Re: It does not matter...
I think the problem in this conversation is that I'm more familiar with the rest of this guy's work and where he's really coming from, and that isn't obvious from the article.
Again, few of the people advocating a more simple life actually practice what they preach. Walden Pond is only fun when you can go back to town any time you want. Marie Antoinette had a little special chateau built with a farmhouse, mill and dairy barn where she and her servants could go and play "farm girl."
A tip: the word "materialism" in a conversation is usually a sign that you're listening to someone who thinks YOU have too much stuff.