Yvon Chouinard Quotes

Going back to a simpler life based on living by sufficiency rather than excess is not a step backward. Rather, returning to a simpler way allows us to regain our dignity, puts us in touch with the land, and makes us value human contact again.

I do live a simple existence.

Voluntary simplicity means going fewer places in one day rather than more, seeing less so I can see more, doing less so I can do more, acquiring less so I can have more.

He will always be a slave who does not know how to live upon a little.

The consumption society has made us feel that happiness lies in having things, and has failed to teach us the happiness of not having things.

How great, my friends, is the virtue of living upon a little!

I feel that my environment reflects my belief in the grace and art and elegance of living simply.

I'm a practitioner of elegant frugality. I don't feel comfortable telling other people what to do, so I just try and lead by example.

My material life is simple.

All of our technology is completely unnecessary to a happy life.

Tramping is too easy with all this money. My days were more exciting when I was penniless and had to forage around for my next meal... I've decided that I'm going to live this life for some time to come. The freedom and simple beauty of it is just too good to pass up.

I've lived a slower and less expensive life going off the grid, and I'm happier because of it.

Live and think like a poor man and you'll always be OK.

We have allowed ourselves to be defined by our consumption instead of by our ability to move beyond it.

I'm not a guy who's about the material things.

I'm fine with just a simple life.

We all want to just want to live a simple life, but nobody really knows how to do that.

I don't go looking for somewhere to spend my money. You can step on a tube of toothpaste for a week, if you have to. I spend what I need to and give it away.

Our economy is based upon people wanting more; their happiness on wanting less.

Learn on how little man may live, and how small a portion nature requires.

The end of consumerism and accumulation is the beginning of the joy of living.

In my life, what I want and what I need are exactly the same. Anything in excess of needs is burdensome to me. You couldn't give me anything I don't need. I am penniless, but have difficulty remaining so. Several of my well meaning, well-to-do friends have offered me large sums of money, which I of course refused.

The time will come when mankind will begin to get away from the consciousness of needing so many material things. More security and peace will be found in the simple life.

Cultivate poverty like a garden herb, like sage.

Live below your means but within your needs.