Simple Living vs. Strategic Living

**peanut** · 04-21-2009, 01:07 PM

I'm reading a book that makes a distinction between simple living and strategic living. The author claims that simple living can lead to a self-centered lifestyle...self-righteousness.

Whereas strategic living, by his definition, is living as if you were at war all the time...thereby freeing up cash, possessions, and time for worthwhile endeavours. In his case those worthwhile endeavours are charity focused.

He encourages everyone to set a basic salary for themselves and to give away anything above that to poorer people or to causes/institutions that help the poor.

I'm not sure I've seen many self-righteous people in the simple living movement. But is this a possibility? Do you know people like that? Is there a way to avoid becoming like that? Or is that just 'strategic living'?! Is he just splitting hairs?

**mauimagic** · 04-21-2009, 04:11 PM

Originally Posted by peanut

I'm reading a book that makes a distinction between simple living and strategic living. The author claims that simple living can lead to a self-centered lifestyle...self-righteousness.

Whereas strategic living, by his definition, is living as if you were at war all the time...thereby freeing up cash, possessions, and time for worthwhile endeavours. In his case those worthwhile endeavours are charity focused.

He encourages everyone to set a basic salary for themselves and to give away anything above that to poorer people or to causes/institutions that help the poor.

I'm not sure I've seen many self-righteous people in the simple living movement. But is this a possibility? Do you know people like that? Is there a way to avoid becoming like that? Or is that just 'strategic living'?! Is he just splitting hairs?

May be splitting hairs or just very intense lifestyle. Where did you find this interesting book? Nothing I would ever pick up probably, but am glad you did so you could share with us!!

**thesightofoneself** · 04-21-2009, 04:19 PM

there is no 'right/perfect' way to live your life. you make your own choices, you pay your own price.

do what works for you.

neither simple living nor strategic living sound like something i would enjoy doing with my life

**monkeywrangler71** · 04-21-2009, 05:04 PM

It seems to me that his 'strategic living' would be even more likely to lead to self-righteousness, not only does one get to feel superior about the lifestyle, but also about their charitable contribution levels. And yes, I've seen plenty of self-righteousness in the simple living movement, as well as every other movement out there. No lifestyle is immune to that.

**Thevail** · 04-21-2009, 05:49 PM

It sounds to me like the author of that book found a big puddle of self righteousness and jumped right in with both feet! LOL

Simple living (unless I really didn't get the right idea about it) is supposed to be about making better, more sustainable, but mostly more deliberate or conscious choices in your life. Like not buying a new TV just because it's on sale. But they have to be your choices that work for you and your life.

It isn't a game of "he who gives away the last spoon wins!"

**forHISglory** · 04-21-2009, 05:55 PM

This seems to be a question of semantics. But it's a good question to ponder. Why live a simple life? For my own good, or for the good of others?

The answer to me is both. The simple life seems to go beyond materialism, or the accumulation of things. It also must go inward, to a simplicity or clarity of thought, an emptying of self. The more I empty myself of my own selfishness, my own greed, then the more I can fill myself with altruism. The more I deny myself, the more I can give to others.

It's a delicate balance, and I'm not sure I achieve it all the time. I'm prone to falling off the wagon just when I become most proud of this spiritual achievement!

**peanut** · 04-21-2009, 07:34 PM

Hmmm...ForHisGlory...I think you've kind of summed up my muddled thoughts.

I guess I come away from it realizing that DH and I just need to make our own choices on this front. Most of the simple living people I've met have been very concerned for the environment and very responsible citizens...hardly what I'd call self-righteous...certainly not advertising "How Good" they are!

Mauimagic: the book is "Money, Possessions and Eternity" by Randy Alcorn. He's an evangelical Christian pastor. I did find some good points in the book. He tears apart a lot of what passes as missions work in the evangelical church today.

monkeywrangler71 & thevail: I think I did him a disservice not telling you his background. One of the foundations of Christianity is compassion and charity. So you would expect him to write about that. But I just didn't see simple living people around me wrapped in self-righteousness. But yeah, it's possible...anyone could become self-righteous for any number of reasons!

**Thevail** · 04-22-2009, 12:00 AM

I guess it just struck me as a bit self righteous..to write a book explaining that your way of living simply is better than "the regular way of living simply" because your way doesn't promote as much self righteousness...

But you are correct, I haven't read the book..still it seems a pretty wierd premise for a book.

**elphie** · 04-22-2009, 08:52 AM

Randy Alcorn can be pretty intense in his writings... we studied his book Heaven in my SS class a while back and it had some very thought provoking ideas that still swim around in my head nearly two years after the study has ended. This sounds like another interesting book from an intriguing author. Thanks for mentioning!

**peanut** · 04-22-2009, 12:48 PM

Originally Posted by elphie

Randy Alcorn can be pretty intense in his writings... we studied his book Heaven in my SS class a while back and it had some very thought provoking ideas that still swim around in my head nearly two years after the study has ended. This sounds like another interesting book from an intriguing author. Thanks for mentioning!

Yep...he gives you lots to chew on. I've been having some interesting discussions with DH about it. He's a lapsed (?) Christian, for want of a better descriptor (still Christian, but doesn't believe in organized religion).

Today I was reading about insurance, savings and retirement. Interesting chapter. Fascinating to see how culturally oriented thoughts on this can be. DH is an ex-American and we're both Canadians. Hearing the two views on economic systems is quite enlightening at times. DH was able to flesh out for me the perspective Alcorn writes from.

I actually like the book because it gets me thinking. It goes into enough detail to encourage me to make up my own mind ultimately.

**Judi Dial** · 04-22-2009, 03:03 PM

Whether it's about religion or how I spend my money/time my personal take is that when I get the most self-righteous, I'm usually the most WRONG. For me, being self-righteous means ignoring the equal value in choices and/or ideas that others may believe or follow.

I walked away from organized religion exactly because of this. I found myself being holier than everyone who didn't believe as I did. On examination I found this was the least Godly thing in my character at the time.

My alarm bells go off now when anyone starts telling me how to think. Admittedly, this is also tied to having been abused. Abusers almost always justify their actions by demeaning the value of the victims' perspective, so it IS a hot button issue for me.

All that said, it sounds like an interesting book, I'll have to see if my library can get a copy for me to read!

Judi

**peanut** · 04-22-2009, 07:30 PM

Originally Posted by Judi Dial

My alarm bells go off now when anyone starts telling me how to think.

Yep, me too. The thing about this guy is he gives such detailed information from the Christian perspective it's almost like being put on overload. I, at least, have to sit back and actually think about what he's saying and where I stand on that issue and why.

It's been a good read for me because of that. I certainly don't agree with everything he's said! But I've been able to map out a rough outline of how I would like to handle our money. And I've been able to talk to DH about it too...which is pretty good considering DH normally has a feast or famine approach to money.

**IndigoMom** · 04-22-2009, 09:40 PM

I don't know. I guess I'd have to read the book. Charity isn't strictly a cash business though. We don't have a definate income - Dh works in Asbestos Abatment, plus he and a couple of friends are starting their own company. So not only does it tend to be seasonal, in the sense that once cold weather hits jobs become more sporadic if not disappear all together. Plus now, there is the uncertianty of striking out on their own. BUT - we donate our time serving meals at a shelter, part of our harvests are being donated to local food pantries and shelters, as well as offer what ever assistance we can in various situations. It's not always money. Sometimes, it's just another family dropping in for a meal and a break from their own worries.