The Abundance of Less

Lessons in Simple Living from Rural Japan

By: Andy Couturier

Narrated by: Adam Riley

An evocative study of life in rural Japan, this inspiring book for fans of Marie Kondo proves true wealth can be found by living sustainably among life’s simple but profound luxuries

The Abundance of Less captures the texture of sustainable lives well lived in these ten profiles of ordinary—yet exceptional—men and women who left behind mainstream existences in urban Japan to live surrounded by the luxuries of nature, art, friends, delicious food, and an abundance of time. Drawing on traditional Eastern spiritual wisdom and culture, these pioneers describe the profound personal transformations they underwent as they escaped the stress, consumerism, busyness, and dependence on technology of modern life.

This intimate and evocative book tells of their fulfilling lives as artists, philosophers, and farmers who rely on themselves for happiness and sustenance. By inviting listeners to enter into the essence of these individuals’ days, Couturier shows us how we too can bring more meaning and richness to our own lives.

©2017 Andy Couturier (P)2018 North Atlantic Books

Critic reviews

“We are in an overheated world—physically and spiritually. It is extremely powerful to read of people who have managed to escape that world, not by traveling to outer space but by heading toward reality. This is subversive in the best possible way.” —Bill McKibben, author of Deep Economy

“Reading this magic book is like drinking from a fresh wellspring deep in the mountains: it slowly returns one to sanity. In an era when the allure of ten thousand digital screens eclipses the inner radiance of a stone lying among the reeds, how clarifying to encounter the eloquence and humility of these well-lived lives.” —David Abram, author of The Spell of the Sensuous

“Couturier catches everything that is essential and beautiful in Japan with a clarity, sincerity, and openness that move me to the core. It’s been years since such a fresh and liberating voice has emerged to remind us of the true heart of a country that so many of us fail to see.” —Pico Iyer, author of The Lady and the Monk

Real people living remarkable lives!

Very good performance, except for some strange pronunciations: (e.g. "Vague" does not rhyme with"bag".)

The people whose life choices and experiences the author describes are extraordinary, interesting, and worthy subjects. I so wish that I - and the world at large - could hear more!
The world would be a better place if more people lived as they have.

What a beautiful beautiful book

This book was such a welcome surprise. Didn't know what to expect because I stumbled on it and randomly decided to buy it. It was beautiful, comforting, healing, and a such a gentle teacher in living from deep within. I recommend it wholeheartedly!

LIVING IDEAS FOR THE VERY BRIGHT

Don't make the mistake of thinking this is another get-rid-of-stuff-and- be happy books. I don't think clutter or trendy minimalism is mentioned. There is travel and religion but no system for happy living. The intelligent author has gotten to know a number of bright, creative Japanese people who grow their own food and work only part-time jobs or barter -- or they sell something they have grown or made. The only man who really works has kids in college.

Mr. Courturier has traveled and studied Japanese. He visits all these people more than once or twice. He stays with them and visits their pottery workshops and rice fields. He describes the meals they prepare from what they have grown. Really, he loves these people, so we do also. Sprinkled through the book are poems and texts by the people in the book. It seems their lives are so full with creative projects, gardening, civic projects and reading that they don't miss TV at all. One chapter in particular had so much after-dinner intellectual chatter that I was asking, "But how do they make do on so little?" but as I am educated and very lonely, I enjoyed all the good talk. The writing is beautiful, and the descriptions exquisite. The references to religion are simply Hindu or Muslim or what faith is practiced in a particular town -- no preaching! There is discussion of aesthetics in decorating the home, in batik and in ceramics.

The author and his lady have built their own house way back in the California boonies possibly near the den of "L'il Smokey" a California Black Bear rescued from a forest fire near Redding in 2008. He was rehabbed at Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care in South Lake Tahoe. After watching him play with a live fish before realizing the fish was his supper, and after following his growth on the camera, I moved to Tahoe to volunteer with LTWC. The not so little Smokey grew from 8-1/2 pounds to nearly 100. He had become a celebrity, so placement of the sedated bear in a carefully selected den was a great secret. I was told they drove "2 hours past Yreka"! A couple years later, I got a psychic reading on this bear. He was doing his bear business. So Andy, be kind to the bears! Give them the cookies!

This book is for repeated listens and worth two credits I have not met such bright people often in a long lifetime!

So much to think about

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The narrator did a great job. The stories of each persons life depicted here gives the listener many things to think about and chew over in their mind. Not many of us could live the lives depicted but we all can make small changes in our own little world which together can significantly impact the world as a whole.

Great Book!

The whole book is great but the last two chapters are brilliant. This book could change your life.

a life changing book!

In my search for ways to live a kinder life, one of meaning and fulfillment, one of less, and of a smaller carbon footprint, I tried to incorporate minimalism into my life. Although, the principles of the practice was effective and efficient, something was missing. Like a richness one feels when glancing upon a lush mound of wild grasses and flowers. Abundant, not bare. A lifestyle that’s like a blend of living in nature, surrounded by beauty, living in synchronicity with life, where one utilizes only what is needed and not wasting nor taking anything for granted.
But I was stuck cycling through habits of using disposable plastics, food packaging, takeout boxes, and coffee cups, and on. I was a shining example product of hustle culture working a fast-paced demanding job that would itch my attention deficit brain—so used to floods of information via the internet—to consume endless digital content. I was living in a dead-end junk pile. And I kept making excuses after excuses as to why minimalism was impossible, that there wasn’t a spark to light up the fire, and to be surrounded by nothing, but echoey walls just wasn’t a good enough "why".

Then... I found this book. Filled with succinctly written observations and stories of artisans, farmers and friends that the author have spent over 15 years getting to know. It covers the lives of those who adapted to living their in own way, working hard to pursue their purpose while living in tandem with nature. Including stories of some who left the city and escaped lives as office workers to live a life of simplicity and meaning. The author describes it in a way where one can easily through his eyes and experience, too, how it’s like to be there with him observing their daily life rituals. To live in peaceful existence. Rich in life and abundant in food for thought. I know I will be reading/listening to it many times over. A hardcopy of this book is now a permanent fixture on my desk.

So yea, definitely life changing! At least for me.

Excellent narration, pieces of wisdom

This book is one of those that I have scribbled notes throughout, capturing clips of the audio, while spending mornings sitting quietly drinking coffee and staring out the window. And while I’m thankful for the bits of wisdom captured in these stories, I also want to credit narrator, Adam Riley, for his ability to bring characters to life in a way that gave them personality so that I was able to imagine the conversations that I might have with them as well. In a way, the audiobook had its own life and personality and I imagine listening to it again so that I might imagine a return to remote Japan and drink tea with friends.

an amazing, eye opening book

This book was one of the best books I've had the honor of reading, it has really opened my eyes and had a significant impact on my life. I have no doubt I will carry these words with me for my lifetime. I highly suggest anyone who is interested read this book, there is no way my review here could do it justice.

I will listen again and again.

This book has what so many books about "simple living" and homesteading lack, which is the rich historical and philosophical basis for the choice. Choosing to grow your own food or live without much money has it's practical aspects too, but mostly you just need encouragement that you are on the right path, that the inconveniences are worth it, that you need to transcend the physical cravings for stuff and status and comfort in order to gain a richer existence. And while some of the book is a little woo-woo for this pragmatic, naturalistic American, I still loved it and got a lot out of it. I will listen to this over and over again, and will probably get a physical copy of the book as well.

Robotic narration

To be honest, even if this was a Pulitzer Prize winning book it would be unreadable / hearable with the narrator’s voice. Sadly, I didn’t get more than a page in because his voice was so sterile and un-human..