In the early 1970s, Elgin was a senior fellow on the joint presidential-Congressional commission on Population Growth and the American Future. The task of the commission was to look into the future from 1970 to 2000 and study the problems of urbanization and population growth.

His book "Voluntary Simplicity", published in 1981, gave rise to the movement of the same name, which is a deliberate attempt to move away from the cycle of" work-spending-debt " that characterizes modern life. This movement does not advocate either poverty or primitivism, but only calls for using the benefits of civilization for a fuller and richer existence. Emphasis is placed on frugality and modesty, on mutual assistance within self-sufficient and self-governing communities.

Among his books in English: "The Living Universe: Where are We?" Who are we? Where are we going? (2009); The Promise Ahead: A Vision of Hope and Action for the Future of Humanity (2000), Voluntary Simplicity: Toward a Lifestyle That is Outwardly Simple, Inwardly Rich (2010, 1993, and 1981), and The Awakening Earth: Exploring the Evolution of Human Culture. Consciousness (1993). Together with Joseph Campbell and other scientists, he co-authored the book "Changing Images of Man" (1982). In addition, Duane has written chapters in twenty-two books and published more than a hundred major articles and blog posts.

As a speaker, Duane has delivered more than 300 lectures and seminars to audiences ranging from business leaders and community groups to churches and college students.
Dwayne is married to Colleen Ledru Elgin, and is also a father and grandfather.
Википедия https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duane_Elgin
Its professional website: www.GreatTransitionStories.org.
Personal website https://duaneelgin.com/

"As my spiritual growth expanded and developed, voluntary simplicity became a natural result. I realized that the cost of material accumulation is too high and offers fewer and fewer real rewards, psychological and spiritual.

"Only after people express their anger and sadness over their shattered dreams of material well-being will they move on to the task of building a sustainable economy."