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The Abundance of Less

Lessons in Simple Living from Rural Japan
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Abundance of Less by Andy Couturier explores the lives of ten individuals who have chosen to live simply in rural Japan. Through personal stories, the book highlights their philosophies on minimalism, sustainability, and finding deeper meaning in daily life.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you appreciate minimalist living and are inspired by the stories of those who find fulfilment in a simpler, more sustainable lifestyle. You'll enjoy reading about the practical wisdom and philosophies of individuals who have chosen to live off the land in rural Japan.

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The Abundance of Less

Rev. ed. of: A different kind of luxury, 2010.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Abundance of Less by Andy Couturier offers a profound journey into the lives of ten remarkable individuals who chose to abandon the urban chaos of Japan in favour of a simpler, more fulfilling existence in the rural mountains. Through beautifully crafted narratives, Couturier introduces us to men and women who have discovered a path to happiness that lies far from the pressures of modern consumerism and technological dependence.

These individuals, each with a unique story and background, share their compelling journeys of transformation. They have embraced lives imbued with the timeless wisdom of traditional Eastern spirituality, allowing them to reclaim the art of sustainable living. Instead of the relentless busyness of city life, they now thrive amidst the luxuries of nature, art, friendship, wholesome food, and an abundance of time.

The Abundance of Less captures the essence of these sustainable lifestyles in ten vivid profiles. These pioneers in their own right not only live in harmony with their environment but also demonstrate how such a life can lead to profound personal fulfilment. Through their tales, readers are invited to reimagine the possibilities of their own lives, inspired by the idea that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in the richness of experience, relationships, and inner peace.

Bill McKibben, a New York Times bestselling author, describes the book as "subversive in the best possible way." Indeed, Couturier's work challenges conventional notions of success and achievement, urging us to consider the deeper satisfactions that come from simplicity and mindfulness.

This intimate and evocative book speaks of lives well-lived by artists, philosophers, and farmers, who find joy in self-reliance and the elegant simplicity of their chosen paths. By sharing the daily rhythms and values of these individuals, Couturier offers readers not just a glimpse into a different way of life, but a roadmap towards greater meaning and richness in their own lives.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Abundance of Less is praised for its compelling portrayal of individuals in Japan who have embraced simplicity and sustainability. The book is described as a refreshing and inspiring antidote to modern life's frenzy, offering wisdom and grounding perspectives. Reviewers appreciate Andy Couturier’s sincerity and clarity in capturing the beauty of slower, intentional living, which serves as a powerful reminder of alternative possibilities in our fast-paced world.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781623171322

Publisher: North Atlantic Books,U.S.

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 August 2017

Country: United States

Imprint: North Atlantic Books,U.S.

Illustration: 160 B&W PHOTOS

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 30.0mm

Width: 153.0mm

Height: 229.0mm

Weight: 788g

Pages: 432

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About the Author

Andy Couturier spent four years studying sustainable living in rural Japan. There, he worked with local environmentalists, wrote for The Japan Times, and studied how Japanese aesthetics can help us develop new forms of writing. Couturier has also hitchhiked across the Sahara desert, been a researcher for Greenpeace, built his own house with hand tools, and taught intuitive writing for more than two decades. He is a student of many different Asian philosophical systems and is fluent in Japanese.

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