The Appeal of Asceticism

The weavers of Black Mountain College, when books were handmade, the origin of Handel’s “Messiah,” and more.

Carthusian cell. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Have you ever wanted to simplify your life? Clear your social schedule, quit a committee or club, refuse all speaking invitations, cut back on your volunteerism, cancel your social media, unsubscribe to all streaming services, eat less, drink less, spend less? I have. But the problem is in the doing, not the wanting.