The term, Baader-Meinhof, refers to the phenomenon when you are introduced to a new idea and suddenly start seeing it everywhere you look. Frequency Illusion is another phrase used to explain the cognitive bias.
For example, you have no idea so many people are playing Settlers of Catan until your friend introduces you to the game. Once he does, you start noticing people talking about it everywhere you look. Or you don’t notice the number of Jeeps being driven on the road until you start driving one yourself.
This is one of the reasons you keep hearing about minimalism. A phrase you knew little about… until you were introduced to it… and now you are pleasantly surprised to see the word being talked about everywhere… even among some of your friends.
Let’s talk about that for a minute. Other than the phenomenon of frequency illusion, why are we seeing minimalism used more and more?
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Ten years ago, I was introduced to minimalism by my neighbor. It was a short conversation that took place after a long morning of cleaning out my garage. After listening to a few sentences of me complain, my neighbor responded, “Yeah, that’s why my daughter is a minimalist. She keeps telling me I don’t need to own all this stuff.”
Those two short sentences changed the course of my life forever.
When I first heard the word “minimalism,” I searched for the phrase online. To my relief, I found some folks taking about it: Leo, Tammy, Everett, Colin. These men and women became my source of motivation and accountability. I was also encouraged by authors who were writing about a more culturally accepted phrase: “decluttering.” While not synonymous, many of their thoughts and ideas about owning less helped me along the way.
But still, relatively speaking, there were very few people writing or talking about the topic. It was certainly not a phrase being used frequently. And to the best of my knowledge, there were no websites dedicated entirely to the lifestyle (until this one, I suppose).
But a lot has changed over the ten years since I first started this blog. And these factors have led to a new world where minimalism is far more common today than in recent history.
Let’s look at the reasons you keep hearing about minimalism:
1. We own too much stuff. This blog has grown from just a handful of readers to over 1 million readers each month. When explaining this growth, I respond with a simple rationale, “Most people own too much stuff. And when somebody offers a countercultural approach that focuses on owning less, people are drawn to it.” There are a few exceptions, but most people these days recognize their lives would probably benefit from owning a little bit less.
2. The evolution of the word. Not long ago, when people heard the word minimalism, only the most extreme examples came to mind. While I craved a life with less, extreme applications of minimalism did not align with my most significant values. Correctly applied, minimalism ought to be rational, intentional, and an approach to life focused on purpose, not material possessions. Over time, people have latched on to this application of the word and living a more minimalist lifestyle has begun to look different than even a decade ago.
3. The use of the word in design. Minimalism as a term for design has been growing in popularity since World War II. It is currently used to describe movements in art, architecture, music, interior design, website design, and more. For the most part, this website is dedicated to minimalism as a lifestyle in owning fewer possessions. But that doesn’t mean the word is not used elsewhere in other ways.
4. The use of the word in advertising. Of greater concern to me is the use of the word “minimalism” in marketing campaigns. As the lifestyle grows in popularity, more and more people and businesses will seek to capitalize on its momentum for financial gain. As a result, I know of ads featuring minimalist wallets, pants, belts, watches, shirts… and countless other products. It’s the natural life cycle of a movement. And I’m thankful that the movement has grown in popularity to a point where marketing campaigns can be built around it, it just makes me sad to see it happen. If you think you need to spend a lot of money to become minimalist, you’re doing it wrong: minimalism is about owning less, not more.
5. The documentary “Minimalism” appearance on Netflix. Late last year, Minimalism: A Documentary about The Important Things made its debut on Netflix. It’s a film I’m thankful to play a small part in. I am unaware of the actual number of viewers since its debut, but I know they are significant. Special thanks to Joshua and Ryan over at The Minimalists for using the medium to help spread the life-giving message of owning less.
6. Internet Data Mining. I include this reason not because I love it, but because it is true and belongs on the list. Social media giants (actually Internet companies of every stripe) have made gathering data about users as their platform for profit. As a result, they are able to tailor your experience based on your preferences as displayed online. Visit Amazon because you need a new pair of shoes? Don’t be surprised to see those same shoes being advertised to you the next time you visit Facebook, or Google, or any number of websites. Stumble upon a website dedicated to minimalism? Don’t be surprised if you start seeing the word any number of future places you visit online.
7. Increased global social awareness. Injustice, poverty, and malnutrition have always existed. But as new technology has made the world smaller by making global images more accessible, our awareness of the disparity has increased. Some are responding to the call and using their finances to make a difference on a global scale by feeding the hungry, providing clean drinking water, fighting back epidemics, and speaking up for the voiceless wherever it is needed. Generosity, in so many ways, fuels minimalism as a lifestyle.
8. The continued growth of minimalist blogs, books, and stories. There are more blogs and books today focused on the topic of minimalism than at any point in human history. I love it! Becoming Minimalist has been featuring new and upcoming writers in the world of minimalism since 2010. And we will continue to do so in the future. A wide range of voices, cultures, and stories is healthy and needs to be championed. I have honestly never been more proud or excited about the movement.
The Baader-Meinhof effect may describe why you are more open to seeing minimalism today than ever before. But the fact remains that you had to be introduced to it at some point. If this blog played a small role in that happening, I am thankful. If not, I am glad you found us.
Minimalism may be more prevalent in our world today than ever before. But it is still counter-cultural… and there still a whole bunch of people who need to hear about the life-giving benefits of it. Let’s keep spreading the message together.
