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?
Francie says
I am moving and got rid of a car load of stuff this past summer.I still have way too much stuff. I don’t need all that clothes, dishes and things. Moving day is 1 day away and too late now to give any away. I will leave it in boxes and purge after I get settled away. Great article!
Sarah jil says
Good Article yes,
I have de-clutter anything i dont
Love wearing or use.
The space is Beautiful
Andrea says
Owning less means less obsolete things we throw away, less waste on our land and sea, the only we have. We are like astronauts on the same spaceship and minimalism gives us the opportunity to protect and embrace Mother Earth.
Patricia C. Bell says
This is so true. Thanks for sharing. I’d like to share it with my.moms group
Jo Ann Bender says
Let’s not fo.
rget to downsize habits and ideas. I plan to hold an beginning a journal class at my active retirement village in Spokane, WA.
These are worthy topics II suggest to write about Easier to conquer if noticed and discussed.
?How about a column about this?
Suggested by Jo Ann Bender, published author and c.i.t.
Petra says
“There are no distractions in the desert”. I do not mean that our life should be totally empty or without life, as in the desert. I guess I am a “wanna-be” minimalist, on my way there. But I have notest how much easier it is for me to focus and do the things that are most important for me, when I have less possessions. One morning I woke up early to do some writing, which I really looked forward to. But only one magazine, a gift from a friend, which was on the kitchen table took my attention for almost an hour… Just mindlessly flipping through it, and my writing time was gone. Thank you for the great inspiration Joshua!
Alf Downward says
Thank you for your wonderfull friendship / article : I hope am 85 and am struggling mentally with procasternation to minalise as I realalise that my time is running out / and this is causing me aniety and health problems.Alf,
Norman says
Another timeless truth: “Tomorrow is promised to no one.”
Bobby Cole says
I am in the process of downsizing my home. This article speaks to me on many levels. I am learning as I ‘let go’ of the things I have been holding on to, I realize that I never needed them in the first place.
With less upkeep, comes more free time to focus on living in the moment and seeking out what the Lord has in store.