Minimalists come in all sizes, ages, genders, races, nationalities, social classes, and religions. It is a growing movement that continues to invite others to live with less and define their lives in greater ways than by the things they own. Yet despite its recent growth, it continues to be misunderstood by a percentage of the population.
With that in mind, I think it would be wise to personally address some of the common misconceptions about minimalism in case you are thinking any of them.
Minimalists Are Boring
A minimalist life is not void of excitement or entertainment. In fact, minimalism reduces many of the mundane tasks (organizing, shopping, cleaning) that rob us of daily excitement. And when unnecessary possessions have been removed, minimalists are free to choose for themselves what things will define their lives.
Some will choose to travel the world, find a new hobby, appreciate nature, get involved in their community, or spend more time with friends.
Minimalists Don’t Own Nice Things
Actually, one of the greatest unforeseen benefits of owning less is the opportunity to purchase possessions of higher quality. For some reason, many people don’t correlate owning fewer things with owning nicer things. But the truth is, they go hand in hand and are directly related.
When a commitment is made to buy fewer things, our lives are opened to the opportunity of owning nicer things as well. In fact, one of the key thoughts behind minimalism is it is far better to own a few, quality things than a whole bunch of junk. This relates to technology, clothing, furniture, sporting equipment, and countless other areas.
Minimalists Are Not Sentimental
Less is different than none. Personally, my family finds more value in sentimental belongings if we keep only the most important pieces and place them in a significant place. As a result, rather than a box full of sentimental things stuck in the basement or attic, we display the most important sentimental pieces from our past somewhere in our home—again, promoting the things that are most valuable to us. Minimalism doesn’t mean we had to throw away all of our sentimental belongings.
Minimalism Is Too Hard
In a world that seeks to own more and accomplishes that by encouraging others to do the same, minimalism is countercultural. It is a lifestyle that goes against the mainstream belief about what constitutes happiness. In that way, it is difficult. It requires trust, intentionality, discipline, and frequent readjustments. It forces us to define our values and choose what is most important in life.
But it is not so hard that you can’t do it. In fact, if my typical family of four can do it, so can you. There’s nothing special about us. The only difference between you and me is that somebody took the time to introduce my family to a new way to live life. We removed our possessions, discovered the joy that can only be found by living with less, and have never looked back.
No wonder minimalists come in all sizes and shapes. And no wonder it is a growing movement where countless people are deciding to own less and define their lives in greater ways than by the things they own. They find freedom because of it.
Ingrid says
I haven’t missed one thing in the MANY mini van car loads that went to Goodwill. Not. One. Thing. That says a lot.
laura ann says
Ingrid: this past year I haven’t missed boxes of stuff donated to four different causes! Still have some to go yet.
Jim Beerstecher (Jim B) says
In 1984 (prophetic, right) I made a conscious decision to become a minimalist. Only back then there wasn’t an internet, nor were there social media sites to share perspectives like minimalism. There were early blog sites, called books, but none I had read were called minimalism.
I arrived upon a path to minimalism in another way. Sailing! I “discovered” sailing for myself but couldn’t “afford” a pricey sailboat to sail away in. At the same time, I had gotten pretty disheartened about the political state of warfare in my country and wanted to find a way to stop enabling the military industrial complex.
One day I read an article in a newspaper about how to withdraw support for our country’s ongoing efforts to bomb up to six different places in the world at any given time and the fallout that meant for people, animals, the environment, etc.
One sentence struck a chord with me, “You can elect to work for less money doing socially responsible work and thereby legally paying less tax into “the system.”
That was the beginning for me. Now, 34 years later, I feel good about my life of working for the good of others, making less money and pay less taxes to support the killing, and taking up the sailing and cruising lifestyle.
The side effects of those changes would take a book to describe. Suffice to say, I was able to work a few months or a year at a job, sell off my land-lubberly possessions, climb aboard a sailboat (not shiny new, but certainly seaworthy nonetheless!) and sail off to amazing place, experiences, and times!
I have 4 books in print now that relate to my past 34 years: 2 are about sailing and cruising from a minimalist perspective, one is about recovery principles, and the fourth is about growing fresh and healthy foods simply and cheaply to help support a healthy body and lifestyle.
I’ve always made less money than my peers, but have a lifetime of amazing memories, what I call “Zen photos” to look back upon and to continue to look forward too.
If society were to break down today and I were to be spared, I could live happily and contentedly with the lifestyle I’ve developed and live it.
It heartens me to read your words and hear about others who, for whatever reasons, are dropping the industrial consumer complex and heading out for more authentic living. Keep up the work of following your heart and your dreams. It works!
