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The Minimalist Vegan: A Simple Manifesto On Why To Live With Less Stuff And More Compassion
The Minimalist Vegan by Masa and Michael Ofei is less of a how-to book, and more of a why-to book. A manifesto on why to live with less stuff and with more compassion. They explore the intersection of minimalism and veganism and all that each complimentary lifestyle has to offer. They dive deep into conscious living and what it actually means. With chapters on topics such as "The More Virus" and Courageously Simple to The Superior Species and A Plastic World, Masa and Michael cover every aspect to help challenge your way of thinking. Their hope is that by the end of it, you'll have the thirst and passion to architect your life in a way that brings you purpose and joy each and every day. They have written this book to be read within a few hours. Yes, even if you'd consider yourself to be a slow reader! Each chapter can be read independently, so you can jump ahead to a section that resonates with you. However, reading the book from start to finish is a great way to build momentum as you manifest your ideas and dive into a more conscious way of living.
- GenresNonfictionVeganHealth
145 pages, Paperback
First published December 24, 2017
68 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 17, 2018
Super inspirational (and heartbreaking) quick read that I will probably find myself returning to. I have been vegetarian for about half a year now (pescetarian before that), and I am finding it harder and harder to justify not being vegan any longer. I think it is time. I really like how the book connected veganism with minimalism and a focus on ethically sourced products. I am working on incorporating that into my life (and simply buying less overall). It is difficult at times, and it can be more expensive which is most frustrating for me, but worth it in the end.
Two critiques:
1. The references include a lot of websites. I wish there were more peer-reviewed articles. I trusted the information, but I also came in pretty much believing what the authors believe. Skeptics might be less convinced with these sources.
2. I wish they emphasized more about how these choices also impact compassion toward humans. They talk about child labor and hazards of working in the meat industry, but there could have been more. Some of their claims (e.g., we wouldn’t treat a person with an intellectual disability poorly) are untrue. People would. People are pretty terrible, even to their own species. I think this part of the book could have been stronger.
PS: after reading this book I found an app called Good On You that seems great. Check it out!
Two critiques:
1. The references include a lot of websites. I wish there were more peer-reviewed articles. I trusted the information, but I also came in pretty much believing what the authors believe. Skeptics might be less convinced with these sources.
2. I wish they emphasized more about how these choices also impact compassion toward humans. They talk about child labor and hazards of working in the meat industry, but there could have been more. Some of their claims (e.g., we wouldn’t treat a person with an intellectual disability poorly) are untrue. People would. People are pretty terrible, even to their own species. I think this part of the book could have been stronger.
PS: after reading this book I found an app called Good On You that seems great. Check it out!
November 14, 2018
Summary:
This book achieves what it sets out to do by providing a very light introduction to the why of minimalism and veganism. I've explored these concepts in quite a lot of depth so I didn't get too much new out of it, but there is some good preliminary value to be mined here from people just starting to consider these concepts.
A detractor of this book is that a glance at the references throughout it show a large number of website citations. In a time where everyone demands peer reviewed citations before they even consider a concept, where concepts like veganism and minimalism come under intense scrutiny and where the profit margins of fast fashion, consumerism, the meat industry and the dairy industry are at stake, now is the time for reputable sources to shine the light on the facts.
I would recommend this book to anyone beginning to dabble with or consider either minimalism or veganism (or both).
The main message I took from this book is that minimalism and veganism have a nice overlap and if both are followed, you're on a good path to an ethical lifestyle.
Some notable points:
- 95% of our purchasing decisions are made unconsciously.
- Before purchasing anything ask the following:
. Why do I need it?
. Is it something I love and will use on a regular basis?
. How has it been made?
. Will it last, or will I need to buy a new one soon?
. Does it address a real need in my life?
- Over 13 million tonnes of textiles are trashed every year in the U.S. alone.
- Yesterday is gone and cannot be changed and tomorrow is a construct of the mind. It doesn't exist. When tomorrow comes, it is today.
- No one on their deathbed wishes they spent more money on things.
