In the early 1970s Elgin was a senior staff member of the joint Presidential-Congressional Commission on Population Growth and the American Future, which looked ahead from 1970 to 2000 to examine the challenges of urbanization and population growth. He later worked as a senior social scientist at the SRI International think tank.

His 1981 book “Voluntary Simplicity” gave rise to a movement of the same name — a conscious effort to step out of the work-spend-debt cycle that defines so much of modern life. The movement advocates neither poverty nor primitivism; it simply invites people to use the benefits of civilization to live fuller, richer lives. The emphasis is on frugality and modesty and on mutual support within self-reliant, self-governing communities.

His books include “Choosing Earth” (2020); “The Living Universe: Where Are We? Who Are We? Where Are We Going?” (2009); “Promise Ahead: A Vision of Hope and Action for Humanity's Future” (2000); “Voluntary Simplicity: Toward a Way of Life That Is Outwardly Simple, Inwardly Rich” (1981, 1993 and 2010); and “Awakening Earth: Exploring the Evolution of Human Culture and Consciousness” (1993). With Joseph Campbell and other scholars, he co-authored “Changing Images of Man” (1982). Duane has also contributed chapters to twenty-two books and published more than a hundred major articles and blog posts.

As a speaker, he has given more than 300 lectures and workshops for audiences ranging from business leaders and community groups to churches and college students.

He is co-director of the Choosing Earth Project and a recipient of Japan's Goi Peace Award for his contribution to a sustainable and spiritual culture.
Duane is married to Coleen LeDrew Elgin and is a father and grandfather.

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duane_Elgin
Professional website: www.GreatTransitionStories.org
Personal website: https://duaneelgin.com/
Choosing Earth Project: https://choosingearth.org

“As my spiritual growth expanded and developed, voluntary simplicity was a natural outgrowth. I came to realize the cost of material accumulation was too high and offered fewer and fewer real rewards, psychological and spiritual.”

“Only after people express their anger and sadness over the broken dreams of material prosperity will they turn to the task of building a sustainable economy.”