore and grandmillenial style both espouse a return to a simpler way of living. Our chaotic and unpredictable society at the moment means people are seeking refuge in "comfort living," if you will. Time spent at home. Daily and seasonal routines. Stocking pantries so as to be prepared for future crises. Learning skills to be more self-reliant. 

As shops shut and 'staying home' becomes the new norm for many people, it is a wonderful opportunity to cease mindless spending, save our pennies, consider the impact of overt consumerism on the environment and take steady steps towards a deeper, more meaningful change in our lives. 

I, for one, am so pleased to see this trend as it something my family and I have aimed towards for a number of years. And I'm sure that many fans of classical literature are not new to this concept either. Those of us who have read classical literature are also familiar with the hardships and suffering that many people before us have experienced. We are not the first ones to go through such adversity and by reading the plights of others and how they adapted to hard times is always a comfort. It's also a blessing to be reminded how much many of us do have during these times. 

I believe the appeal of so many classics, such as Little Women, Anne of Green Gables, The Swiss Family Robinson and even The Odyssey and Boccaccio's The Decameron, is due to the enduring notion of home, homemaking, self-sufficiency and the pleasure of simple living. If you are seeking inspiration on how to live a more simple life, may I suggest you read the following books:

For the best imaginative play, picnics and family meals together try Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. If you would rather this in a more mischievous, Australian setting try Seven Little Australians by Ethel Turner. 

If it's a quieter, simpler homemaking life, then taking inspiration from the mothers in the Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder would be a good place to start. They also give lots of inspiration on seasonal chores and tasks, plus food preparation and preservation.

For inspiration on starting from scratch, in true minimalist style, you can't beat The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann Wyss or Henry David Thoreau's Walden.

We can take inspiration from Odysseus, his wife Penelope and son Telemarchus, and set up our homes to be self-sufficient. We can ensure that we have enough put away for the tough and lean times (like 20 years away from home!) and do our best to protect these supplies from unwelcome guests.  

If you don't know where you want to begin to start on the path to a simple life, I recommend you read Daphne Du Maurier's classic, Rebecca. In this charming book, the new Mrs De Winter must find her feet in her husband's home, Manderley, and finds it quite difficult to establish a daily routine in the footsteps of her husband's deceased wife. She tries out letter-writing, walking, knitting, flower-arrangements, and sketching. Perhaps a taste of everything would work for you too! Although, I hope you don't have Mrs Danvers lurking over your shoulder!

I love the term "elegant economy" as used by the ladies of Cranford (by Elizabeth Gaskell) and have started using it to refer to our own reduced budget and attempt to save more. Look to this book if you're wanting to be more 'economical' during lockdown, but still want to pass off as 'elegant.'

For all the warm and fuzzy feels of knitting, gardening and some armchair sleuthing, you can't go wrong with Agatha Christie's Miss Marple. To me, this woman embodies the true 'simple living' persona yet is never without visitors, little trips away and mysteries to solve. She is also very punctual with her ritual tea. Tea is definitely an aspect of simple living that everyone can add to their lives. And if you don't like tea, have a coffee or a cordial - it's the act of resting in the afternoon that's important!

I could go on and on about the brilliant inspiration to be found in classic books for those who want to live a simple life. Most books set a century or more ago touch on these simple, homemaking practices that are enjoying a resurgence in popularity these days. 

Have you made any steps towards a more simple life this year? What books offer you inspiration for a simpler lifestyle? I'd love to hear about it!