National Simplicity Day is observed annually on July 12 in honour of Henry David Thoreau, born on July 12, 1817. He was an American philosopher, naturalist and an advocate of simple living. Thoreau is known for his book “Walden”, which upheld the virtues of simple living and self-sufficiency.

National Simplicity Day encourages people to reflect on the benefits of living a simple lifestyle, free from any complexities and enjoy the little moments in life.

National Simplicity Day 2024: History

Henry David Thoreau and his contemporaries advocated for living a simpler to get in touch with our inner selves. National Simplicity Day was created to unshackle people from the hustle and bustle of life. In recent years, the concept of minimalism has become widely popular.

In some countries, people have started to understand that their lives can be much happier and less stressful if they eliminate items that don’t serve them any fulfilling purpose. Minimalism has spread to domains like fashion, where people are opting for timeless articles to create ‘capsule’ wardrobes, rather than hoarding fast fashion.

National Simplicity Day 2024: Significance

The day encourages us to reflect on the principle of minimalism and consider how it can be incorporated into our day-to-day lives. Although technology has helped us in every sphere, it has also generated the feeling of not being good enough and jealousy.

Our minds are constantly overthinking and racing to be better than somebody else. National Simplicity Day serves as a reminder to prioritise what truly matters, cultivate mindfulness and appreciate the beauty of simplicity.

National Simplicity Day 2024 Theme

The theme for this year’s National Simplicity Day is, ‘Look for the bare necessities, the simple bare necessities.’ This year’s theme implies that individuals should focus on fulfilling their necessities by not wasting money on unnecessary objects.

How can we celebrate National Simplicity Day?

In this busy life, people often forget to take time for themselves and for the people that matter to them. One can celebrate National Simplicity Day by:

• Spending time in nature.
• Practicing mindfulness and meditation.
• Organise your personal space
• Make a list of things you are grateful for and let go of the things which are not necessary.

National Simplicity Day 2024 Quotes

• “The simplification of life is one of the steps to inner peace.” – Mildred Norman
• “There is no greatness where there is no simplicity, goodness and truth.” – Leo Tolstoy
• “The greatest step towards a life of simplicity is to learn to let go.” – Steve Maraboli
• “Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.” – Coco Chanel
• “The simplification of life is one of the steps to inner peace.” – Peace Pilgrim
• “The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” – Hans Hofmann
• “As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler.” – Henry David Thoreau
• “Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.”– Robert Brault
• “The simplest things are often the truest.”– Richard Bach
• Simplicity is the essence of happiness.” – Cedric Bledsoe.