Foreword “Live better!” was the rallying cry and precept of the “Lebensreform” (Life Reform) movement, in Switzerland as in other European countries. It challenged people unequivocally to change their ways, and was a declaration of discontent with the prevailing state of affairs and a warning of dangers to come. In the late 19th century it was the way in which advocates of Lebensreform expressed their unease at increasing industrialisation, mechanisation and urbanisation, and their malaise at the accelerated pace of daily life and the globalisation of the world. Later these concerns expanded to include unhappiness at the growth-driven consumer society, and anxiety about environmental pollution and climate change. What did not change was the sense of crisis, which for some led to predictions of disaster and a feeling that the end of the world was nigh, but which mainly encouraged people to search for the ideal life, and an improvement in their own lifestyles. Although the forebodings of disaster pertained to society as a whole, or, indeed, to the planet as a whole, the Lebensreform call for change was directed at individuals. Advocates of Lebensreform were convinced that if every human being were to change his or her personal lifestyle, this would ultimately bring about a change in society. The focus was not on social ideals of equality and justice, or demands for emancipation
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