Speaker: Duane Elgin

Voluntary Simplicity

Duane Elgin is a social visionary who looks beneath the surface turbulence of our times to explore the deeper trends that are transforming our world. He has met the heads of state, he has bent the laws of physics under research settings at Stanford Research Institute, and he has co-authored a book with Joseph Campbell.  As an internationally recognized thought leader, he's delivered over 300 keynotes, authored five books, and started several non-profit organizations.

The core of his message comes down to simplicity.  Through that very basic practice, Duane says, we can open ourselves to a dynamic relationship with a living universe.

Growing up on a farm on Idaho, he was always connected to the cyclical rhythms of nature -- until he got swept up by mainstream dream, got an MBA from Wharton, worked on a presidential think-tank, hobnobbed with the powerful and elite, and started to pursue a linear growth that left him exhausted. Then, one fine day, he made a dramatic shift towards voluntary simplicity. He quit everything about his old lifestyle, and went in an entirely new direction. On his spiritual journey, he had some profoundly illuminating experiences. The universe came alive, and only deepened his convictions. "Consumerism makes sense only in a dead universe. If the universe is dead at its foundations, then it is rational to turn to material pleasures to protect us from life’s pains. On the other hand, if the universe is a living system, then it makes sense to get rid of undue complexity, live more simply, and focus on coming into a conscious relationship with the world around us."

Join us for a riveting conversation with an unsung hero of our time, as we dive into the nuances of living simply in a complex world.

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