"Since it's always risky to compare our possessions with others', I don't postulate income levels or specific things to buy or not buy. I offer ten Rules of Thumb that my family and various friends have developed over decades of trying to answer these questions."
Rules of Thumb for Living Lightly
"1. Living in destitution is not a virtue; helping people out of destitution is.
2. Be prudent, responsible, and wise.
3. Be generous, unencumbered, and fair.
4. The less I have, the less I have to guard, clean, and repair.
5. If I don't need it now (or soon), can I give it to someone who does?
6. Spend in order to save.
7. Decide which technologies save time, energy, and money — and which ones waste time, energy, and money.
8. Let go of anger, grudges, and compulsions to lighten the heart.
9. Smile and laugh more.
10. Forgive others. Forgive myself. It lifts the spirit."
