The Skin of Our Teeth<\/a><\/em>, you understand the concept.<\/p>\nNow, you might get the idea that Johnson’s saying that we should just hang on and hope for the best; that’s not exactly true. He does, however, think that a shift to a more sustainable lifestyle won’t come through large-scale efforts, but, rather, through individuals and groups playing with simple living, and finding what works for them… and “what works” won’t involve major self-sacrifice, but rather lifestyles that maintain joy, happiness, and satisfaction. People will take a hard look at the world, realize that the ways they’ve lived just don’t work anymore because of the economic challenges created, and muddle forward to ways of life more in tune with those realities. In his vision, small communities will eventually replace large ones, and self-sufficiency will happen not through noble acts of rejecting unsustainable ways of life… but because it’s an easier way to survive.<\/p>\n
Johnson practices what he preaches in his narrative: it definitely muddles. He throws out an idea, then considers its alternative, then maybe brings in another concept…. and tries to reconcile them all at some point. The style can be fun; it can also get a little wearisome with some of the more technical chapters (especially since they’re addressing technological challenges from a ’70s perspective). The trick to reading and enjoying the 2010 edition doesn’t involve looking for detailed answers to large issues of global economics and politics, but rather buying into the “muddling” concept while reading… and enjoying his ability to find connections in a wide array of topics: ecological history, myth and religion, agricultural science, economic theory, and much more.<\/p>\n
Still, the book has a lot to offer in terms of framing contemporary economic and environmental challenges… it’s amazing (and a little disheartening) to see how many challenges from 1978 are still very relevant today. Perhaps we’re already muddling… or perhaps it’s time to start. Either way, Muddling Toward Frugality<\/em> is one of those books, like Ishmael perhaps, that will have you thinking about the world in quite different ways once you put it down… and perhaps not feeling nearly as hopeless about the state of the world as you did when you picked it up.<\/p>\nThe 2010 edition of Muddling Toward Frugality<\/em> is FSC<\/a> and Ancient Forest Friendly<\/a> certified.<\/p>\nReady to start your own muddle towards a simpler life? We can help… check out our current listing of gardening supplies<\/a>, bikes<\/a>, and renewable energy products<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Editor’s note: This review is our contribution to Eco-Libris’ Green Books Campaign 2010. Eco-Libris arranged for a free review copy from Easton Studio Press. We Americans like our simple, direct, [ … ]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":56,"featured_media":9309,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9,2],"tags":[1197,10,4691,4692,485,1047],"yoast_head":"\n
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