In a discussion of his book The Simple Life: Plain Living and High Thinking in American Culture, David Shi examines living simply in terms of cultural origins and development. For instance: What are some important historical events and figures that characterize American conceptions of plain living and high thinking? To what degree have Americans lived simple lives? What form does it take today?
At the time of this recording, Shi, a Fellow at the National Humanities Center (1982-83), was professor of history at Davidson College.
This edition of Soundings was conducted by Wayne J. Pond.
