An interesting turn of phrase has recently emerged: Maximalism.
The first time I heard the word was many years ago in a conversation with someone I had just met. When I mentioned the word “minimalism,” he responded by saying, “Oh, I’d describe myself as more of a maximalist. I want as much stuff as I can get.”
I filed away the word. “Clever wordplay,” I thought to myself.
Since then, I’ve seen it used off and on. But there appears to be a growing increase in its usage. Recently, in a number of articles, it has become used to designate a particular design with a loud style composed of mixed patterns, excessive, but curated collections, and saturated colors.
*Minimalism was also first used as a reference to an art movement and a design style.
But I will never forget my introduction to the word, maximalism. It was used to describe a life chasing material possessions. As if, somehow, that was something to be proud of.
I’ll tell you now what I told that gentlemen. I responded to his statement by saying, “But minimalism is maximalism. By minimizing my possessions, I maximize my life.”
Minimalism is less about the things you remove and more about the things you add.
The payout of minimalism lies in what you choose to pursue with your life rather than material possessions. It is maximalism.
It’s about maximizing the right things!
For example, I choose to own fewer possessions because:
I want to maximize time with my family.
I want to maximize adventure and freedom.
I want to maximize my deepest passions, not the passions hijacked by marketers and advertisers.
I want to maximize opportunity to make a difference in the world.
I want to maximize happiness, joy, meaning, and significance.
No doubt, you may complete any of those sentences differently. I don’t know what it is that you most want to maximize in your life—faith, or travel, or early retirement, or calm and peace in your home.
Whatever it is for you, be assured that minimalism provides that opportunity. Owning less frees up money and time and energy and focus.
Through minimalism, you can maximize all the things that matter most.
“Minimalism is maximalism.. It’s about maximizing the right things! —
To me this is the best and true definition of minimalism. I minimize something to maximize other thing that is more important to be maximized.
Minimalism does not equal more adventure necessarily. Minimalists are often obsessed with organization and that eats up all lot of time. Minimalist homes are similar to vacationing in a Holiday Inn, a place to sleep and perhaps a pool to entertain bored children. I love homes that reflect the adventures lived by occupants who welcome lingering. To call minimalism maximalism is poppycock. Call it what it is the bare essentials. I personally love the sweet spot between minimalist and maximalist homes. I do not have a minimalist home yet I’ve lived in several countries, hiked jungles, explored hundreds of galleries and museums, whilst having a beautifully curated home that reflects my life. I’ve dined in many countries, yet my celadon collection still delights my soul because it reminds me of living abroad in Seoul, South Korea during the early nineties. Somehow I still have time to cycle 200 miles a week despite my fab book collection, furniture from India and art collection. Maximalism is different from minimalism, but it is not less than or better than. Ironically no maximalist desires to be called a minimalist. The fact that a minimalist desires to be called a maximalist moniker speaks volume. Cheers
This was an interesting article and might resonate for some people. For me, it doesn’t make sense, and it’s not something I would recommend to others. I feel like minimalism, as a lifestyle concept, is too restrictive to maximize anything in life in the long term. Sure, it might give more space for some things, but in the long run it is far too impractical in the modern lifestyle to live with just a backpack filled with one shirt and pair of pants. What happens when the weather changes? Are you going to be naked for hours while that shirt and pants gets washed and dried? How are you going to cook? Maybe it makes sense for some people who do not want to do a lot of things that require different types of equipment and gear for different tasks, but I believe that for the vast majority of people it is too restrictive and can make things too difficult to be worth the while. To me, it would make more sense to maximize things by minimizing obstacles such as not having the right gear or equipment for the job. Of course, I do not agree with the guy who wants to get as much stuff as he can because that would be too overwhelming for me, but I feel more confident and am able to get more things done when I am prepared with the right equipment. While it is possible to over-prepare, if not excessive it looks better than being under-prepared.
Thanks for the comment. I don’t know a single person who thinks minimalism means owning just one shirt and pair of pants. I’d encourage to read a little bit more about what I’m talking about: Find a Rational Minimalism that Works For You
I just read Find a Rational Minimalism that Works For You. You mentioned couches in your living room and that sounds very comfortable and inviting to your guest. For me the minimalist approach is getting rid of the stuff that is in the way.
That is exactly my approach. Like you, no one would walk into my home and think minimalist. But I know what is in every closet, cabinet, and cupboard. There is a definite style to my home that reflects mine and my husbands’s personalities. I like nice furniture and for rooms to look put together. Our house is log so our decorations are different from what you find in a store. I have a few antiques like crocks, cow bells, an old pitcher pump but not excessive. I do my own oil paintings. I know/feel when I have enough. I think that is the measure….know when you have the right amount for you to take care of.
The same with all possessions like cars, boats, RVs, pools, vacation homes. If they are not a burden to take care of and people use and enjoy them and can afford them, it works. If not, they are a burden.
Excellent article and so very true. Much of this is how I feel.
God bless you, your family and your work.
Hello, French frog is there !
Thank you for this post.
As usual, it’s very good.
I am a little surprised about the way you heard this word for the first time, but the human nature is like that : surprising !
But at the end, I do agree with your point of view : minimalism = maximize your life. It’s so good :-)
Thank you for your work.
Au revoir de France !