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About this quote

What does it mean?
A society that rejects excess often ends up lacking essentials, as work motivation stems from trivial motives.
In plain terms
Refusing to pursue extra comforts can lead to losing necessities because we work for small reasons.
What can you take from it?
Chasing superfluities can paradoxically secure basic needs.

Where it applies

  • analyzing economic behavior
  • evaluating austerity

Putting it to work

  • value incremental progress
  • understand human motivation

Questions to consider

  • What motivates work in a minimalist society?
  • Is surplus necessary for stability?

Another view

Simplicity movements argue that rejecting excess actually preserves essential resources.

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