Nearings

Nearings is a surname most commonly associated with a 20th-century American husband-and-wife pair known for their advocacy of simple living and self-sufficiency. The couple’s writings and lifestyle influenced discussions of sustainable living and rural homesteading, and their work remains a reference point in discussions of intentional living and environmental ethics.

Notable people bearing the surname include Scott Nearing (1883–1989) and Helen Nearing (1904–1995). Scott Nearing was an economist, writer, and activist noted for his critiques of industrial capitalism, pacifism, and support for reformist causes. Helen Nearing collaborated closely with her husband on many of their projects and is best known for co-authoring Living the Good Life (1954), a guide to homesteading, vegetarianism, and autonomous living. The Nearings spent decades pursuing a self-sufficient lifestyle on a rural property in New England, emphasizing frugality, food production, modest consumption, and environmental stewardship.

Legacy and influence: The Nearings contributed to the framework of the mid-20th century back-to-the-land and environmental-movement discourse. Their books popularized practical steps for growing food, reducing dependence on markets, and cultivating a simpler, more self-reliant lifestyle. While praised for promoting sustainable values, their approach has also been discussed in terms of accessibility and applicability for broader populations, as their ideal was shaped by particular historical and personal circumstances. Their work continues to be cited in studies of voluntary simplicity, vegetarianism, and early environmental ethics.