The Abundance of Less cover art

The Abundance of Less

Lessons in Simple Living from Rural Japan

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The Abundance of Less

By: Andy Couturier
Narrated by: Adam Riley
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About this listen

An evocative study of life in rural Japan, this inspiring book for fans of Marie Kondo proves true wealth can be found by living sustainably among life’s simple but profound luxuries

The Abundance of Less captures the texture of sustainable lives well lived in these ten profiles of ordinary—yet exceptional—men and women who left behind mainstream existences in urban Japan to live surrounded by the luxuries of nature, art, friends, delicious food, and an abundance of time. Drawing on traditional Eastern spiritual wisdom and culture, these pioneers describe the profound personal transformations they underwent as they escaped the stress, consumerism, busyness, and dependence on technology of modern life.

This intimate and evocative book tells of their fulfilling lives as artists, philosophers, and farmers who rely on themselves for happiness and sustenance. By inviting listeners to enter into the essence of these individuals’ days, Couturier shows us how we too can bring more meaning and richness to our own lives.

©2017 Andy Couturier (P)2018 North Atlantic Books
Anthropology Sustainable & Green Living

Critic Reviews

“We are in an overheated world—physically and spiritually. It is extremely powerful to read of people who have managed to escape that world, not by traveling to outer space but by heading toward reality. This is subversive in the best possible way.” —Bill McKibben, author of Deep Economy

“Reading this magic book is like drinking from a fresh wellspring deep in the mountains: it slowly returns one to sanity. In an era when the allure of ten thousand digital screens eclipses the inner radiance of a stone lying among the reeds, how clarifying to encounter the eloquence and humility of these well-lived lives.” —David Abram, author of The Spell of the Sensuous

“Couturier catches everything that is essential and beautiful in Japan with a clarity, sincerity, and openness that move me to the core. It’s been years since such a fresh and liberating voice has emerged to remind us of the true heart of a country that so many of us fail to see.” —Pico Iyer, author of The Lady and the Monk

What listeners say about The Abundance of Less

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loved every chapter

highly recommended this book. It is inspiring, though provoking and encourages reflection. I absolutely loved this and will listen again and again.

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1 person found this helpful

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Eye Opener!

Loved every minute of it. It feels like these people are now also my friends!

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Live slow and we’ll

An invitation to re-think how we live and to go slow. I appreciated the sentiments around the fallacy that convenience gives us more time.

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Simplicity

I lived this book, it's deep insights and picture of what integrity shows up as in everyday living.

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Not what I was expecting

Not my cup of tea. A good reflection piece and an insight on activism and rural living.

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