
CONTENTS
THE SIMPLE LIFE I OUR COMPLEX LIFE
II THE ESSENCE OF SIMPLICITY
III SIMPLICITY OF THOUGHT
IV SIMPLICITY OF SPEECH
V SIMPLE DUTY
VI SIMPLE NEEDS
VII SIMPLE PLEASURES
VIII THE MERCENARY SPIRIT AND SIMPLICITY
IX NOTORIETY AND THE INGLORIOUS GOOD
In a bustling household on the brink of a wedding, the young couple finds their days consumed by endless errands, endless invitations, and a parade of tradespeople. Their love is constantly pushed aside by the demands of dressmakers, caterers, and a never‑ending stream of social obligations. When the chaos becomes unbearable, they retreat to Grandmother’s quiet sitting room, where the octogenarian offers a gentle, timeless reminder that true happiness isn’t measured by ceremony or excess.
Through the eyes of this wise elder, the story gently unfolds a critique of modern life’s relentless complexity. It invites listeners to reflect on how our growing material needs and social expectations can eclipse simple joys, and suggests that the path to peace may lie in embracing a more modest, thoughtful way of being. The narrative balances humor with heartfelt insight, setting the stage for a journey toward a quieter, more authentic existence.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (222K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Chris Curnow, Sarah Jensen, Matt Mello and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2007-10-20
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1852–1918
A French Protestant pastor and widely read spiritual writer, he became known for warm, practical books that spoke to everyday life. His best-known work, The Simple Life, helped bring his gentle, humane vision to readers far beyond France.
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