Brief History of Thrift

This book explores the concept of thrift through its moral, religious, ethical, political, spiritual, and philosophical expressions, focusing on key moments such as the early Puritans and Post-war rationing, and key characters such as Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Smiles, and Henry Thoreau. It explains the relationships between thrift and frugality, mindfulness, sustainability, and alternative consumption practices, and connects them to contemporary concerns about consumer cultures and the impact on scarce resources, wealth distribution, and the Anthropocene. The book aims to reclaim thrift as a resistant practice that promotes collective economic equality.

Format: Hardback
Length: 152 pages
Publication date: 04 June 2019
Publisher: Manchester University Press

This comprehensive book delves into the multifaceted concept of thrift, exploring its moral, religious, ethical, political, spiritual, and philosophical expressions. It focuses on significant historical moments, such as the early Puritans and Post-war rationing, and notable figures like Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Smiles, and Henry Thoreau. The book examines the intricate relationships between thrift and frugality, mindfulness, sustainability, and alternative consumption practices. It sheds light on the connections between various notions of thrift and contemporary concerns about the impact of consumer cultures on scarce resources, wealth distribution, and the Anthropocene. Ultimately, the book aims to reclaim thrift as a truly resistant practice, returning it to its original meaning of thriving and promoting a more collective and economically egalitarian perspective.

Introduction:
Thrift, a timeless concept with profound implications, has evolved over centuries to encompass various moral, religious, ethical, political, spiritual, and philosophical expressions. This book aims to explore the multifaceted nature of thrift, focusing on its historical, cultural, and contemporary dimensions.

Moral and Religious Expressions:
Thrift has played a significant role in moral and religious traditions throughout history. Early Puritans, for instance, emphasized the importance of simplicity and self-discipline in their pursuit of spiritual fulfillment. Similarly, religious teachings such as the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Buddha advocate for mindfulness, compassion, and the responsible use of resources.

Ethical and Political Expressions:
Thrift has also been linked to ethical and political principles. Benjamin Franklin, for example, famously advocated for thrift as a means of promoting economic prosperity and social justice. He believed that by practicing thrift, individuals could contribute to the betterment of society and create a more equitable distribution of wealth.

Spiritual and Philosophical Expressions:
Thrift has deep spiritual and philosophical roots. Many spiritual traditions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, emphasize the importance of non-attachment and the cultivation of inner virtues. Philosophers like Henry Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson have explored the relationship between human beings and the natural world, advocating for a harmonious coexistence with the environment.

Relationships between Thrift and Frugality:
Thrift and frugality are closely interconnected concepts. Frugality involves practicing moderation and restraint in consumption, while thrift involves making wise choices and maximizing the use of resources. Both practices are essential for sustainable living and promoting a more equitable distribution of wealth.

Mindfulness and Sustainability:
Thrift and mindfulness go hand in hand. Mindfulness involves being present at the moment and paying attention to one's thoughts, feelings, and actions. By practicing mindfulness, individuals can develop a greater sense of appreciation for the resources around them and make more conscious choices about their consumption.

Connections between Thrift and Alternative Consumption Practices:
Thrift has been associated with various alternative consumption practices, such as minimalism, slow living, and the sharing economy. These practices emphasize the importance of reducing waste, conserving resources, and promoting a more sustainable way of life.

Contemporary Concerns:
In the modern world, thrift has become increasingly relevant as we face the challenges of resource scarcity, climate change, and economic inequality. Consumer cultures have a significant impact on the environment and the distribution of wealth, and thrift offers a way to address these concerns.

Reclaiming Thrift as a Resistant Practice:
The book aims to reclaim thrift as a truly resistant practice. It encourages individuals and communities to adopt a more mindful and sustainable approach to consumption. By practicing thrift, we can reduce our environmental footprint, promote social justice, and create a more equitable and fulfilling way of life.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive exploration of the concept of thrift, highlighting its moral, religious, ethical, political, spiritual, and philosophical expressions. It explores the relationships between thrift and frugality, mindfulness, sustainability, and alternative consumption practices. By reclaiming thrift as a resistant practice, we can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world.

Weight: 366g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526128836