We often find decluttering and reorganising (Marie Kondo style or not) and minimalism used as if they were the same thing. We’ve also encountered people who’ve given up on minimalism because they feel it’s unattainable. This is a real shame; we believe everyone can benefit from a more minimalist mindset. It also tells us that minimalism (how we perceive and live it) is misunderstood. And being opinionated people, we felt we needed to rectify this misconception. So, let’s debunk minimalism – once and for all.
Minimalism is not about living in a home devoid of furniture
Are you looking for real people's experiences with minimalism?
On our website, we share the stories of our readers (and our own):
- Tired of the daily grind? How adopting minimalism has changed our lives
- Thought you can't embrace minimalism because you've got kids? Think again
- How a global pandemic reshaped this lifelong minimalist's views of his city, home and life
If you, too, would like to be featured to encourage others to embark on their minimalist journey, please get in touch.
What is NOT minimalism (by our definition)?
Minimalism is not about depriving ourselves or denying pleasure. And it certainly is not about glorifying or romanticising poverty.
It’s not about owning a fixed or maximum number of items. And it’s not a contest for who can live with the fewest possessions. Likewise, it’s not about living in a home devoid of furniture.
Minimalism does not involve reorganising our wardrobes, kitchen cupboards, etc. And it is not decluttering – though for many, decluttering can be the first step on their minimalist journey.
Minimalism is not a one-size-fits-all. It is also not a project with a finite end date.
Let’s be clear: It’s not a new trend (far from it), and it will not soon go out of fashion (more on that below).
Minimalism is about more than getting rid of stuff. It is actually about aligning my life’s resources with my greatest values. – Joshua Becker
Decluttering doesn't make you a minimalist, though for some, it's the start of their minimalist journey
Could you use some inspiration and motivation?
Here are our favourite documentaries and podcasts to help you keep going on your minimalist journey:
What is minimalism (by our definition)?
Minimalism is about finding happiness, not by chasing material possessions but by aligning what we do with who we are:
- That means, firstly (and most importantly), that minimalism is about knowing what is truly important to us. It’s about understanding our inner compass—our values.
- Secondly, it’s about making conscious decisions based on our values – by inviting what gives us value into our lives and eliminating what doesn’t. Or put differently: By freeing ourselves from distractions (excess/debt/stress), we can (re)direct our energies towards what truly matters to us.
Minimalism is about living without external pressures (from peers, society, clever advertising). It’s about living in a way that feels full, authentic, grounded, and less stressed.
Minimalism is about quality, not quantity.
Minimalist living is different for everyone, as we all have different values.
Ultimately, it’s a mindset, a lifestyle choice, and a life philosophy. As such, it’s an ongoing process (or, as we call it, a journey).
Minimalism is a tool to create the life you want. – Hannah Faed
Minimalism is about directing your energy where your heart is
How did minimalism come about?
Minimalism (by our definition) is not new, though it wasn’t always called that. Let’s examine its various roots and incarnations.
Common spiritual theme
Gaining spiritual wisdom by letting go of possessions (in the broadest sense of the word) has been the subject of religious teachings (across all religions) for centuries:
- Jesus is said to have lived a very simple life. He even requested that ‘anyone of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple’ (Luke 14:33).
- Fasting during Ramadan reminds Muslims of what it is like to be poor, grateful for what they have, and generous towards those less fortunate.
- In Jewish burial, people are cleansed and then clothed in a white linen robe without pockets, symbolising that they are judged on their merits, not their material wealth, when they leave this world.
- According to Hindu scriptures, materialism and spirituality are two paths in life one has to choose. We can reach eternal heaven only if we overcome our attachment to worldly life.
- In Zen Buddhism, meditation helps us live (in the here and now), without distractions, and in greater harmony with ourselves and those around us.
Gaining wisdom by letting go of possessions has been the subject of religious teachings for centuries
Societal critique
Whenever humans felt let down or disconnected from mainstream society, counter-cultures developed.
In the 19th century, philosophers like Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson criticized the (pre-civil war) America of their days: an increasingly industrialized society with institutions that undermined and corrupted the power of the individual and nature itself. Their answer to it is Transcendentalism, a philosophy which believes (like Hinduism and Zen Buddhism) that we already hold the answers to our questions and that simplicity and self-reflection lead to insight and enlightenment.
Thoreau even tested his views in an experiment: he lived in a forest far from society for two years, an experience he shared in his book Walden.
