Tao te Ching: 80

Let there be a small country with few people.
Let there be ten times and a hundred times as many utensils
But let them not be used.
Let thepeople value their lives highly and not migrate far.
Even if there are ships and carriages, none will ride in them.
Even if there are armor and weapons, none will display them.
Let the people again knot cords and use them (in place of writing).
Let them relish their food, beautify their clothing, be content with their homes, and delight in their customs.
Though neighboring communities overlook one another and the crowing of cocks and barking of dogs can be heard,
Yet the people there my grow old and die without ever visiting each other.

I have seen this interpreted many ways. Some say it favors conservatism. Others say it favors simplicity. I think that it favors frugality and the virtue of the Tao.

There are many things but we do not feel compelled to use them all. There are places to go, but we are content with what we have and are not yearning for life experiences. There are new and better technologies, but we do not feel compelled to use them when our system already works.

Perhaps that is simplicity. I feel that it is simply not over extending ourselves. It avoids the reaching, or craving, that the Buddhists warn of in the Four Noble Truths. In fact, the entire passage reminds me strongly of it.

Suffering exists
Suffering arises from attachment to desires
Suffering ceases when attachment to desire ceases
Freedom from suffering is possible by practicing the Eightfold Path