Editor’s note: This is a guest post from Jeffrey Tang.
“I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life, to live so sturdily and Spartan-like as to put to rout all that was not life…” – Henry David Thoreau
Some people look at the minimalist movement and see a bunch of ascetics and misers, a group of modern monks who willingly deprive themselves of the material pleasures in life.
That’s not what I see.
In my eyes, minimalism isn’t about depriving yourself or about undergoing sacrificial suffering. It’s not about being miserly with your money or your time or your space.
Rather, minimalism is about becoming a high connoisseur of life. Being willing to burn away the chaff in order to enjoy the wheat of life, like a sommelier who discards a thousand cheap imitations in favor of a single bottle of fine wine, or like the biblical merchant who sells all his belongings to purchase a pearl of surpassing beauty.
Think about it:
- When you clear the clutter from your closet, what are you doing if not making room for the enjoyment of the few quality items you keep?
- When you sell off unneeded books and gadgets and toys, what are you doing if not highlighting the usefulness of the ones that remain?
- When you create space in your life, when you empty your schedule, or your inbox, or your to-do list, what are you doing if not making room for better experiences, better communication, better work?
In Rework, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson write: “Be a curator. You don’t make a great museum by putting all the art in the world into a single room. That’s a warehouse. What makes a museum great is the stuff that’s not on the walls … it’s the stuff you leave out that matters.”
Jason and David were writing about the art of business – but their advice applies to the art of life as well.
Be a curator of life. Edit. Leave out the junky parts. Don’t be afraid to say no – but when you find something worth saying yes to – treasure it. Enjoy it. Hang it on the walls of your museum and be proud of it.
When you look back in 20, 30, 60 years, what would you rather see? A life filled with stacks of stuff and a ton of obligations and a lot of scurrying around from errand to errand? Or a life centered around carefully gathering valuable experiences and items and goals?
Because that’s the other half of minimalism. The half where less gives way to more: more experiences, more enjoyment, more purpose, more connections, more laughter, more independence, more passion, more great work. The best kind of more.
We can let the world label us misers, or we can show them that we’re connoisseurs. Which do you prefer?
Lindy says
I love this so much. It perfectly describes the way I have been feeling about what remains after my massive decluttering. I truly cherish what’s left. And it was only after I let the unneeded go, that I discovered how much I loved what was left. I hate it that I waited so long to discover this. Thank you Joshua, I love reading your thoughts everyday.
Bernie Stevenson says
Fab article, totally agree! Pleased to see the comments about donating books to public libraries. Apart from creating space, it’s lovely to recycle & let others enjoy our books!
Steve Davis says
I have enjoyed reading, becoming minimalist, for awhile now. Each post has been interesting and thought provoking. I share your posts often. This latest guest host post by Jeffrey Tang, was equally great. Thank you Joshua for sharing this with us.
I am an Activity Director at an Independent / Assisted Living & Skilled Nursing facility. When your post spoke in regards to being ” a curator of life”, and ” looking back 20, 30, 60 years”, what would you rather see? Struck a cord with me. In a skilled nursing environment, I am often reminded what really matters in life. On a daily basis, my mission, along with my staff, is to bring purpose and meaningful experiences to our residents. In areas that promote their physical, mental, spiritual, social and overall well being. These residents come to us with various physical and cognitive impairments. Some who will never resume their former self. So..what does it mean to be a curator of life? Life is precious, a gift, something to cherish and to give hope. I filled so blessed to have the challenge and the privilege to do what I have been led to do. Be at Peace, Steve Davis
Gail says
My best advise about books? Is donate them to your library. That way you can always borrow them, and they will store them for you.
Paula says
Josh, thank you for this post. It is particulary inspiring.
Liz R. says
On the practical side of things, paring down the number of your possessions makes things easier to find. A friend of mine has at least 10 flashlights, and guess what she can never find? I have one and know where it is at all times. Same goes for sunglasses, reading glasses, scissors, etc.
Elaine Robinson says
I have the same problem with always finding items but as I de-clutter my house, it is easier to find what I need. Elaine
Megan says
“Be a curator of life. Edit.”
Absolutely love this. So much so that I had to stop reading for a minute and just repeat it to myself a few times. I think “Edit” just became my new mantra!
Thank you!
ren says
I love the iSight, but also looking for the practical articles on clearing the clutter.
ren says
As I am decorating for autumn, I am also purging, finding the balance. Have two boxes going to charity, hauled some items to curb and bags ready for garbage. I still have plenty, just want what I need, someone else can use the rest.
Lib says
Thanks Jeffrey! I just recently hopped on this train and I am tossing baggage out of the window along the way. I have moved out of the baggage compartment and I am making my way up to first class. It is unbelievable how much richer my life is with less possessions. Loved your post!