National Simplicity Day honours writer Henry David Thoreau, who was a major supporter of "a simpler life". In fact, one of his most famous quotes points to exactly that. He said, “In proportion as he simplifies his life, the laws of the universe will appear less complex, and solitude will not be solitude, nor poverty poverty, nor weakness weakness.” The observance of National Simplicity Day encourages us all to take a step back from our busy, cluttered lifestyles and evaluate ways to make it all simpler and easier to manage, in an effort to bring about more happiness.

What better time than the 21st century to advocate for a life of simplicity? On July 12th we do just that, with National Simplicity Day.

We are unable to pinpoint the creator of this national day, but we know that it is observed on Henry David Thoreau's birthday each year.