Also, a big shout out to the first minimalist of the European folks who came to the USA, Henry David Thoreau. What a guy!
Peace, love, and wonderful adventures, y’all!
Jim B
Tracy says
Jim, you’ve just debunked another myth: that minimalism is a recent fad. It’s inspiring to read of someone who has found such lasting freedom and contentment in this lifestyle.
Shari says
What an inspirational story and life. Thanks for sharing.
Michael Wanek says
The true measure of personal freedom is in how much we are NOT attached to.In our society the drive for possessions has resulted in a vast majority of people who are slaves to protecting their accumulation. A recent popular quote exemplifies this attitude, ” whoever dies with the most toys wins.” I would counter that by saying whoever dies having loved the most is the real winner!? Bravo Joshua!
Hanna Perlberger says
This post comes at a time when I’m struggling to make peace with moving from a 3 story 7 bedroom house to a small 2 bedroom apt. This move is driven by age and finances which brings up painful issues, but this philosophy will help me transition in a positive way. I can see other out of the box ways of thinking such as considering relationship, social and spiritual capital. I love how thoughtful, respectful and considerate this mindset is and how it promotes connection and interdependence.
Betsy says
Hanna, may I say I’m very excited for you on your move. My husband and I realized the clock was ticking and it was time to unburden ourselves of the 3 story house and pair down. We save diligently but realized unless we cut our budget more we would have lean years as we aged. The pressure it has taken off of us has been eye opening. I sure wish I had come to this realization years ago. Best wishes. P.S. We are breathing so much better without all the stuff too.
Lovely says
After two years upon stumbling upong your website, I am still thankful to you Joshua. I have been freed from the clutter culture which was killing me that time. I wish to send you and your family the warmth of my heartfelt gratitude because of your unparalleled contribution to the world. ?
Helen says
I’m not a skeptic. I just thought I would see more progress. After almost 47 years of marriage there is just so much more than I realized. It seems to be growing instead of shrinking because of my awareness.
laura ann says
Helen: We have been married a long time also, now retired. Have spent the last year (off and on) downsizing. Planning to move to a two bdrm apt. Takes time, then it goes faster. Much was household items not being currently used, but boxed up and stored in the closet. Sorting thru and donating much. Purging clothes, trying to have a capsule wardrobe in neutral colors with several colors mixed in which goes with everything. Got rid of nik nacks and have some plants displayed.
Anne says
A truly lovely posting.
Minimalism has much freedom to offer. There is a quiet fruitfulness and fecundity that one becomes awakened and responsive to.
Gillian says
I agree! When the ‘awakening’ moments strike I respond immediately. I had one yesterday as I went into a 4″ binder to retrieve a favourite recipe from my 50 plastic files of ‘favouite recipes’ that I carefully organize in a binder and store in my kitchen with my other 20 recipe books —- so I threw all the recipes away that I’ve never used, tore the ones from books that I have used, and therefore reduced my need for storage to 1/3 and my time needed to search and file to nearly nil. That’s the work of quiet fruitfulness and fucundity! Well said Anne:)
Judy says
I am going to Jamaica!!! —Made possible through minimalism. Instead of wasting my money at the mall…
2 world cruises—
Europe—
etc.
Jess @ Minimise With Me says
Great post, Joshua. I think sometimes it is important to challenge ourselves to do things that aren’t so easy so we can grow. Shopping on impulse is something we can all do on auto pilot, but what happens when we stop and asking ourselves if we really need something. We can than make a more informed decision.
There are also a lot of hidden benefits to Minimalism people may not realise. Minimalism may seem difficult to people, and of course it not easy, but nor is working extra hours at a job you aren’t passionate about.
By needing and wanting less and reassessing our actions as to whether they are adding value or bring us joy, we can then spend more time doing things we truly enjoy.
Amy says
I absolutely adore your blog posts! They’re so inspirational! I love what you do, and the things you post is exactly the kind of things I’m interested in.
Seun says
I am so blessed by this write up.
The fact that this community is countercultural,it helps in questioning the traditions some people gave embraced in some country or society for too long that is so unhealthy to the people they impose their traditions on,that is why anyone who wants to truly live a healthy, simple, happy and fulfilling life must search out the truth for his or herself so that no one,no opinion or traditions of any society can define what happiness, success and real living is,so we will be able to truly define our lives in greater ways like Mr Joshua said and not by what we own or dont own and also not by what we
have achieved or what we have not achieved.
We need to be intentional about being a minimalist no matter how tough it can be sometimes,we have no choice but to move on with it because its the only way to grow and be who we need to be in order to enjoy the life we have always wanted to have, the choice is ours.