Simple living is one of my favourite topics to discuss here on the blog. There is so much inspiration to be found on this topic in the classics, and for me living well is much easier when I'm living simply. This is in part due to the fact that when the classics that we discuss here were written, life was in many ways simpler. I don't necessarily mean easier, but certainly simpler, less hurried, less distractions, less of always chasing more. The proponents of simple living are different for everybody, so I've just chosen some of the easiest and most enjoyable ways I know to embrace simple living.
In this article I thought it would be fun (and helpful) to refer you to certain books for certain aspects of simple living. That way, you can use the book as a sort of guide to direct you to certain aspects of simple living, whilst offering a entertaining and in some cases, a rollicking good read (I love that old-time expression!) Where possible, I also add a link to other articles that delve into that topic in more detail.
Connect more with nature - Frankenstein (Mary Shelley)
There are so many classic books that discuss the joy of being in nature, and another one that comes to mind is Mansfield Park, but I love Frankenstein for the beautiful way in which Shelley incorporates the magic of nature throughout an otherwise dark and intense story. As Victor Frankenstein suffered the emotional turmoil after creating life, he turned to nature (and his best friend) for solace.
We passed a fortnight in these perambulations: my health and spirits had long been restored, and they gained additional strength from the salubrious air I breathed, the natural incidents of our progress, and the conversation of my friend.
Frankenstein's creature, often described as a monster, also found solace in nature during his own tumultuous time.
My spirits were elevated by the enchanting appearance of nature; the past was blotted from my memory, the present was tranquil, and the future gilded by bright rays of hope, and anticipations of joy.
The panacea that is nature is unlimited and timeless and Frankenstein exemplifies that perfectly. I've shared more on this topic in a separate article which you can read about here.
Cultivate generosity and a sense of gratitude - Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
There is so much wisdom on simple living to be had from Little Women, but I decided to choose this goal because I feel that it really does underlie the book as whole. Reading it will also provide inspiration on being creative with a capsule wardrobe, establishing manageable kitchen gardens, fun seasonal activities and gentle homemaking tips. As for the generosity and a sense of gratitude, this novel portrays these ideals as that - ideals that we must work hard at and that don't always come easily to us. The point is to keep trying and to try and remember how much we really do have. The March women are constantly having their patience and generous spirits tried, often in amusing but relatable ways.
Be inspired by the seasons - The Wind in The Willows (Kenneth Grahame)
The Wind in The Willows is a wonderful, entertaining story but I love it for the ways in which the characters embrace all four seasons. Their unhurried, grateful attitudes to the natural world is an inspiration for our busy, indoor modern life. Seasonal living is an important proponent of simple living. Taking the time to slow down and appreciate the seasons can have such wonderful benefits, on our physical health (think seasonal eating and exercise) and our physical health (mindfulness and appreciation for the beauty of nature). Get inspired with Ratty, Mole and Mr Badger and enjoy the seasons, year round.
Find joy in simple things - Anne of Green Gables
Anne Shirley is such a favourite of many classic readers and for good reason. Watching this delightful young woman grow up through the series continues to inspire us to take on many aspects of her personality, in particular her enduring optimism and joy in simple things. Anne savours so many small things that make up her entertaining life, I fact I wrote an article about this very topic and you can read it here if you would like more motivation to pick up these books. Like the March women, Anne faces many personal injustices (at least they are in her mind!) but her optimism never truly leaves her. She is an inspiration to all of us seeking more joy in our lives.
Be a good host/hostess - The Illiad (Homer)
Have you read Homer's classic epic, The Odyssey? It's one of the oldest classic fiction stories, although technically a poem, one that was originally told aloud. Telling the story of Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, on his return from the Trojan War, the theme of hospitality is constant throughout the book. A theme in many Ancient Greek texts, hospitality, or xenia, is important because there were so many travellers and so few inns or places to stay. Many issues of hospitality are explored in the Odysseus, such as using your best things when guests visit and to ensure that guests are well taken of, especially when they are ready to leave. Giving a departing gift is expected and although we don't need to follow these tradition today, a little parcel of lunch or some magazines for a long trip wouldn't go amiss. Another beautiful lesson to be gained from this classic is one of rising early. By doing so, we are prepared for the day, freshly washed and dressed and ready to help our guests with whatever they may need. Living simply is about extending a generous spirit to others, and now that we are able to welcome family and friends back into our homes, we could all benefit from lovely stays in a simple and comfortable way.
A quiet, homemaker's life - The Little House on the Prairie (Laura Ingalls Wilder)
A quiet, homemaker's life can be extended to men and women, children and anyone who is content to be at home; anyone who wants to make their home a welcoming place. Home is such an important part of living simply and I've written about it many times here on the blog. The Little House on The Prairie is a wonderful series that focuses on the importance of home, and setting up new homes as sanctuaries from the outside world. Although set in colonial times, this need for home as a sanctuary is just important today as it ever was. My favourite in the series is The First Four Years, where Laura is newly married and setting up her own home. But if you get the opportunity, any of the stories in the series would be a lovely inspiration for creating a quiet homemaker's life in your own home.
I hope that this post has given you some inspiration to delve deeper in your reading of the classics to find the inspiration you might be searching for to live a simple life. There is so much information on the internet on this topic, but why not go directly to the horse's mouth? Read about simple living in classic novels and enjoy the process. It's a much nicer way to be inspired than mindless scrolling and exhausting to do lists.
Thanks for stopping by and please leave your favourite classics in the comments below. We could all use some inspiration on living simply.
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