There is a criticism that I sometimes hear when talking about the benefits of owning less. And it goes something like this:
“But if everybody did that, the economy would collapse.”
I have three responses to that concern:
1. Just because somebody stops buying unneeded physical possessions doesn’t mean they stop spending money. Minimalists just choose to spend their money on other things. A minimalist economy still churns—it just looks different.
2. What is good for the individual is good for society and the economy. It would be foolish to say, “It is best for society if I take harmful actions against myself.” That model is entirely unsustainable. If owning fewer possessions is better for the individual (and it is), it is also good for society in the long run.
3. But most importantly, just because something makes the world go round doesn’t mean it needs to make your world go round. And I can’t repeat this last point enough.
We are individuals with agency and get to decide for ourselves what will ultimately motivate us in life. Society doesn’t get to make that decision for you.
You don’t have to live your life like everybody else. In fact, you’ll probably be happier if you don’t. (tweet that)
There are a lot of people in this world motivated by economic success, but you don’t have to be one of them.
There are a lot of people in this world motivated by sex, but you don’t have to be one of them.
There are a lot of people in this world motivated by the pursuit of fame or accolades or notoriety, but you don’t have to be one of them.
There are a lot of people chiefly motivated by pleasure, power, competition, control, even revenge… but you don’t have to be one of them.
You get to decide what is going to motivate you as an individual.
Whether it benefits some societal construct like “the economy,” shouldn’t be your greatest obligation.
Just because something makes the world go round, doesn’t mean it needs to make your world go round.
It is up to you to make the very most of the one life you have been given, living it for the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
If owning fewer things allows you to do that (which it probably does), then that is one of the best decisions you can make.
You get to choose your pursuits, your motivation, and your life. The world doesn’t get to decide that for you.
Mark says
In a world full of followers, this is a post for leaders. Very good post Joshua.
Judy says
Amen! Preaching to the choir!
Kathy Quinn says
We definitely vote with our dollars spent. If I don’t buy meat because I don’t believe the planet is large enough to support growing meat for everyone, the marketplace will adjust to less meat being grown and sold. More vegan foods are available every time I visit the grocery store. Likewise when I buy less stuff in general, less stuff will be offered and thrown away. Thank you Joshua for reminding us of this topic. The marketplace will adjust by offering higher quality things when we do need to replace them.
Vicki says
A great post!
PeteW says
Can I get an amen? We should read this every day and keep it at the forefront of our minds in everything we do.
The whole world is going to crazytown on the crazy train and it’s standing room only. Just get off the train and think for yourself.
Clarisse says
Amen
Jessalynn Jones says
Amen! Great post Joshua! I really agree with that. No matter how many times we talk about how good minimalism is for people the whole world isn’t going to suddenly become minimalists. But on the individual level we must choose what is right for us and in the end it will be better for the earth to stop buying and throwing away junk, it will be better for the economy to spend more money on knowledge and experiences that stuff, and it will be better for humankind to focus on relationships and wellness rather than work money and stuff that doesn’t make us happy anyway. But it starts with one person choosing what is best for them and being brave and unapologetic. One at a time.
Stephanie says
This is so true.
Before I retired, I used to wonder why it was so necessary to work so incessantly. Work smarter not harder was not a concept I found applied to my career (teaching).
In addition, spending became a habit born out of earning. Almost a tangible equal to my fatigue levels.
Recently retired, I’ve reduced my footprint, given away in pleasure and simplified. It’s been a process, still ongoing, but I am so satisfied to treasure what I love, a lot of which/whom don’t involve things at all but experiences.
Thank you for all your many thoughts.
Sikarin Jintranun says
Thanks Jochua for such the motivational article. After 7 years living in Switzerland I disconnected me from social influence from my own country. Yet, not being influenced by Swiss social. I found my life is much happier after , i don’t have to acquire what the social think that success people should acquire. I live in minimal style but very quality, I ride bicycles instead of car, have less expensive hobbies, read more. Save and invest heavily and being motivated by financial independence. I have more and more freedoms. I spend very little time taking care things but more time taking care myself. Your articles confirm and remind my thought. Thanks you.
Suzanne Donsky says
Thank you so much for speaking up about that comment about ‘a duty to spend’ which is definitely not what we are here to do or responsible for. Not any more than it would make sense to say, folks all must go ‘off the grid’ to be doing the right thing–farming, milking our cows for milk and making cheese…. making our own clothes, etc. Somethings are right for some folks. We need and (fortunately, in most cases in our situations) get to decide and make those decisions for ourselves as to what makes sense and is right for us.
Eve says
I agree. We should take advantage of things that help make our lives better. Our grandmothers did those things because they had too. If that’s your thing then do that but I personally like my iPad. I like my groceries and meds delivered to my door. I also love living with less things. I don’t think minimalism means what a lot of people think it does.?
Louise Masson says
Brilliant!
Bron says
This is an excellent post and I completely agree with ALL of it.
Some years ago, after coming across some of your writings, I immediately began to pack things into boxes. It was such a wonderful feeling when we dropped everything off at the thrift store. We continue to live the minimalist life and have never looked back. In fact I always find things every week to put into what we call the ‘giveaway’ bag.
My wardrobe consists of 18 items and that includes footwear. Housecleaning is a breeze and we have plenty of time to do the things we truly enjoy.
It just really makes sense.
Thanks Joshua
Joanne says
Amen to that!!
Sally says
Love this!! Amen.