Removing distractions and living simply allows you to find the answers you already hold inside
Recommended Classics on the Art of (Simple) Living
- 365 Tao: Daily Meditations by Ming-Dao Deng offers a year's worth of meditations inspired by Taoist philosophy. Emphasizing balance, simplicity and living in harmony with nature is a practical and spiritual guide for personal growth and mindfulness.
- The Pocket Thich Nhat Hanh by Thich Nhat Hanh is a collection of the teachings and insights of the renowned Zen master. This book distils his wisdom into a compact, accessible format, covering topics such as mindfulness, compassion and peace.
- The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius are a series of personal writings by the Roman Emperor. They reflect his Stoic philosophy and provide timeless wisdom on maintaining balance, self-discipline, and strength amid life's challenges and temptations.
- This version of The Manual by Epictetus presents a modern adaptation of the Stoic teachings of this slave-turned-philosopher, distilling them into clear, actionable steps that help readers develop resilience and find inner peace.
- Walden and Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau combine two of his most influential works: Walden, documenting his experiment in simple living at Walden Pond, and Civil Disobedience, reflecting on moral duty and citizenship.
Artistic revolution
Simplicity (re)gained popularity as a design form in the 1920s and 1930s. After World War I, Walter Gropius and later Ludwig Mies van der Rohe led an experimental art school that combined applied and fine arts, influencing art, design, and architecture today. The German Bauhaus style was known for its clean lines and everything you need/nothing you don’t approach to function and design.
Stripping away superfluous layers in art and design continued decades after the Bauhaus closed. In the 1960s/1970s, an art form was developed to create a zen-like experience based on simplicity, utility, and elegance. Minimalism as an art form aimed to heighten specific experiences by reducing distractions. It’s trying to do the most with the fewest number of things. (Stephen Chung/Architect).
Nothing superfluous: Minimalist art, design and architecture unify function and design
Post-modernist counter-culture
As a counter-culture and lifestyle choice, voluntary simplicity (re)gained traction in the late 20th century in response to an increasingly self-destroying society driven by exponential economic growth, materialism, and over-consumption. For example, the two-part documentary Affluenza / Escape from Affluenza was made during that time.
Minimalism as a life philosophy has gained further popularity since the Global Financial Crisis, thanks to big-name bloggers, podcast hosts and book authors like Joshua Fields-Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus (The Minimalists), Joshua Becker (Becoming Minimalist), Courtney Carver (Be More With Less), Leo Babauta (Zen Habits) and Brooke McAlary (Slow Your Home).
Without their sharing their learnings, we may not have embarked on our minimalist journey (or at least not when we did). If you put your energy where your heart is, you will create ripples. We even met Ryan and Joshua in Sydney in November 2014 (and gave them a big hug—physical distancing wasn’t a thing back then).
Minimalism regained popularity as a counter-culture in response to the excess of the Global North (and all its implications)
Recommended Books on Adopting Minimalism
- Dean Christopher's Minimalism leads readers through a 12-week process designed to help them identify their values, evaluate their habits, change their mindsets, reduce their mental stress, and ultimately transform their lives.
- Mastering Minimalism by Jordan Williams provides a comprehensive roadmap to those seeking to adopt minimalism by taking a holistic, wheel-of-life approach that covers all aspects of our lives.
- Cal Newport's Digital Minimalism explores the impact of constant connectivity. It helps us regain control by using technology to support our values and goals (not distracting from them).
- Travel Light by Light Watkins combines the principles of minimalism with the art of travel. It offers practical tips on planning, packing, and staying mindful on the road to enhance the experience.
- Sustainable Living Minimalism and Zero Waste by B R Pohl focuses on the intersection of minimalism and sustainability, helping readers to limit their footprint by reducing waste and consuming (more) mindfully.
Should minimalism as a lifestyle choice be renamed?
Minimalism is derived from the Latin word minimis (the least). It’s no wonder that minimalism as a life philosophy is often misunderstood. So, should we rename it?
We’ve considered this question and haven’t reached a satisfactory conclusion yet. Given the misconceptions about minimalism, maybe a better description would be values-based, conscious, or intentional living. Though that isn’t as catchy as minimalism, is it?
Let us know if you have a great, snappy word that better encapsulates what minimalism as a life philosophy is about.
What questions do you have about minimalism?
Please email me, and I’ll try my best to answer them.
Before you go, if you liked my article and found it helpful, I would appreciate it if you could share it with your friends and family via the Share buttons below. Even better: Leave a short review on Trustpilot or Google, which would help us further build our online reputation as a (trustworthy and helpful) travel and lifestyle blog.
