“When old patterns are broken, new worlds emerge.” – Tuli Kupferberg
I am still amazed at the fullness of life that minimalism and simplicity offer: freedom, opportunity, meaning. I wish I had found it sooner. Unfortunately, for most of my life, I had been told something different. I had been told that joy could be found in material success—that the more I owned, the happier I would be. But they were wrong. I’m far happier today owning less than I ever was pursuing more.
Which got me wondering… what if some of the other messages I have been told are also wrong? What if some of the other views of the world promoted by our culture and society don’t actually lead to joy and fulfillment? What if true meaning and passion is found in the opposite?
What if there is unspeakable opportunity in seeing the entire world differently?
What if there is more opportunity in “desiring less” than “acquiring more?” The trouble with acquiring more is that we can never have enough. There is always more to acquire and always someone else who has already acquired it. The philosophy renders contentment unattainable. The surest pathway to true contentment is to desire less. Less brings freedom, more doesn’t.
What if there is more opportunity in “seeking justice” than “getting rich?” Cultural and individual greed have ruined friendships, exploited billions, and destroyed our planet. The desire for power, control, and resources have left many without adequate supply. But when justice is fully realized, everyone becomes more empowered—including us. Unfortunately, we can’t desire more for ourselves and justice for others at the same time.
What if there is more opportunity in “building others up” than “tearing others down?” Too often we think of life as a zero-sum game. We believe someone else must be brought down to make more room for us at the top. But it’s not true. The pie is not finite. You don’t have to blow out someone else’s candle to make yours shine brighter. In fact, some of the people who rise to the top the quickest are the very ones who helped others get there first.
What if there is more opportunity in “serving others” than “reaching for the top?” Learning to serve others flips our world upside down. Rather than striving to be the one served (and becoming frustrated when we aren’t), find freedom in learning to serve others. The quickest path to joy in life is to help someone else discover it in theirs. Their lives will be improved. And so will yours.
What if there is more opportunity in “showing mercy” than “acquiring power?” From playgrounds to boardrooms, most people are looking for any angle to lord power over others and subsequently, stepping on anyone to get there. Yet, the most fulfilled people I know live exactly the opposite. They show compassion, forgiveness, and grace toward others… even when it is within their power to punish or harm them.
What if there is more opportunity in “developing humility” than “having pride?” Humility allows us to be ourselves—we no longer need to prove to everyone that we’ve got it all together. Humility allows us to learn and grow—when we admit our weaknesses, we have taken the first step in learning to address them. And humility allows people into our lives—true, authentic friendships are not possible without the ability to be humble and completely transparent with one other.
What if there is more opportunity in “giving” than “receiving?” The bumper stickers have always said, “Whoever dies with the most toys wins.” But all scientific research indicates that generous people are happier, healthier, and live more fulfilled lives. In other words, whoever gives away the most is the real winner, not the one who stored the most.
What if this world doesn’t revolve around me after all? What if the world isn’t here to make me happier, but I am here to make this world happier for someone else? Now that, would change some things.
Aditya Jaykumar says
I really enjoyed this post cos of late I have noticed..the more value you create in people’s loves..the richer you become.. Then again it’s not about how rich you are..but about how the process of becoming rich has transformed you as an individual. I recently emptied my entire wardrobe and disposed off all unnecessary and unwanted stuff. It felt so wonderful, fulfilling and inspiring. All this clutter was blocking my productivity and ultimately my success. I hope to read many more of your articles on your site. Thanks for that wonderful thought!
peggy behnke says
All great posts. It fits my biblical beliefs.
Romans 12:2 ESV
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
David says
What tendered my decision on a minimalist lifestyle was this, too many things that caused me stress(upkeep and worrying about losing them). And so I decided that I would much rather have what I needed, a few things I wanted, and far less stress! Now this is the measuring stick I use, if it causes me stress, it’s out of my life, simple as that.
peggy behnke says
There are things we have, and cannot get out of our lives, that can cause stress. I have a couple. I have to keep telling myself to relax and put it into perspective. If it falls apart, or drains money, so what. The only thing that matters are relationships with others. Focus on those.
Brian says
Great post, Joshua! These are some of the things I’m really trying to make an effort to change in my life and mindset. I grew up in a household where things were always comfortable, but my parents were always stressed out because they felt like we “didn’t have enough.” I’m about to become a dad myself, and I really want to make sure to not pass the same mentality on to my kids.
BTW – I finally included the interview we did a while back in our most recent newsletter. I’ve been getting a lot of great feedback on it! Thanks again!
Gord Morrow says
Great post! All your questions and answers are spot on. I find that I feel ok when I win at something (like a tennis match), but I feel great when I have been able to help someone, even if only in a small way. Thanks Josh for making a difference.
swalia says
Another thought provoking post….here I would like to quote my master H.H. Sri Sri Ravishankar ~Want, or desire, arises when you are not happy. Have you seen this? When you are very happy then there is contentment. “Contentment” means “no want”.
everlearning says
Read something yesterday from Eknath Easwaran’s “Words to Live By” that really hits home here (see below). It’s a stunningly insightful explanation of what is happening in much of our world today. For the most part we have run out of truly necessary things to create, make, and buy. Much of what we make now is “upgrades” of already sufficient tools and devices. Very few of us know how to say “this is enough; this is all I need” and so we are imprisoned by our culture and advertising to consume more of what we already have and don’t need and/or consume what we never needed in the first place. We CAN choose to stop this grabbing at and clamoring for things that don’t matter!
“Spiritual fulfillment is an evolutionary imperative. There comes a time in the growth of civilizations, as with individuals, when the life-and-death questions of material existence have been answered, yet the soul still thirsts and physical challenges cease to satisfy. Then we stand at a crossroads, for without meaningful aspiration, the human being turns destructive. Like a snake that must shed its skin to grow, our industrial civilization must shed its material outlook or strangle in out-grown ideals whose constructive potential has been spent.”
“Words to Live By”, January 6th, Eknath Easwaran
New Age Nomad says
Thanks for another inspiring post. Ive never been happier now that I am living a simplistic lifestyle. Amazing how much freedom you get after your belongings are gone.
Dan Garner says
Wonderful questions and answers.
Just endlessly add meaningful value to the world, in whatever shape or form that reflects your true nature, and you won’t have to worry about ‘things’.
“Holding back is so close to stealing” ~ Neil Young
Dan @ ZenPresence.com
everlearning says
Love the quote from Neil Young! Never heard it before, but it is so true!
Julian Hearn says
Interesting….my defaults are mostly on the right, why is that? It is logical when you think about it, that building people up is more beneficial than tearing people down, but that is not what happens in reality. It takes constant reminding to be a better person.
Helen says
“It takes constant reminding to be a better person.” You said it, but I believe the reminding comes from within, not from others. Conscious behavior, which may come as a message from the heart to the mind; your heart and instincts should be acted upon. Showing kindness without hesitation; it becomes a habit.