National Simplicity Day

Young adult lounging in a minimalist room, wearing comfy clothes, with a cup of tea and a book nearby.. — National simplicity day illustration

Welcome to the glorious celebration of nothingness - National Simplicity Day! A day cherished throughout the Internet and marked by applauding the beauty of simplicity and an uncluttered life.

When is Simplicity Day?

It's national simplicity day on the 12th July.

History of National Simplicity Day

So, you might be wondering, where did National Simplicity Day come from? Believe it or not, it was inspired by the master of minimalism himself, Henry David Thoreau. This famed author and philosopher was all about the simple life, and he showed us that there's profound joy and freedom to be found in living with less.

But how did this philosophy make it to our 21st-century internet saturated world? It all started with a small online community that resonated with Thoreau's teachings. They began by quietly observing the day on July 12th, Thoreau's birthday, declaring it as National Simplicity Day.

When the Internet Caught On

Slowly but steadily, this National day started making waves across the digital sphere, garnering a louder applause by the year. On July 12, 2018, it reached the height of its online popularity with a whopping 2424 mentions! Some attributed this to a growing trend of minimalism and mindful living while others related it to our collective desire to simplify our increasingly complex lives.

Why We Fast Forward To National Simplicity Day

From decluttering our closets to disconnecting from our countless digital devices, we commemorate this day to inspire ourselves to focus on essential joys - those that often get buried underneath the ruckus of our everyday lives.

History behind the term 'Simplicity'

15th century

Origins of the term

The term 'simplicity' can be traced back to the 15th century, derived from the Latin word 'simplicitas.' In this context, it referred to a state of being simple, plain, or uncomplicated.

18th century

Philosophical influences

During the 18th century, the concept of simplicity gained significance in various disciplines, particularly philosophy. Influential philosophers like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Kant advocated for the virtues of simplicity as a guiding principle for clarity of thought and rationality.

19th century

Simplicity in design and aesthetics

The 19th century saw a growing emphasis on simplicity in design and aesthetics. This focus was driven by the desire to move away from ornate and excessive styles that dominated the previous centuries. Figures such as William Morris, an influential British designer, promoted simplicity in craftsmanship and advocated for the integration of beauty and utility.

20th century

Simplicity as a lifestyle choice

In the 20th century, simplicity emerged as a social and cultural movement, particularly in response to the complexities brought by industrialization and urbanization. Prominent thinkers like Henry David Thoreau and the Transcendentalists embraced a simpler lifestyle closer to nature, advocating for self-sufficiency and a rejection of material excess.

21st century

Simplicity in digital technology

In the 21st century, simplicity took on new relevance as technology became an integral part of everyday life. Companies like Apple, known for their sleek and minimalist design aesthetic, popularized the idea that simplicity enhances user experience. The concept of 'simplicity' became synonymous with ease-of-use, intuitive interfaces, and minimalist design in the digital realm.

Did you know?

Did you know that National Simplicity Day was inspired by writer Henry David Thoreau, who famously lived alone in a cabin he built himself by the Walden Pond for two years? Talk about embracing simplicity!