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.
Jyri says
I spend as little as possible. I buy only in need.
This saved me ton of my money. I live on €250 after rent. I pay bills, groceries and my free time to pass well. I enjoy free hobbies, like walking, to save money. I never been happier in life.
The economy, I do not think about, I pursue my life and enjoy.
Suzanne Donsky says
Folks might enjoy (and already know) the lovely Mary Oliver poem, “The Summer Day”
Who made the world?
Who made the swan, and the black bear?
Who made the grasshopper?
This grasshopper, I mean–
the one who has flung herself out of the grass,
the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,
who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down —
who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.
Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.
Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.
I don’t know exactly what a prayer is.
I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down
into the grass, how to kneel in the grass,
how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields
which is what I have been doing all day.
Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn’t everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
With your one wild and precious life?
Mary Oliver
The Summer Day
(Apropos for some / me as I try to focus and put my attention on Becoming Minimalist while dealing with other things as well.)
Ann C says
Loved this poem. Thank you for sharing. I’m not very knowledgeable when it comes to poetry, but this I thoroughly enjoyed.
Kristen says
Absolutely. And one can tend to think valuable change like this is not possible. But a take on this, to minimize health and climate issues in Finland, I believe: dairy farmers were paid to become berry farmers. Minimizing our impact on the world and the impact that things have on us is truly possible.
Jody says
yes!
Sarah Hearn says
Damn right. Now you’re talking.
Karen Rose says
Right on! Just started following you and have been making some great changes in my life!
Donna Devereaux says
LOve this and you!! Thank you for the reminder. How can I best serve the world and those closest to me in every way?
Lisa B says
Totally agree !!!
Amen !
Linda says
Sixty-seven years ago, my mom taught us, “we don’t have to follow the crowd” create your own path in this world, I have done this all my life, and I have taught my daughters to do the same. We should follow our “needs,” not our “wants.” Thank you for your post.
Sindhu says
Thank you Joshua for this note. It’s always a light feeling that comes up when we talk about a minimalist approach to life. On reading this article, there is a change in perspective. We, individuals, have our own stories, learning, lessons, and experiences. Not everything that we own can be minimalized. For example happiness, love, kindness, joy, etc…. The best part is we have the choice within us what we want to own, what we want to disown, and how much should we own.