Voluntary simplicity implies that we choose to give up consuming so much and possessing so much. Of course we never really possess or consume anything: we occupy, extort, steal, and destroy things, but don’t technically possess them. We assume this must be done in order to pursue our modern lives. So voluntary simplicity must begin with the overwhelming fact that we are products of modern culture. Voluntary simplicity cannot mean merely to shop less at the mall, or eat less meat. It means don’t shop at the mall at all (or don’t “shop”). It means don’t eat meat at all. Or use any animal products.