This book achieves what it sets out to do by providing a very light introduction to the why of minimalism and veganism. I've explored these concepts in quite a lot of depth so I didn't get too much new out of it, but there is some good preliminary value to be mined here from people just starting to consider these concepts.
A detractor of this book is that a glance at the references throughout it show a large number of website citations. In a time where everyone demands peer reviewed citations before they even consider a concept, where concepts like veganism and minimalism come under intense scrutiny and where the profit margins of fast fashion, consumerism, the meat industry and the dairy industry are at stake, now is the time for reputable sources to shine the light on the facts.
I would recommend this book to anyone beginning to dabble with or consider either minimalism or veganism (or both).
The main message I took from this book is that minimalism and veganism have a nice overlap and if both are followed, you're on a good path to an ethical lifestyle.
Some notable points:
- 95% of our purchasing decisions are made unconsciously.
- Before purchasing anything ask the following:
. Why do I need it?
. Is it something I love and will use on a regular basis?
. How has it been made?
. Will it last, or will I need to buy a new one soon?
. Does it address a real need in my life?
- Over 13 million tonnes of textiles are trashed every year in the U.S. alone.
- Yesterday is gone and cannot be changed and tomorrow is a construct of the mind. It doesn't exist. When tomorrow comes, it is today.
- No one on their deathbed wishes they spent more money on things.
May 2, 2019
A very concise but thorough look at veganism and minimalism. I also used to think of minimalism as white walls, linen, boring humans.... I used to think of veganism as that one step beyond vegetarianism that was just too much because, well, cheese is delicious. But I’ve learned about the dairy industry, about factory farms and agriculture’s extreme damage to the environment, to animals and to our health. There’s so much packed into this little book and it’s all spot on and important. Keep reading your thrillers and romances and memoirs but stop to read this, one of the most timely pieces of literature circulating to date.
January 5, 2019
This book reinforces why I am a vegan and why I am working towards a more minimalist lifestyle. For anyone who is thinking about becoming a vegan or leading a more ethical lifestyle this is a good beginning book.
March 26, 2021
The two solutions which would save the world... ✨🌍
January 5, 2020
The Minimalist Vegan is a wonderful introduction to those starting to explore minimalism or veganism, and explains the correlation and value between the two.
I personally didn't get much new from it as I have been researching these topics since I switched to a plant-based lifestyle some years ago, but there is a lot of good rudimentary information for those just starting out.
I did however learn more from this book about the fashion industry and its negative impact on the environment, along with the presence and effects of microplastics in the ocean. I found those two sections very interesting, and terrifying.
Minimalism is an intriguing concept, and a lifestyle I would love to start adopting more actively. I first started exploring the idea after my grandfather passed and I helped my grandmother go through and donate his belongings. All the items he had accumulated throughout his eighty plus years of life, packed into my car and discarded. It started to put things into perspective.
The well-being of our plant is everyone's responsibility. Vegan, Minimalist, or otherwise. Everything we do impacts the environment so it's important to know what role we play.
Even if you don't pick up this particular book I encourage everyone to research ways to improve your lifestyle choices. Whether that's gradually cutting animal products from your diet, or just being more environmentally conscious about your purchases.
We only have one Earth, and we're all in this together.
I personally didn't get much new from it as I have been researching these topics since I switched to a plant-based lifestyle some years ago, but there is a lot of good rudimentary information for those just starting out.
I did however learn more from this book about the fashion industry and its negative impact on the environment, along with the presence and effects of microplastics in the ocean. I found those two sections very interesting, and terrifying.
Minimalism is an intriguing concept, and a lifestyle I would love to start adopting more actively. I first started exploring the idea after my grandfather passed and I helped my grandmother go through and donate his belongings. All the items he had accumulated throughout his eighty plus years of life, packed into my car and discarded. It started to put things into perspective.
"Remember though that we come into this world with no possessions, and we leave it the same way."
The well-being of our plant is everyone's responsibility. Vegan, Minimalist, or otherwise. Everything we do impacts the environment so it's important to know what role we play.
"While our world is rocked by conflict, environmental crises, and economic instability, we can all play a role in bringing peace and love to the world through our actions."
