Choosing Simplicity

Steven M. Ayer
AuthorHouse (2010)
ISBN 9781452095295
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (6/11) 


Our lives seem to be getting more and more complicated every day; fuller and fuller of experiences, things, challenges, emotions and events. Yet for all of this abundance, I’ve often wondered whether it ever makes us any happier, and I have reached the conclusion that more frequently than not, more of most things does not necessarily mean a happier existence. Let’s face it… sometimes all we need to feel on top of our game, and also on top of the world, are the simplest things - a child's smile, a hug from your spouse, a cat snuggling in your lap, a great book or a perfect cup of coffee...

So what exactly is it that would make us more contented, happier and generally more at ease with ourselves, and what exactly is our role in this process? Most of us could use some help in this area, and Steven Ayer’s book “Choosing Simplicity” would be a good starting point in this quest. Beginning with a well-written introduction, explaining his point of view and what really matters to him, the author takes you on a tour of one’s life with all of the Important Concepts, Challenges, Qualities to Cultivate, Qualities to Avoid and even the Business Applications. Those chapters are all written in an interesting format, starting with a list of words pertinent to the title, and each of those gets a separate little section, divided into three parts: a quote from somebody famous, author’s thoughts on the subject, and probably the most important of the three, the action.

It is that third part that invariably caught my attention, and its underlying, continuous theme of “you are responsible for yourself.” Ultimately, we have to make our own choices, and therefore it is even more important that we learn how to make the best possible ones. I will gladly admit that there were several areas pointed out by Mr. Ayers where I could definitely see some major room for improvement.

I have truly enjoyed this book in its function of a “guide.” Unlike many self-help books I’ve read in the past, this one does not so much offer exact recipes for a change as points the reader to segments of his or her life that could use some more work and attention. I never found the writing to be preachy or condescending, but rather encouraging and inspiring, and the Afterword was just an added bonus in its charming down to earth, let’s-keep-it-real manner. Whether you decide to read “Choosing Simplicity” in one sitting, or take it as a daily companion for support in changing what needs to be changed, it will not disappoint you.

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