Not Buying It

role of American has changed from “citizen” to “consumer”“What's left of the counterculture is the counter.” (p. 198 - think of Northern Sun)
no commitment to the public good“Good wine is a necessity to me” Thomas Jefferson (?)

“Citizenship means changing the whole picture. It means demanding policies...and working for an economy and a culture that reject environmental destruction, the exploitation of working people, the privatization of the commons, and the commodification of every desire and satisfaction.” (p. 256)

Development (making things better =/= Growth (making more things) AMEN

Fantastic read. Timely as I turn a bit inward (in a good way, I think), reduce my use of technology and social media and wrestle our own budget under control. I like her humanity as well. I recently tried reading a book on a similar topic and I found the author cold, judgemental, and apparently flawless in their pursuit of simplicity. It's not very motivating for me to read that.

Ms. Levine, on the other hand, still wants to buy stuff, struggles with the idea of “necessity” and shares the good and bad of her experience.

After reading another “1 year project” book in which it seemed the author's partner did little but belittle and ridicule her and her project, I liked how Ms. Levine's partner was. Refreshing to read a book where the author really likes the people in their lives.