Slow Living Is Nothing New.

Imagine starting the day like Charles Darwin, with a leisurely walk in the woods. Or take a cue from Leonardo Da Vinci, who often spent days exploring the countryside outside Florence. And what about Ian Fleming, who would kick off his mornings with a refreshing swim in the sea when he was in Jamaica every January and February? These are all examples of slow living in action.

A cursory look at the daily routine of any productive person of years past would quickly find a person who indulged in gentle walks in nature, hobbies such as painting or gardening, and socialising with friends and family.

YouTube is full of videos on “Slow Living” these days. It appears to be the next step from minimalism, which has been popular for several years.

Looking at what slow living is, it soon becomes apparent that there is nothing new here. It’s how most people lived their lives before the digital explosion. We enjoyed hobbies, picnics with our friends and family, went out to the cinema, and enjoyed a few pints at the local pub with our community — all without needing a mobile phone.

Slow living is simple. It’s about living a balanced life. Yet, it’s unforced. There’s a time for doing paid work, a time for family, and a time for quiet, solitary activities such as reading, playing music or (in the case of Winston Churchill) building…