MYTH 8 : Sufficiency means the end of modern life, comfort and joy – people will never choose less
(2026) p.142-162- Abstract
In this chapter, the authors challenge the myth that more is always better and that sufficiency – a principle of having enough but not excess – would mean deprivation, sacrifice, and the end of modern life. Instead, they argue that sufficiency is a pathway to a more just, fulfilling, and sustainable future. Drawing on existing research and a growing body of practice, they highlight five key arguments. First, they argue that sufficiency is a matter of justice: it is not about reverting to pre-industrial living but about tackling overconsumption while ensuring that everyone’s needs are met. Second, they suggest that sufficiency can enhance well-being by redefining prosperity – not as accumulation, but as a balanced and meaningful life.... (More)
In this chapter, the authors challenge the myth that more is always better and that sufficiency – a principle of having enough but not excess – would mean deprivation, sacrifice, and the end of modern life. Instead, they argue that sufficiency is a pathway to a more just, fulfilling, and sustainable future. Drawing on existing research and a growing body of practice, they highlight five key arguments. First, they argue that sufficiency is a matter of justice: it is not about reverting to pre-industrial living but about tackling overconsumption while ensuring that everyone’s needs are met. Second, they suggest that sufficiency can enhance well-being by redefining prosperity – not as accumulation, but as a balanced and meaningful life. Third, they present evidence that sufficiency is not merely a niche idea but a growing societal demand, as citizens increasingly reject consumerism and show interest in sufficiency policies. Fourth, they emphasise that sufficiency should not be seen primarily as an individual lifestyle choice, but as a social organising principle – a way to structure our societies for long-term ecological and social resilience. Finally, they propose that sufficiency represents an evolutionary step forward: a new model of progress grounded in fairness, well-being and living within planetary boundaries.
(Less)
- author
- Henman, Josefine LU and Mont, Oksana LU
- organization
- publishing date
- 2026-01-01
- type
- Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding
- publication status
- published
- subject
- host publication
- Myths about Sustainable Consumption : Dispelled - Dispelled
- pages
- 21 pages
- publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- external identifiers
-
- scopus:105031195593
- ISBN
- 9781041012184
- 9781040869581
- DOI
- 10.4324/9781003613718-12
- language
- English
- LU publication?
- yes
- additional info
- Publisher Copyright: © 2026 selection and editorial matter, Oksana Mont; individual chapters, the contributors.
- id
- 99d7f41e-ecee-4a11-bb2c-e209d01671c0
- date added to LUP
- 2026-04-08 13:55:57
- date last changed
- 2026-04-22 16:46:22
@inbook{99d7f41e-ecee-4a11-bb2c-e209d01671c0,
abstract = {{<p>In this chapter, the authors challenge the myth that more is always better and that sufficiency – a principle of having enough but not excess – would mean deprivation, sacrifice, and the end of modern life. Instead, they argue that sufficiency is a pathway to a more just, fulfilling, and sustainable future. Drawing on existing research and a growing body of practice, they highlight five key arguments. First, they argue that sufficiency is a matter of justice: it is not about reverting to pre-industrial living but about tackling overconsumption while ensuring that everyone’s needs are met. Second, they suggest that sufficiency can enhance well-being by redefining prosperity – not as accumulation, but as a balanced and meaningful life. Third, they present evidence that sufficiency is not merely a niche idea but a growing societal demand, as citizens increasingly reject consumerism and show interest in sufficiency policies. Fourth, they emphasise that sufficiency should not be seen primarily as an individual lifestyle choice, but as a social organising principle – a way to structure our societies for long-term ecological and social resilience. Finally, they propose that sufficiency represents an evolutionary step forward: a new model of progress grounded in fairness, well-being and living within planetary boundaries.</p>}},
author = {{Henman, Josefine and Mont, Oksana}},
booktitle = {{Myths about Sustainable Consumption : Dispelled}},
isbn = {{9781041012184}},
language = {{eng}},
month = {{01}},
pages = {{142--162}},
publisher = {{Taylor & Francis}},
title = {{MYTH 8 : Sufficiency means the end of modern life, comfort and joy – people will never choose less}},
url = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.4324/9781003613718-12}},
doi = {{10.4324/9781003613718-12}},
year = {{2026}},
}