The History of Simple Living
Frugalism has its roots in the second millennium BC.
At this time certain Hindu groups in the Eastern world established what they called a voluntary simplified spiritual lifestyle. The practice extended into the Middle East and to people like Abraham, Moses, Gautama Buddha, Jesus and Buddha.
They all practiced a simple form of frugalism and many of their teachings advise others do likewise. Many other religious leaders have followed this premise, including St. Francis of Assisi and Mahatma Gandhi.
Epicurus, the founder of Epicureanism, pointed out that the troubles of maintaining an extravagant lifestyle far outweighed the pleasures of partaking in it. He lived around the fourth century BC. Similarly the Shakers, Mennonites, Amish and some Quakers have practiced lifestyles in which some forms of wealth or technology are excluded for religious or philosophical reasons.