Growing in wisdom is one of life’s most worthwhile pursuits.
Wisdom is timeless—it results in understanding truths about life that remain valid through societies and cultures and generations.
The older we get, the more these truths (hopefully) serve as our guiding principles, helping us navigate life more purposefully, effectively, and intentionally.
They also become the life lessons we strive to emulate and pass on to future generations (again, hopefully).
One of the fascinating things about these life truths is how many of them lead us to the path of minimalism, a lifestyle choice that advocates for less stuff and more space for the truly important things.
Whether you’ve just stumbled upon the concept for the first time, or you’re a seasoned minimalist, most pieces of wisdom compel us to pursue a minimalist lifestyle:
For example, here are ten timeless life truths that highlight the importance of minimalism:
1. Life is Short.
Our time here is finite. Every moment is precious, and spending it maintaining or worrying about possessions takes away from time better spent on relationships, passions, and experiences.
Minimalism encourages us to own only what’s necessary, leaving more time to live our lives fully.
2. Our Resources are Limited.
Time, money, energy, and attention—our most valuable resources—are limited. Wasting these on acquiring and managing excess material possessions is a poor investment. Minimalism teaches us to direct our resources toward enriching experiences and personal growth.
3. Comparison is the Thief of Joy.
The desire to acquire often stems from comparing ourselves with others. But this only leads to dissatisfaction and a never-ending cycle of buying more. By choosing minimalism, we focus on our needs and values rather than keeping up with others.
4. Happiness Can’t be Bought.
The joy derived from purchases is often fleeting. True, lasting happiness comes from fulfilling relationships, meaningful work, and inner peace. Through minimalism, we learn to find happiness outside the realm of material possessions.
5. Possessions Don’t Define Us.
We’re much more than what we own. Our identity and worth come from our character, actions, and impact on others—not from our possessions. Minimalism helps us let go of the notion that we need stuff to prove our worth.
6. We Can’t Take it with Us.
At the end of life, we can’t take our possessions with us. What matters then are the memories we’ve made and the lives we’ve touched. Minimalism allows us to focus on building a rich life, not a rich lifestyle.
7. Experiences Matter More Than Things.
Memories from experiences enrich our lives far more than physical things. Minimalism encourages us to prioritize experiences over possessions, leading to a fuller, more rewarding life.
8. Your Life is Too Valuable to Waste.
Your life deserves more than being lost in the endless cycle of acquiring, managing, and worrying about possessions. Minimalism empowers us to focus on what’s truly valuable in life, freeing us from the clutches of materialism.
9. Everything is Temporary.
Possessions are transitory—they break, get lost, or become obsolete. Investing our emotions in them leads to disappointment. Minimalism helps us understand and accept the impermanent nature of things.
10. Giving is Better Than Receiving.
Minimalism enables us to shift from consumption to contribution. The act of giving away our surplus not only clears our own space but also provides for those in need. This shift in perspective, from accumulating to giving, can offer us a profound sense of satisfaction and purpose.
Likely, as you read through these truths, some resonated more than others. But no doubt, these timeless pieces of wisdom have guided us, changed us, and defined us in one way or another.
They also all motivate us to own less and live more.
But to be honest, this is only a short list of wisdom truths that invite us to pursue a more minimalist life. So I’d love to hear your additions!
Add to my list in the comments below. What timeless life truths highlight the importance of minimalism for you?
Christine Schultz says
The Lord is working through you. BIG TIME! We will praise ourGod.
Michael says
Sometimes it takes some really bad hair days to realize it is not smart to make toast in the bathtub. Then it takes time to realize it’s not General Electric’s fault that your having a bad hair day because of your choice to make toast in the bathtub.
Take TIME to think things through. We are kept so busy that we often don’t take the time to think through WHY things aren’t working well! Reading and UNDERSTANDING the directions will do nothing for you unless you put them into practice.
Knowledge will help you to understand that cars travel on roads. WISDOM will keep you from walking where cars drive, and prolong your life!
Having THINGS makes many other people wealthy. Chose wisely!
Cindy Lane says
Like your comment
Merry Chase says
11. None of those “truths” have anything to do with the stupid, pointless, cult fad of “minimalism.”
Seriously?! says
😒
Michael says
I can, and definitely is a “fad” in many ways; the same as the “fads” that keep others buying everything they see and believe the marketing aimed at them.
Fads are stupid. They are numerous and prolific. The “Truth” should lead one to stop, think, and chose for their self based on reality. It is the only thing any of have!
Judy says
My timeless truth Joshua, is that s p a c e makes me happy. Did you ever see a kid in an empty room? They love it!!! They spin and dance. If it’s a non-carpeted room they run and slide all the way across in their socks. They laugh and laugh.
Emma says
Just came here to say how much I love Sarah’s comment!
Sarah Roberts says
Thank you so much, Emma!
Jaye says
Cultivate a few deep and lasting friendships not a bunch of superficial “facebook” acquaintances.
AJ says
Re No. 10 — I recently gave some graphic novels I’ve had for 40 years to a young friend laid up with an injury. Seeing his eyes light up was such a precious experience!
Jeffrey Pillow says
Minimalism begets simplicity. In turn, a newfound depth becomes available. Enjoyed your essay.
Jill Scotto says
That’s exactly right.. as soon as you calm and still your outer world, the inner world starts to open.
Sarah Roberts says
Since embracing minimalism, I have cultivated a deeper respect for myself and also the planet. I’ve made the connection between what I buy and its impact on my sense of self-worth, self esteem, self confidence, my mental, emotional and physical health, and the health and well-being of planet Earth.
I started to notice how every single one of my lifestyle habits created a ripple effect on the world around me.
When I got sober, I stopped buying all those bottles, so the labels wouldn’t need to be made, the packaging wouldn’t be thrown into the trash and I stopped making terrible decisions and loathing myself so much. I stopped eating so late at night (no more 2 am pizza orders), which reduced waste, weight-gain and more self-loathing, poor health and low energy (that made me unpleasant to be around). I stopped peeing so much and wasting so much toilet paper and precious water. I stopped sleeping with men who didn’t deserve to be in my bed. Quitting drinking led to quitting smoking, which again reduced waste and toxic chemicals in our environment, litter and fire hazards (how many flicked cigarettes out the window cause forest fires?!).
Ripple effects are REAL. I will never underestimate the power of making a decision to change ONE thing in my life, because I now recognize that absolutely everything is connected.
Embracing and practicing minimalism has helped me become so much more discerning about what I choose to bring into my space, the way I choose to behave and the things and relationships I value the most. Especially the one with my HOME (my body, my physical space, and the Earth).
Thank you, Joshua, for helping so many people, including me, to live more simply, to pay more attention, and to feel so much better in the process. Your work MATTERS.
Hilda says
Sarah, your comments are so powerful.
M. Carter says
I agree Hilda.
Sarah Roberts says
Thank you, M. :)
Sarah Roberts says
I am so happy you felt that way, Hilda. Thank you so much!
Kristal Smith says
Hallelujah ! Stay on this journey, it matters. Self love & loving this earth matters. I’m happy for your growth
Sarah Roberts says
Thank you so much, Kristal! I promise to stay on the journey. :)
Shirley Franklin says
Powerful, beautiful sentiment- Thank you Sarah! Wonderful article Joshua!
Sarah Roberts says
Thank you so much, Shirley! :)