Even if you don't pick up this particular book I encourage everyone to research ways to improve your lifestyle choices. Whether that's gradually cutting animal products from your diet, or just being more environmentally conscious about your purchases.
We only have one Earth, and we're all in this together.
January 10, 2018
If we are continually placing our happiness in the future and making it dependent on external factors, we’ll be forever seeking it and only ever fleetingly be finding it.
A fascinating and thought-provoking read which has given me a lot to ponder over.
Mindfulness is something that I practice actively, every day, but the concept of actively being mindful of what I consume is new and exciting to me.
This book is insightful and knowledgeable, thoroughly researched, and just an effortless, enjoyable read.
I suspect I am going to be re-reading this often, to recalibrate myself on how I have been doing things.
Recommended to anyone who is interested in the minimalist or vegan lifestyle, or anyone who simply wants to be challenged.
A fascinating and thought-provoking read which has given me a lot to ponder over.
Mindfulness is something that I practice actively, every day, but the concept of actively being mindful of what I consume is new and exciting to me.
This book is insightful and knowledgeable, thoroughly researched, and just an effortless, enjoyable read.
I suspect I am going to be re-reading this often, to recalibrate myself on how I have been doing things.
Recommended to anyone who is interested in the minimalist or vegan lifestyle, or anyone who simply wants to be challenged.
December 24, 2018
Not as much an awakening as a reminder to why I live my life consciously and with intent, but a good read nonetheless. Sometimes it's just nice to see the words and reasonings you feel inside put into words.
January 4, 2022
Good overview of both subjects. Straight and to the point.
July 1, 2020
i loves this book so much! it opened my eyes to so much more and i can’t wait to keep learning about these topics. i also can’t wait to start my minimalist journey!
February 18, 2019
There isn't a ton of new information here (read: very little) if you're already pretty well-versed in minimalism or veganism, but it's a nice, quick read to brush up on why you're choosing this lifestyle. I enjoyed it!
August 16, 2020
Amazing book, very interesting insights about things other than eating habits in a really simple language.
December 2, 2018
There were parts of this I liked and parts I didn't. There's a lot of information in here that I'm glad I know, but I can't wrap my head around "speciesism" and the comparisons to sexism and racism, which are still big issues in our society today. At one point it was said that we don't treat disabled people differently because we're the same species, which is obviously not true. Ableism is still a thing. The point they were trying to make could have very easily been made by comparing our treatment of domestic animals such as cats and dogs to animals we eat such as cows and pigs, and in a few places they did do that. Minimising the struggles certain groups of people still face today to make a point about animal cruelty just doesn't sit right with me. However, there were bits of information in this that would be useful and maybe inspiring to people considering veganism/minimalism/a "zero waste" lifestyle.
May 16, 2021
The Minimalist Vegan was a good, thought-provoking book that was short, simple and to the point. It explained minimalism in a way that was different than how I had previously viewed it and allowed me to see other ways this concept could greatly impact my day to day. Minimalism doesn't just mean 'things' - it also means your time (overcommitting), your digital life (too many files, emails, gadgets, etc.), your friends (do they all bring you value?) and fear of missing out & letting go.
The veganism part was eye-opening. The book did a good job of giving you just enough information to make a major impact, but not enough to the point where it was difficult to get through. I've already found myself starting to think about how I can change things so that I do not unknowingly supporting industries that exploit animals (and it seems like its going to be a rather difficult task as it is everywhere.)
Big picture, this book did a good job of snagging my interest on both of these topics, tying them together well and getting me really interested to dig in and explore on my own further.
The veganism part was eye-opening. The book did a good job of giving you just enough information to make a major impact, but not enough to the point where it was difficult to get through. I've already found myself starting to think about how I can change things so that I do not unknowingly supporting industries that exploit animals (and it seems like its going to be a rather difficult task as it is everywhere.)
Big picture, this book did a good job of snagging my interest on both of these topics, tying them together well and getting me really interested to dig in and explore on my own further.
