Simplicity. Many simplicity gurus urge us to become "tightwads" as the true path to a simple life. Picture of Clay and Judy WoodsBut voluntary simplicity and frugality are not really the same thing. To be sure, frugality is a vehicle for achieving simplicity, but the driving force is a vision, a philosophy, a world view. If life were a poem, simplicity would be the poet, frugality the line and meter. If life were a painting, simplicity would be the artist, frugality the paint and brushes. If life were a building, simplicity would be the architect, frugality the hammer and boards. Voluntary simplicity is about freedom. Its about owning your own life. Frugality is living with less of what money can buy. Voluntary simplicity is wanting less.