The author lives in a 140 square foot home that doesn't have many of the appliances usually taken for granted as necessary. For most of his commuting, he walks or uses a bicycle; his home is off the electrical and water grids. Most people would say this is an impossible way to live but he considers his transition to a simpler life has made him happier and healthier than he has ever been. After living in his compact home for several years, he has learned that, with the smaller living space, his freedom has expanded both in terms of finances and free time; bills and maintenance are so much lower than the financial and time costs of the average home. Living in a smaller space also limits purchases of 'things', thus saving money. He still uses around two thousand square feet of living space as before - the difference is that the other space is shared with others - his office, the gym, the laundromat, the restaurant, and other spaces - and that space is no longer his responsibility to maintain. So not only is he contributing to his community but his overheads and and responsibilities are significantly reduced--Cataloguer's note.