Brian says
We are in the early stages of this refreshing journey. Recently I discovered your blog when preparing a message (I’m a pastor in Canada) on the problem of todays consumerism and its negative effects. I taught that we can battle the consumeristic giant by being content with less. Although I hadn’t heard the term “minimalism” I was somewhat aware of biblical “simplicity” which seems to share much in common. The outcome is that Ive been selling stuff as well as taking trips to the Mission thrift store plus some loads to the waste transfer station and now just this afternoon we parked our two vehicles in our garage for the first time in years (Yay!). We seldom were able to get one car in because of the clutter.
We have also been focused on paying down our debt and mortgage over the past year or so and now with this “minimalism” motivation it puts that agenda on steroids. With the reduced spending we are getting out of debt far faster than I ever thought we would be able to – Wow, this is great!! Thanks Joshua for the blog (and I’m enjoying your book “The More of Less” as well) and thank you to everyone for your encouraging words you write about your experiences.
Marianne says
I bet Jesus was the first minimalist not Walden.
Tammy says
:o) Yes, He knows what we need!
Janete Canteri says
For sure!
Ingrid Matthews says
For sure! I love the comparison between Thoreau and Jesus.
Dee says
I started my minimalist journey 5 years ago after stumbling upon your blog which is the only blog I have consistently been reading since. Thank you for all the encouragement now and to come. God bless you.
Chris says
The one thing I have learned is that minimalism is not just about having less, but in not needing more. It has taken me awhile to realize that even a great price isn’t worth it for something I don’t need.
Lisa Widmark says
Both of my parents grew up in the depression era so they kept everything. After my father died and my mom went to an assisted facility, my brother & I donated 80% and the rest was trashed.
I became a minimalist because of them and their stuff. I bought a house last year and have basic things. I don’t own a TV as I’d rather have money in the bank to travel. I talk to my friends about being a minimalist all the time but it does fall on deaf ears sometimes.
Marianne says
dont tell them just show them. they will be intrigued.
Joyce Eveler says
I started living simply after reading Simplify Your Life by Elaine St. James 20 years ago along with Your Money or Your Life. Both Excellent books, though somewhat dated now, but LIFE CHANGING!!!!
Stacy Busta says
I would have to agree that the Voluntary Simplicity movement is something that existed and has been lived by many (myself included) for decades. Minimalism has become the new “word.” However, these ideas have existed for many years and we can look even beyond Walden to exam them. The hyper-consumption of our current culture puts the emphasis on removal of stuff. I enjoy this site very much, but some people have been in this arena for a long time and we should recognize their stepping stones and contributions to the current trend. Your Money or Your Life is an excellent examples, Simple Living Guide…there are too many to list and many have roots in the Pacific Northwest. I would suggest many on this site look back. They would be treasured books.
Michelle says
Thank you for the reminder of the gems you listed!!!! Read them many years ago and they helped form the person I am. I like the new bloggers but sometimes I feel there are too many. Less is more.
MJ Hill says
I first read Duane Elgin’s, “Voluntary Simplicity”, in the 80s and it so resonated with me that I announced to my family we would be simplifying our Christmas. We did and I have followed that path ever since with no regrets. I’ve read those “gems” too, Stacy, and you are right about info origination out of the Northwest Earth Institute. I facilitated Simplicity Circles when I worked for a nonprofit in the late 90s-early 2000. Experiences are so much richer than stuff!
Priscilla says
I think the more we talk about minimalism the more we normalize it. And then those who are feeling isolated (living or wanting to live as a minimalist among a circle of maximalists) will feel better about their lifestyle choices.
joshua becker says
Agreed!
Marianne says
Well said! I have discovered minimalism but most people around me do not know what it is, they basically think it is a description of incomprehensable art. Keep spreading the message!
Donna says
Thank you for that note Patricia. I think that’s so true !
Kay says
Amen, Joshua! It’s a life process, and as long as our culture is overwhelmingly consumption-driven, it will remain a constant process. Thank you for being at the forefront of the minimalist movement. We need your encouragement to continue bringing our lives into line with our intentions. Happiness will never come from just possessing THINGS.
Jerry Pack says
I discovered minimalism when I decided to clean the garage where my wife could actually get her car in! I love to get rid of STUFF!
Archie says
Another catalyst was the economic downturn in 2008-2012. With a sudden reduction in income, many people began to question what they really needed. This began with an examination of purchases and buying habits. Do I really need/want this? It then extended to things already owned and a progressive divestiture of so much of it. I know this because it is what catapulted me forward down the path. I watched it happen with others as well. No doubt, economic circumstances before and after this have had the same effect, but I think that particular downturn was impactful enough to nudge a large number of people who never went back to their old ways.
Linda says
I became fascinated with minimalism when we were decluttering our 5 bedroom home so we could put it up for sale. 25 years of accumulated “junk” suddenly needed to be gone in order to show our house. All our storage spaces were crammed with kid stuff and things that “may be needed someday.”
I stumbled upon Miss Minimalist and never looked back. Today in a 2 bedroom city apartment I could not be happier. I still find things to get rid of and donate, and i never tire of talking about my experience to others. Thanks Joshua and to all the other bloggers that I welcome into my life via email. Keep spreading the word and I truly feel that we will become the norm someday!