About this book
The Simple Life by Charles Wagner invites listeners into a calm, persuasive reflection on how to live with purpose amid the noise of modern existence. Originally published in 1901 and translated from the French, this classic work of philosophy gathers essays that diagnose the “complex life” of turn-of-the-century society and offer a civil, humane counterpoint: simplicity of thought, speech, duty, needs, and pleasures. Wagner examines the mercenary spirit, the hunger for notoriety, the tensions between public life and the home, and the cultivation of simple beauty and humility, all without moralizing or spoiling the reader’s discovery.
Wagner’s accessible style combines pastoral warmth with philosophical clarity, rooted in the social and cultural currents of early 20th-century France yet strikingly relevant to contemporary concerns about consumerism, status, and inner peace. Each chapter functions as both critique and practical counsel, encouraging listeners to retrain desire and reshape relationships.
Perfect for fans of philosophy, practical ethics, and reflective nonfiction, this audiobook suits anyone seeking quieter priorities, a thoughtful antidote to modern complexity, or inspiration for a more intentional, meaningful life.