February 5, 2019
This book is full of info that I knew in my gut but wanted to ignore in my life. After the first couple of chapters, I went into my closet and bagged up five garbage bags worth of stuff I didn’t love. I’m now rethinking plastics in a big way, but still have a lot of work to do in that area; I just needed a little prodding. I recommend this book for all who are wanting good reasons to take a stand for the protection of our world and our future generations. I believe that God gave us dominion over all, and I want to be a good steward of His creation in as many ways as possible.
February 8, 2022
This is the first book about veganism. I read few books about minimalism. So when I saw the title and how it would be a quick read, I knew I had to borrow it.
It mentioned some things about veganism that I already knew through documentaries. However, it’s nice to know the authors’ experience on how they transition to veganism.
And this book made me want to read more about the plight of animals as a means of human survival and how to make a difference as someone transitioning to vegetarianism to veganism.
It mentioned some things about veganism that I already knew through documentaries. However, it’s nice to know the authors’ experience on how they transition to veganism.
And this book made me want to read more about the plight of animals as a means of human survival and how to make a difference as someone transitioning to vegetarianism to veganism.
May 9, 2020
I would give this book 3.5 stars. I’m already vegan and I guess I didn’t really gain much from the vegan parts of the book. As far as the minimalism parts, I did find them interesting but I wish they were longer and more in depth. For what I paid for the book, I wish it took me longer than an hour to read, but overall I support what the authors are doing and if they came out with a more in depth book, I would read it.
June 2, 2021
I don't recommend the audiobook because it was unedited and repeated/had the scrapped takes still in there. But, the content of the book itself is great. It really convinced me even more than I already was to live a vegan and minimalist lifestyle. I was already firmly vegetarian, but this book convinced me veganism was the way to go just by pointing out environmental impacts!
August 1, 2024
Light (side from the normal descriptions of the awful practice of factory farming) but sincere introduction to two concepts that they then relate to each other in compelling ways.
Almost assuredly preaching to people already interested, but I appreciate how it didn't waste time and had a couple interesting statistics thrown in. Broad, but not bad.
Almost assuredly preaching to people already interested, but I appreciate how it didn't waste time and had a couple interesting statistics thrown in. Broad, but not bad.
August 25, 2019
Infomative
This was well written and simple with good information. I don't require simple, however, sometimes good topics get lost in too many words and lose the point trying to be made.
This was well written and simple with good information. I don't require simple, however, sometimes good topics get lost in too many words and lose the point trying to be made.
August 29, 2019
Not much new here
If you are new to veganism or minimalism and need a primer, this might be helpful to you. If you are already familiar with these topics, you won’t find anything profound here.
If you are new to veganism or minimalism and need a primer, this might be helpful to you. If you are already familiar with these topics, you won’t find anything profound here.
May 21, 2018
Simple. Honest.
I found this to be a great introduction to minimalism, veganism, and the connection between the two. Straight to the point but not overbearing.
I found this to be a great introduction to minimalism, veganism, and the connection between the two. Straight to the point but not overbearing.
July 6, 2018
This book is me, 100%. I did not learn anything new, but it's a good distillation of all the things I care about: the environment, animal welfare, less stuff, less plastic, etc. A very quick read.
August 31, 2018
Great summary of the way I tend to think about the world around me...
June 9, 2019
Ok, but
The part about the animal cruelty etc did not need to be there every one knows.
I have been a vegetarian/vegan for 25+ years
The part about the animal cruelty etc did not need to be there every one knows.
I have been a vegetarian/vegan for 25+ years
August 25, 2019
Great idea behind the book. However the book is very simple knowledge- perhaps better for those who know little about veganism and minimalism
August 1, 2020
It was short and to the point. I decided to read the book to put myself back on track after going off-road of my journey to becoming a vegan minimalist. This was good as a reminder.
August 16, 2020
Easy to read, information dense introduction to the global crises occurring today - I only wish it covered more in the society and justice section.
January 24, 2023
Quick read. Meant for someone who is not a vegan. Not much new material for me. Did appreciate the perspective on minimalism. A good reminder to be more intentional with my consumption.
February 1, 2023
A very small and simple booklet that does justice to the title by using just a few impactful words about each concept that is dealt with, in this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews