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Essential: Essays by The Minimalists
The best of The Minimalists. This book by Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus collects the most relevant essays—some short, some long—from their popular website, TheMinimalists.com. This collection has been edited and organized to create an experience that's considerably different from reading individual selections online. From simple living, decluttering, and finances, to passion, health, and relationships, Essential is for anyone who desires a more intentional life.
334 pages, Paperback
First published July 27, 2012
443 people are currently reading
3314 people want to read
About the author
Joshua Fields Millburn
24 books1,105 followersJoshua Fields Millburn is one half of the simple-living duo The Minimalists. As the bestselling author of five books, Millburn has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Time magazine and has spoken at Harvard, Apple, and Google. His podcast, The Minimalists Podcast, is often the #1 health show on Apple Podcasts, and his popular documentary, MINIMALISM, is available on Netflix. Raised in Dayton, Ohio, he currently lives in Los Angeles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 296 reviews
August 22, 2016
I'm going to be honest - I only got through about two thirds of this book before I decided to take "The Minimalists'" own advice and only devote my time to something I found worthwhile. While there were some thought-provoking ideas in these essays, the compilation of incredibly short blog posts in general had very little substance. The authors instead opt for hyperbolic statements about our technology-fueled world (to which I'm sympathetic) and broad unsupported claims about what makes life meaningful (to which I'm less sympathetic). They fail to really explain what minimalism is or how one might go about following such a philosophy. This is slightly understandable, as this is not really a book, but a collection of (did I mention short?) blog posts - ironic for two people who spend a lot of time complaining about the empty sound-bite nature of our cultural attention span. However, even for a book of essays, it was incredibly unorganized and repetitive. The tone of the essays came across as self-important and condescending, and often had such useless advice for the plebeians among us as "try to live without keeping track of time," and "make what you do in your day reflect your true priorities." I think it's fantastic that these two have managed to subvert capitalism to their benefit, but the rest of us continue to spend a significant amount of our time exchanging our work for capital to buy life necessities, regardless of whether we wish to prioritize this. Yes, what excellent advice - I would love to spend more time doing the things I actually enjoy! The authors, as you can guess from this review, seemed to have very little race, class, or gender analysis; after making it very clear that they were single, wealthy, white men (who spend their time exercising and writing), they proceeded to repeatedly attribute their success at pursuing their dreams to hard work and dedication to their goals and implored the reader to be more like them. I would like to believe that this is not actually their viewpoint; perhaps they forgot to add a disclaimer about their relative privilege in this book, but have acknowledged it elsewhere?
Basically, I wanted to learn more about the philosophy of minimalism and how it could be useful in my life, and instead I got "Why We're The Best People Who Ever Lived and You Should Be Like Us." I found it interesting that there was not really any mention of environmentalism or social justice as a motivator for reducing your consumption, which seems like a very obvious connection that they're missing out on. To be fair, there were some gems in this book. The basic tenets of their philosophy are, I think, ones we could all benefit from: being more intentional about how we live, making time for the activities and relationships we find important, only taking what we need, and being more present in our daily lives. But the book's horrendous packaging of these ideas almost made me believe I didn't espouse them myself.
Basically, I wanted to learn more about the philosophy of minimalism and how it could be useful in my life, and instead I got "Why We're The Best People Who Ever Lived and You Should Be Like Us." I found it interesting that there was not really any mention of environmentalism or social justice as a motivator for reducing your consumption, which seems like a very obvious connection that they're missing out on. To be fair, there were some gems in this book. The basic tenets of their philosophy are, I think, ones we could all benefit from: being more intentional about how we live, making time for the activities and relationships we find important, only taking what we need, and being more present in our daily lives. But the book's horrendous packaging of these ideas almost made me believe I didn't espouse them myself.
April 25, 2012
I downloaded this book for free on my kindle. I overpaid.
This collection of poorly written (overwhelm is not a noun), repetitive (please keep telling me how you quit your job), and platitude filled essays does little to inform. Devoid of practical advice or an exploration of the philosophical elements of minimalism this book falls short of any of the other books on minimalism I’ve read.
Being a quick read is it’s only positive.
This collection of poorly written (overwhelm is not a noun), repetitive (please keep telling me how you quit your job), and platitude filled essays does little to inform. Devoid of practical advice or an exploration of the philosophical elements of minimalism this book falls short of any of the other books on minimalism I’ve read.
Being a quick read is it’s only positive.
August 20, 2016
I was surprised that I actually really liked this book. The essays are short enough that I can read one right before clocking in at work and it gives me something to think about throughout the day.
I initially purchased this book as I was minimizing my own belongings (apparently 30 pairs of shoes are "unnecessary" for someone my age) and it gave me somewhat of an accountability? to make sure that I was actually getting rid of things. Every now and then I find myself going back and rereading passages/essays as a reminder.
I loved that Joshua was able to put my thoughts into words and organize it in a format that's easy for me to access and refer to. Loved the book. I'll be on the lookout for the next one.
I initially purchased this book as I was minimizing my own belongings (apparently 30 pairs of shoes are "unnecessary" for someone my age) and it gave me somewhat of an accountability? to make sure that I was actually getting rid of things. Every now and then I find myself going back and rereading passages/essays as a reminder.
I loved that Joshua was able to put my thoughts into words and organize it in a format that's easy for me to access and refer to. Loved the book. I'll be on the lookout for the next one.
January 12, 2019
Let's start off with this honest revealing I'm a minimalist by nature :D , I have no problem to share even my dear books with others . The biggest anti-minimalism in my world is my affectionate mother , she tends to collect many superfluous stuff; empty bottles, used wraps, rags, yarn, carton boxes...She believes that the more you accumulate things, clothes, ..the more safer you will be. Actually, I think that is something related to a psychological matter .
I've tried several times to convince her in order to get rid of some excess stuff each time I became certain that arguing with her won't make any change.. sigh!
I think minimalism is something that was born with us, many people may get lost beyond its expansive concept(or rather, as they think) or by misunderstanding its real benefit and even more consider it as a vague and difficult approach because they believe that minimalism is allergic to money or against the modernity and the high technology but this is utterly wrong and falsehood.
Minimalism is all matter of common sense and being contented human being who takes control of all aspects of his life and never considering material things as a measure of his happiness .
This short book contains a collection of essays to motivate people and advise them to live freely and to make a radical change in their lives; starting by getting rid of life's excess, stop worshiping our stuff and focusing more on life's deeper meaning which includes significant points such as:
_sharing love and care with our families, friends and beloveds instead of wasting time on the internet and social media..
_contribute to people, donate our money and reclaim time.
_ get rid of superfluous because they bind us to uncomfortable mood; the clutter probably led us to stress and overwhelm..
.
The writers induced the readers to be minimalists and they set few ideas and tips, they shared also their own experience and the enduring experiments for the last few years of being minimalists, they are aspiring to inspire and enhance people's lives through their book and website in meaningful ways.
To be blunt , you can sum up the book in few hints and tips; some portion are very useful and interesting but it is quite repetitive in latter chapers. If I reach the enjoyment and entertainment during my reading then nothing else will matter after all for me.
I loved their inspirational insights and expressions as well and their honest intention to help people .
The book is pretty easy to read, simple and meaningful :).
I've tried several times to convince her in order to get rid of some excess stuff each time I became certain that arguing with her won't make any change.. sigh!
I think minimalism is something that was born with us, many people may get lost beyond its expansive concept(or rather, as they think) or by misunderstanding its real benefit and even more consider it as a vague and difficult approach because they believe that minimalism is allergic to money or against the modernity and the high technology but this is utterly wrong and falsehood.
Minimalism is all matter of common sense and being contented human being who takes control of all aspects of his life and never considering material things as a measure of his happiness .
This short book contains a collection of essays to motivate people and advise them to live freely and to make a radical change in their lives; starting by getting rid of life's excess, stop worshiping our stuff and focusing more on life's deeper meaning which includes significant points such as:
_sharing love and care with our families, friends and beloveds instead of wasting time on the internet and social media..
_contribute to people, donate our money and reclaim time.
_ get rid of superfluous because they bind us to uncomfortable mood; the clutter probably led us to stress and overwhelm..
.
The writers induced the readers to be minimalists and they set few ideas and tips, they shared also their own experience and the enduring experiments for the last few years of being minimalists, they are aspiring to inspire and enhance people's lives through their book and website in meaningful ways.
To be blunt , you can sum up the book in few hints and tips; some portion are very useful and interesting but it is quite repetitive in latter chapers. If I reach the enjoyment and entertainment during my reading then nothing else will matter after all for me.
I loved their inspirational insights and expressions as well and their honest intention to help people .
The book is pretty easy to read, simple and meaningful :).
August 14, 2017
I feel the same way about this book as I feel about their podcasts; I like the message, but the style comes across as douchey. At least one of the essays is about writing and they talk about winnowing things down to only what's important. That's a noble thought and certainly fits in with the rest of their philosophy, but it ends up generating a lot of one liners that reek of faux-profundity and self-congratulatory cleverness.
Plenty of food for thought in this book, you just might have to hold your nose to eat it.
See? Douchey, right?
Plenty of food for thought in this book, you just might have to hold your nose to eat it.
See? Douchey, right?
June 23, 2018
As someone who is interested in minimalism, I found this very enjoyable.
July 14, 2017
I think my favorite essay is "Getting Rid of Just-in-Case Items". I think that most things/duplicates I own are for this reason solely.
Plus, I've already learnt about the irony in being a minimalist and the judgement & negative talk coming from people, and I believe that the best way to deal with it is ignoring them and repeating words of affirmation to yourself. You can always not tell people that you're a minimalist XD.
Minimalism is about owning and doing things that add value and meaning to your life.
Plus, I've already learnt about the irony in being a minimalist and the judgement & negative talk coming from people, and I believe that the best way to deal with it is ignoring them and repeating words of affirmation to yourself. You can always not tell people that you're a minimalist XD.
Minimalism is about owning and doing things that add value and meaning to your life.
February 11, 2017
I dig the concept but reading more than 1-2 of these essays at a time is unbearable because of their repetitiveness and, ironically, lack of much depth. I would have loved more practicality and not just being told over and over again that the writer quit his high-paying job in corporate America to follow his passion.
December 5, 2014
I appreciate their message and think minimalism has several great tenets that people should incorporate in their lives. Maybe it was everything at once but after a while, they just started to sound like smug, pretentious douche bags.
Millburn spends an entire essay on how easy it was for him to change his eating habits. Apparently cravings don't exist. You simply stop eating crap.
I call BS. Sugar is addictive and I absolutely had cravings what I drastically cut the sugar in my diet. It's nice that it was so easy for you but the rest of the world isn't you. We can do without the condescending and unhelpful platitudes.
The essay about cleaning out his mom's condo straddles the line between having a great point and being impersonal. I agree that we shouldn't hang on to things to preserve memories that already live in our heads but purging himself of his dead mother's crap so completely sounds a little heartless.
This book taught me a little bit about the benefits of minimalism but almost nothing about the best way to go about it for me. What are people who aren't like you supposed to do to better their lives? Become you?
It felt less like helping other and much more like an ego stroke for 2 guys in their 30s who think they know better than everyone else around them.
Millburn spends an entire essay on how easy it was for him to change his eating habits. Apparently cravings don't exist. You simply stop eating crap.
I call BS. Sugar is addictive and I absolutely had cravings what I drastically cut the sugar in my diet. It's nice that it was so easy for you but the rest of the world isn't you. We can do without the condescending and unhelpful platitudes.
The essay about cleaning out his mom's condo straddles the line between having a great point and being impersonal. I agree that we shouldn't hang on to things to preserve memories that already live in our heads but purging himself of his dead mother's crap so completely sounds a little heartless.
This book taught me a little bit about the benefits of minimalism but almost nothing about the best way to go about it for me. What are people who aren't like you supposed to do to better their lives? Become you?
It felt less like helping other and much more like an ego stroke for 2 guys in their 30s who think they know better than everyone else around them.
January 7, 2024
Retour sur le minimaliste au quotidien de Joshua Fields Milburn et Ryan Nicodemus, éditions J’ai lu, 385 p. :
Alors là assurément un coup de cœur et à relire pour ma part !
On y aborde les sujets tels que ; la vie minimaliste vs les hyper consommateurs, la technologie, l’argent, les cadeaux qu’on offre, nos priorités, la santé, les relations, passion, solidarité et la réussite.
ce livre m’a fait changer de manière de penser. Est ce que avoir autant de choses est important ? Le désir d’avoir les choses de nos voisins vs la jalousie de ne pas posséder.
La technologie qui nous gobe notre temps, offrir des expériences en place des cadeaux matérialiste.
Quels sont nos priorités ? Sortir de notre zone de confort, trouver nos objectifs.
La santé est plus importante que tout.
Entretenir nos bonnes relations et éliminer les mauvaises.
Trouver notre passion, ce qui nous fais vibrer.
Donner du cœur et non du matériel!
Je vous laisse avec deux citations qui m’ont été droit au cœur !
P.179, « […] Rien ne dure éternellement, d’où l’importance de vivre le moment présent. saisissez l’instant pendant qu’il est là. Soyez présent. Accepter la vie pour ce qu’elle est : un laps de temps limité aux possibilités infini. »
P. 184, « La véritable prise de conscience nous permet de nous peaufiner, de grandir, de devenir meilleurs, mais pas parfait. Notre vie ne sera jamais parfaite ; chacun porte en lui une blessure profonde. Mais ce n’est pas grave, la prise de conscience nous aide à guérir et nos cicatrices constituent les meilleures parties de nous-même »
Bonne lecture ! ♥️
Alors là assurément un coup de cœur et à relire pour ma part !
On y aborde les sujets tels que ; la vie minimaliste vs les hyper consommateurs, la technologie, l’argent, les cadeaux qu’on offre, nos priorités, la santé, les relations, passion, solidarité et la réussite.
ce livre m’a fait changer de manière de penser. Est ce que avoir autant de choses est important ? Le désir d’avoir les choses de nos voisins vs la jalousie de ne pas posséder.
La technologie qui nous gobe notre temps, offrir des expériences en place des cadeaux matérialiste.
Quels sont nos priorités ? Sortir de notre zone de confort, trouver nos objectifs.
La santé est plus importante que tout.
Entretenir nos bonnes relations et éliminer les mauvaises.
Trouver notre passion, ce qui nous fais vibrer.
Donner du cœur et non du matériel!
Je vous laisse avec deux citations qui m’ont été droit au cœur !
P.179, « […] Rien ne dure éternellement, d’où l’importance de vivre le moment présent. saisissez l’instant pendant qu’il est là. Soyez présent. Accepter la vie pour ce qu’elle est : un laps de temps limité aux possibilités infini. »
P. 184, « La véritable prise de conscience nous permet de nous peaufiner, de grandir, de devenir meilleurs, mais pas parfait. Notre vie ne sera jamais parfaite ; chacun porte en lui une blessure profonde. Mais ce n’est pas grave, la prise de conscience nous aide à guérir et nos cicatrices constituent les meilleures parties de nous-même »
Bonne lecture ! ♥️
June 28, 2019
TRIGGER WARNING FOR SERIOUS FOOD AND BODY SHAMING IN THIS BOOK.
This is only a small portion of the disturbing “advice” Joshua is giving about food:
“I tend to associate pain with any junk foods I crave...if you do this (i.e., associate pain with junk foods) then you’ll have enough leverage not to eat it. How do you associate pain with junk food? How about this: before you eat the piece of crap you’re about to eat, take off your clothes, stick out your gut, and look at yourself in the mirror completely naked. Still want that piece of cake?”
I AM FURIOUS!! This is literally how eating disorders are created and can plague people for the rest of their lives. Especially the people who are reading this book, who are probably unhappy with their lives and likely young adults. Why would someone say to associate food with pain in a book about minimalism?? You are supposed to be telling me how to get rid of my stuff, not how to hate my self and my body.
In addition, this book clearly kept with the minimalist theme by having minimal editing. Ryan’s essays are decent, but Joshua’s essay are literally just body shaming and bragging about how amazing he is at being a minimalist and “contributing to others in a meaningful way.” If you have to say “I’m not saying this to brag, but...” multiple times in a single chapter, then maybe you need to gain a little perspective.
This is only a small portion of the disturbing “advice” Joshua is giving about food:
“I tend to associate pain with any junk foods I crave...if you do this (i.e., associate pain with junk foods) then you’ll have enough leverage not to eat it. How do you associate pain with junk food? How about this: before you eat the piece of crap you’re about to eat, take off your clothes, stick out your gut, and look at yourself in the mirror completely naked. Still want that piece of cake?”
I AM FURIOUS!! This is literally how eating disorders are created and can plague people for the rest of their lives. Especially the people who are reading this book, who are probably unhappy with their lives and likely young adults. Why would someone say to associate food with pain in a book about minimalism?? You are supposed to be telling me how to get rid of my stuff, not how to hate my self and my body.
In addition, this book clearly kept with the minimalist theme by having minimal editing. Ryan’s essays are decent, but Joshua’s essay are literally just body shaming and bragging about how amazing he is at being a minimalist and “contributing to others in a meaningful way.” If you have to say “I’m not saying this to brag, but...” multiple times in a single chapter, then maybe you need to gain a little perspective.
May 18, 2014
Minimalism jettisons the unnecessary in favour of the important.
Minimalists search for happiness not through things, but through life itself. Through living a meaningful life, fulled with passion and freedom, a life in which we can grow as individuals and contribute to other people in meaningful ways.
Growth and Contribution.
Sentimental items can be gotten rid of, because our memories are within us, not within our things. Holding on to things weighs us down emotionally.
The easiest way to turn off jealousy is to stop questioning other peoples' intent.
We must love. Unless we love, our lives will flash by.
You must make change a must. Intellectually understanding change leaves you with a should, but deciding on an emotional level makes it a must.
Instead of just donating money to a homeless guy, use that money to take him out for a meal, have a conversation with him. Expand your worldview. Sometimes giving changes everything.
Deep Connection requires vulnerability.
Minimalists search for happiness not through things, but through life itself. Through living a meaningful life, fulled with passion and freedom, a life in which we can grow as individuals and contribute to other people in meaningful ways.
Growth and Contribution.
Sentimental items can be gotten rid of, because our memories are within us, not within our things. Holding on to things weighs us down emotionally.
The easiest way to turn off jealousy is to stop questioning other peoples' intent.
We must love. Unless we love, our lives will flash by.
You must make change a must. Intellectually understanding change leaves you with a should, but deciding on an emotional level makes it a must.
Instead of just donating money to a homeless guy, use that money to take him out for a meal, have a conversation with him. Expand your worldview. Sometimes giving changes everything.
Deep Connection requires vulnerability.
December 3, 2018
I quite enjoyed this book. It is light read, with ideas and inspiration on moving, in small steps, one essay at a time, in a direction of a bit lighter approach to life.
It is not information packed, it does not offer a great value in sense of learning or discovering groundbreaking new ideas - but it is definitely enjoyable, leaves you with a feeling of lightness, and motivates to keep on editing and clearing out our lives.
If you are exploring minimalism or the concept seems appealing - definitely recommended.
If you are super deep in minimalism or you dont really understand the appeal of it - better skip it ;)
It is not information packed, it does not offer a great value in sense of learning or discovering groundbreaking new ideas - but it is definitely enjoyable, leaves you with a feeling of lightness, and motivates to keep on editing and clearing out our lives.
If you are exploring minimalism or the concept seems appealing - definitely recommended.
If you are super deep in minimalism or you dont really understand the appeal of it - better skip it ;)
December 31, 2016
I just do not like their communication style. I don't know why...I applaud the way they've drawn a crowd to minimalism, but I am unmoved by their writing and documentary. Oh well.
December 17, 2017
Honestly, really impressive. The essays contained in this book don't feel forced, or water down internet blog post forced through a publishing company to print. On the contrary the Minimalists shine through these well organized collection of essays that contain everything from punching comedic truisms to profound philosophical insights all while never not straying from the path of practicality.
To be sure, Joshua Fields Millburn shines as his writing style is lucid, to sink, and impactful. If you are a fan of the minimalist or have never heard of any such thing, this book is for you. One does not have to agree with every single inside in order to walk away from this book having been changed, refreshed, and invigorated in a positive way. Looking forward to reading their Memoir next.
To be sure, Joshua Fields Millburn shines as his writing style is lucid, to sink, and impactful. If you are a fan of the minimalist or have never heard of any such thing, this book is for you. One does not have to agree with every single inside in order to walk away from this book having been changed, refreshed, and invigorated in a positive way. Looking forward to reading their Memoir next.
July 25, 2019
The book is comprised of essays by The Minimalists, and is very short and easy to read.
However, I would advise against reading it in one or two sittings: I feel you can better absorve its contents if you read the book (which has 12 themes) in parts. And thus allow yourself time to reflect on its contents.
Some of the essays are unremarkable - but some may very well change your perspective on life, consumerism, relationships, contribution... and isn't this the reason we read books?
Because of the reflections inspired by the book, I give it a 4/5.
However, I would advise against reading it in one or two sittings: I feel you can better absorve its contents if you read the book (which has 12 themes) in parts. And thus allow yourself time to reflect on its contents.
Some of the essays are unremarkable - but some may very well change your perspective on life, consumerism, relationships, contribution... and isn't this the reason we read books?
Because of the reflections inspired by the book, I give it a 4/5.
May 15, 2022
After seeing “Minimalism: A Documentary” my life was changed. I realized that clutter was consuming my life and that I was wasting too much money on things I didn’t need. Though Joshua and Ryan come from a different frame of reference than me on many things, including faith and morality, there is a lot on which we can agree. I appreciated the breakdown of categorical essays from their blog (which I had never read), and there are several valuable statements I will continue to ponder long after it’s been returned to the library. If you are into the concept of minimalism, this compilation of essays is worth your perusal!
July 13, 2017
I think this book would have more meaning for people if they were fans of the podcast. It does tend to restate similar ideas throughout the book but remember the essays were taken from their blog. I think if you focus on the outcomes you are working toward and take what they say and apply it to what would work for you the book would have value.
June 22, 2021
Minimalism is a tool with which you get rid of redundancies, focus your attention on the essentials and find happiness, fulfillment and freedom. However, the authors do not focus only on material things. They try to offer minimalism, meaning and logic also in relationships, personal growth and in life as a whole.
Who do I think will appreciate the book
Those who enjoy books full of practical advice on how to improve your daily life.
The biggest shortcomings
At times, I felt that the authors had deviated greatly from the main essence.
"Things do not make us happy or unhappy, but our ideas about them."
Who do I think will appreciate the book
Those who enjoy books full of practical advice on how to improve your daily life.
The biggest shortcomings
At times, I felt that the authors had deviated greatly from the main essence.
"Things do not make us happy or unhappy, but our ideas about them."
August 25, 2019
Very good. This was a carbon copy of some of their blog post. It was great to have a distilled version. There are also some unpublished essays in here. Each essay taking no more than 4 minutes to read. I enjoy these guys ideas and have been listening to the podcast. Pretty good stuff.
May 23, 2018
Easy to read short essays, almost like blog posts. Not as good as their other books.
November 2, 2020
Great reading through this again. Most info and essays you can also listen to via their podcast as well.
February 8, 2021
If I wanted to hear someone referencing Fight Club and Tosh.0 as deep intellectual examples of minimalism I'd talk to the frat boy upstairs
May 11, 2022
Succinct collection of essays and blogposts from The Minimalists. They are easy to digest and there are actionable steps to implement.
April 1, 2019
I really enjoyed the book! Easy, digestibal!
Since I listened to about 60 podcast episodes of the minimalists already, I knew a lot of the stuff, some parts were exactly said as written in the book.
All in all, great book which teaches you to focus on the important things in life.
Since I listened to about 60 podcast episodes of the minimalists already, I knew a lot of the stuff, some parts were exactly said as written in the book.
All in all, great book which teaches you to focus on the important things in life.
March 2, 2021
+ Interesting and inspiring concepts nonetheless.
+ Makes you think.
- Repetitive.
- Little depth.
+ Makes you think.
- Repetitive.
- Little depth.
February 14, 2025
I always love reading books about minimalism and these guys are the reason why I started following this topic. Minimalism allows me to rethink all the knowledge I have imbibed for years and frankly speaking most of them don't make much sense today. Wish I had known this concept in the first half of my life. Loved this book!
February 25, 2017
I like The Minimalists — a lot. They’ve changed my life. As for this books of the “essential” essays cultivated from their blog, it was just all right. They are short and good for reading one or two before bed, and I think it may be too easy to dismiss some of the essays without noticing that each one is often just a brushstroke in a broader picture. And that broader picture is awesome. But, honestly, I get more out of their podcast than I did from this book. Grade: B
September 21, 2023
thinking consumerism will make us happy—that buying crap we don’t need will somehow make us whole.
Minimalists don’t focus on having less, less, less. Rather, we focus on making room for more, more, more: more time, more passion, more experiences, more growth, more contribution, more contentment—and more freedom. It just so happens that clearing the clutter from life’s path helps us make that room.
Minimalism is the thing that gets us past the things so we can make room for life’s important things—which actually aren’t things at all.
What these people don’t understand, however, is minimalism is not about deprivation: it’s about finding more value in the stuff you own. Minimalists do this by removing the superfluous, keeping only the possessions that serve a purpose or bring joy. Everything else goes by the wayside.
People will judge. Let them. Judgment is but a mirror reflecting the insecurities of the person who’s doing the judging.
For us—Joshua & Ryan—it all started with a lingering discontent. A few years ago, while approaching age 30, we had achieved everything that was supposed to make us happy: great six-figure jobs, nice cars, big houses with more bedrooms than inhabitants, pointless masses of toys, scads of superfluous stuff.
And yet with all that stuff, we weren’t satisfied with our lives. We weren’t happy. There was a gaping void, and working 70–80 hours a week for a corporation and buying even more stuff didn’t fill the void: it only brought more debt and stress and anxiety and fear and loneliness and guilt and overwhelm and depression.
We didn’t control our time, and we didn’t control our lives.
Money: it tears families apart, ruins marriages, and keeps people from pursuing their dreams. Money troubles inject unnecessary stress, anxiety, and arguments into our daily lives, which keeps us in perpetual discontent. We never seem to have enough, and, living paycheck to paycheck, we can’t ever get ahead.
1. BUDGET. Most of us have no idea where our money is going: we think we know, but we don’t really know. This is doubly true for those of us who are married or live with a significant other. So, the first step toward financial freedom is establishing a written monthly budget. Note the three key words here: written, monthly, and budget.”
Everyone in your household—even your children—must have a say in the written budget. This is the only way to get every person’s buy-in. Working together means taking from one category to fund another (e.g., extracting money from, say, your clothing budget to fund your entertainment budget) until each person is on the same page. Once everybody is on board—once everyone is committed to financial freedom—it is much easier to gain the traction you need.
Your Safety Net will allow you to stay on budget even when life punches you in the face.
instead of thinking of it as investing money, think of it as paying your future.
You might be broke if:.
1. You’re living paycheck to paycheck.
2. You have credit-card debt. There’s no such thing as “good” debt: the debtor is always slave to the lender.
3. You have student-loan debt.
4. You have a monthly car payment.
5. Your income dictates your lifestyle.
It should be the other way around: we should work to earn enough money to live, not live to earn enough money to buy shit we don’t need. Until one breaks free from consumerism, the hoarder is slave to the hoard.
6. You aren’t saving for the future.
7. You’re not healthy. Unhealthy equals depression. Yes, if you’re unhealthy, statistics show you’re likely depressed. If you can’t enjoy life, no matter how wealthy you are, then you’re broke in a different way: you’re broken. The richest man in the graveyard might have the most lavish tombstone, but he’s still dead.
8. Your relationships are suffering.
Too often we forsake the most important people in our lives in search of money or ephemeral pleasures. We believe our loved ones will always be around or that “they’ll understand.” But when you’re careless with something for long enough, it breaks.
9. You argue over money.
10. You’re not growing.
It doesn’t matter how much cash you earn; if you’re not growing, you’re dying. We feel most alive when we cultivate a passion, drudge through the drudgery, and live our lives with purpose, autonomy, and mastery.
11. You don’t contribute as much as you’d like.
Your worth isn’t determined by your net worth. Real worth comes from contributing beyond yourself in a meaningful way. It was Martin Luther King, Jr., who said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: what are you doing for others?
Being broke is okay. Being broke without a plan to break the cycle is not. We’ve all been broke at some point.
We all need money to live, but you are not the contents of your wallet. What’s more important than income is how we spend the resources we have. We personally know broke people who make six (or even seven) figures a year. We also know families who live on $25,000 per year but aren’t broke at all because they live within their means—they live deliberately.
Real wealth, security, and contentment come not from the trinkets we amass, but from how we spend the one life we’ve been given.
But only for a short while.
Accomplishment is transitory. What’s impressive and exciting today is easy—infantile—tomorrow. Millions of examples illustrate this point: tying your shoe for the first time, dribbling a basketball between your legs, an awkward first kiss, etc., etc. Over time, people grow, and with growth comes grace, poise, and—most importantly—the responsibility to keep growing.
Growth is an elusive horizon: you can travel toward it, but you’ll never “get there”: there will always be a new horizon to venture toward. Similarly, we should all work toward an ideal for every area of our lives, an ideal body, an ideal diet, ideal relationships, an ideal work environment, and so forth. While doing this, we must realize we’ll never reach our ideal; if we do, it won’t be our ideal situation for long, because human beings yearn to grow, and that which is ideal today likely won’t be ideal tomorrow.
You can achieve and accomplish whatever you desire, but the key to lasting happiness is continued growth. Keep going, keep moving forward, keep heading toward the horizon: you’ll never get there, but that’s okay.
We seem to be explaining ourselves at every turn.
But I only did it because…
And I was just trying to…
No, no, no, what I meant was…
Wait! Let me explain!
You probably spend a considerable amount of time explaining yourself, justifying your actions to others as though you were in a court of law.
The people who require an explanation probably won’t understand you anyway—you can’t control what they think.
The people who really understand you—the important people closest to you—don’t need any explanation at all. They already get you.
Here’s a simple solution: stop explaining yourself.
If you want to explain yourself, go ahead, it’s okay to do so. Just don’t feel obligated to—you don’t have to waste your time.”
“Success is a simple equation: Happiness + Constant Improvement + Contribution = Success.”
“Black coffee is a synecdoche for life: when you eliminate the excess—when you deliberately avoid life’s empty calories—what remains is exponentially more delicious, more enjoyable, more worthwhile. It might be a bitter shock at first; but, much like coffee, a meaningful life is an acquired taste. Sip slowly and enjoy.”
Minimalists don’t focus on having less, less, less. Rather, we focus on making room for more, more, more: more time, more passion, more experiences, more growth, more contribution, more contentment—and more freedom. It just so happens that clearing the clutter from life’s path helps us make that room.
Minimalism is the thing that gets us past the things so we can make room for life’s important things—which actually aren’t things at all.
What these people don’t understand, however, is minimalism is not about deprivation: it’s about finding more value in the stuff you own. Minimalists do this by removing the superfluous, keeping only the possessions that serve a purpose or bring joy. Everything else goes by the wayside.
People will judge. Let them. Judgment is but a mirror reflecting the insecurities of the person who’s doing the judging.
For us—Joshua & Ryan—it all started with a lingering discontent. A few years ago, while approaching age 30, we had achieved everything that was supposed to make us happy: great six-figure jobs, nice cars, big houses with more bedrooms than inhabitants, pointless masses of toys, scads of superfluous stuff.
And yet with all that stuff, we weren’t satisfied with our lives. We weren’t happy. There was a gaping void, and working 70–80 hours a week for a corporation and buying even more stuff didn’t fill the void: it only brought more debt and stress and anxiety and fear and loneliness and guilt and overwhelm and depression.
We didn’t control our time, and we didn’t control our lives.
Money: it tears families apart, ruins marriages, and keeps people from pursuing their dreams. Money troubles inject unnecessary stress, anxiety, and arguments into our daily lives, which keeps us in perpetual discontent. We never seem to have enough, and, living paycheck to paycheck, we can’t ever get ahead.
1. BUDGET. Most of us have no idea where our money is going: we think we know, but we don’t really know. This is doubly true for those of us who are married or live with a significant other. So, the first step toward financial freedom is establishing a written monthly budget. Note the three key words here: written, monthly, and budget.”
Everyone in your household—even your children—must have a say in the written budget. This is the only way to get every person’s buy-in. Working together means taking from one category to fund another (e.g., extracting money from, say, your clothing budget to fund your entertainment budget) until each person is on the same page. Once everybody is on board—once everyone is committed to financial freedom—it is much easier to gain the traction you need.
Your Safety Net will allow you to stay on budget even when life punches you in the face.
instead of thinking of it as investing money, think of it as paying your future.
You might be broke if:.
1. You’re living paycheck to paycheck.
2. You have credit-card debt. There’s no such thing as “good” debt: the debtor is always slave to the lender.
3. You have student-loan debt.
4. You have a monthly car payment.
5. Your income dictates your lifestyle.
It should be the other way around: we should work to earn enough money to live, not live to earn enough money to buy shit we don’t need. Until one breaks free from consumerism, the hoarder is slave to the hoard.
