Modern subculture of downshifting: origins and axiology

The article discovers the causes of emergence of an especial kind of subculture known as downshifting in the modern world. Following N.A. Berdyaev’s philosophical observations, the author identifies the factors of present-day existence that contribute the emergence of downshifting: exhaustion from the rapid pace of post-industrial society, deterioration of health, the desire for spiritual freedom. Building on the legacy of St. Francisс, the author concludes that modern downshifting is the phenomenon of secular and lacks any particular religious framework. In the future one or another transformation of the subculture is possible.