> [!summary] Progressive Summary # Structured Notes ## Definitions ## Chapter Summaries ### 2. Simplicity of Walking Vinoba Bhave was a disciple of Gandhi who started the Land Gift movement. He walked over a hundred thousand miles, convincing wealthy landowners to give a portion of their land to the peasants. Between 1951 and 1971, he was responsible for four million acres of land to change hands. Spoken by Satish Kumar when he crossed the border between India and Pakistan on a peace walk: "Peace cannot be achieved through mean-mindedness. If we come here as Indians, we meet Pakistanis. If we come here as Hindus, we meet Muslims. But if we come as human beings, then we meet human beings." > I became not only a peace activist but also an eco-activist, not only a peace pilgrim but an Earth pilgrim, and this way my activism is inclusive of inner peace, world peace, and green peace! > The fundamental fact is that, in a finite planet, we cannot afford to have an infinite amount of consumption, pollution, and waste. Therefore, living simply is a peace imperative. Even if there were no shortage of resources, ceaseless economic growth creates the burden of unnecessary clutter and unwanted stuff. People call it their high standard of living and go to war to protect these standards. However, in reality, this is a war economy and a serious obstacle to a happy, comfortable, peaceful, and free life. Therefore, living simply is also a spiritual imperative. ### 3. Life is a Pilgrimage > It is time to live on this Earth as pilgrims and not as tourists. ### 4. Elegant Simplicity > Simplicity is the voluntary acceptance of limits. ## Personal Thoughts By deciding to trust in the inherent goodness of other people, I have made life simpler for myself. Starting from that simple premise, I have a clear map of how to engage with others in a way that respects my dignity and theirs. It's elegant simplicity. # Quotes > Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. > – Leonardo da Vinci > War begins in fear of others, and peace emerges out of trust. It is no good just preaching peace; to be a true peacemaker, you have to practice peace, which means practising trust. So, you go on this great journey with trust in your hearts. Trust people and trust the process of the universe and all shall be well. > – Vinoba Bhave > Elegance is achieved when all that is superfluous has been discarded. > – Paul Coelho