6. You aren’t saving for the future.
7. You’re not healthy. Unhealthy equals depression. Yes, if you’re unhealthy, statistics show you’re likely depressed. If you can’t enjoy life, no matter how wealthy you are, then you’re broke in a different way: you’re broken. The richest man in the graveyard might have the most lavish tombstone, but he’s still dead.
8. Your relationships are suffering.
Too often we forsake the most important people in our lives in search of money or ephemeral pleasures. We believe our loved ones will always be around or that “they’ll understand.” But when you’re careless with something for long enough, it breaks.
9. You argue over money.
10. You’re not growing.
It doesn’t matter how much cash you earn; if you’re not growing, you’re dying. We feel most alive when we cultivate a passion, drudge through the drudgery, and live our lives with purpose, autonomy, and mastery.
11. You don’t contribute as much as you’d like.
Your worth isn’t determined by your net worth. Real worth comes from contributing beyond yourself in a meaningful way. It was Martin Luther King, Jr., who said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: what are you doing for others?
Being broke is okay. Being broke without a plan to break the cycle is not. We’ve all been broke at some point.
We all need money to live, but you are not the contents of your wallet. What’s more important than income is how we spend the resources we have. We personally know broke people who make six (or even seven) figures a year. We also know families who live on $25,000 per year but aren’t broke at all because they live within their means—they live deliberately.
Real wealth, security, and contentment come not from the trinkets we amass, but from how we spend the one life we’ve been given.
But only for a short while.
Accomplishment is transitory. What’s impressive and exciting today is easy—infantile—tomorrow. Millions of examples illustrate this point: tying your shoe for the first time, dribbling a basketball between your legs, an awkward first kiss, etc., etc. Over time, people grow, and with growth comes grace, poise, and—most importantly—the responsibility to keep growing.
Growth is an elusive horizon: you can travel toward it, but you’ll never “get there”: there will always be a new horizon to venture toward. Similarly, we should all work toward an ideal for every area of our lives, an ideal body, an ideal diet, ideal relationships, an ideal work environment, and so forth. While doing this, we must realize we’ll never reach our ideal; if we do, it won’t be our ideal situation for long, because human beings yearn to grow, and that which is ideal today likely won’t be ideal tomorrow.
You can achieve and accomplish whatever you desire, but the key to lasting happiness is continued growth. Keep going, keep moving forward, keep heading toward the horizon: you’ll never get there, but that’s okay.
We seem to be explaining ourselves at every turn.
But I only did it because…
And I was just trying to…
No, no, no, what I meant was…
Wait! Let me explain!
You probably spend a considerable amount of time explaining yourself, justifying your actions to others as though you were in a court of law.
The people who require an explanation probably won’t understand you anyway—you can’t control what they think.
The people who really understand you—the important people closest to you—don’t need any explanation at all. They already get you.
Here’s a simple solution: stop explaining yourself.
If you want to explain yourself, go ahead, it’s okay to do so. Just don’t feel obligated to—you don’t have to waste your time.”
“Success is a simple equation: Happiness + Constant Improvement + Contribution = Success.”
“Black coffee is a synecdoche for life: when you eliminate the excess—when you deliberately avoid life’s empty calories—what remains is exponentially more delicious, more enjoyable, more worthwhile. It might be a bitter shock at first; but, much like coffee, a meaningful life is an acquired taste. Sip slowly and enjoy.”
February 13, 2021
After I watched the two documentaries by the minimalists (the first one was enjoyable, much more than the latest one which I found it more or less as a quick resume of the first one), I decided to read some of their books, starting from this one that probably will be the first one... and the last.
I didn't like it at all.
The problem is not (only) the content itself as more the way of explain or tell certain things.
Instead of talking about the reasons to live a meaningful life (term that I think it's really vague and it can change from people to people) it's a full length about how they are fantastic, how their magnificent, how Joshua has lost pounds of "disgusting" fat as its written word by word, and their living their best life.
Also, the thing that I didn't liked it is that this book completely and only focused on the process of growth: you need to grow, you need to do this, you need to stop doing this etc.
I found it quite hilarious how they talked about their lost jobs, how they were working so hard to turn out in the exact same process on reverse.
Don't get me wrong, personal growth is important. I'm not saying the opposite, if it was opposite, we wouldn't be here reviewing this.
What I found it upsetting is this focus on the work without even thinking about the rest, because rest sometimes is the most important thing to get up and be more, productive, reactive, ready.
But no, there's no time of that, there's no time to take a full breath to think about your way of being, because otherwise you're losing time, do some declutter instead 'cause living with only one fork is more important, you'll think about that later.
I don't know if I explained well (I'm not a native English speaker, sorry for any mistake) what I feel about, I just felt that there's not only black or white, there's also gray, there's a middle line, and it's okay to take time, it's okay to be wonder, it's okay to take a breath or a break in the meantime.
Because (to me) minimalism is to find your perfect balance between (the right) things, not a declutter challenge.
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