As a younger man, I prided myself on being a minimalist. I never owned more possessions that what I could fit into a large duffel bag. 

 I did my best to avoid clothing purchases; choosing to make due with the free t-shirts that were passed out at college fairs and job recruitment events. 

When I finally moved into my own place, I scoffed at the idea of buying furniture; choosing to eat and sleep on the floor.

When people asked about my behavior, I told them that I was a minimalist and a Buddhist. ...