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What you meant was minimalist is pointless but we still need names to work about things.l So my thinking is minimalist label is pointless. But minimalism as an umbrella term for this process of doing things is important. Because you language and vocabulary for large groups of people to interact and work with something, or work against it. Like how you named consumerism as a problem to delete or reduce. You still NAMED it, with the purpose of communicating to us the importance of its counter ; minimalism. We do need language to organize ourselves and the world around us. ... The name minimalism has to stay.
I see at least three types of minimalism, that can overlap. Aesthetic minimalism, functional minimalism, and anti-consumption minimalism. You can see all these types in the 'minimalist' youtubers. 1. Aesthetic minimalists buy new desks and tools every month, because each one is *so much better* for minimalism. They put a new mattress in a dumpster because a shikibuton is more "minimalist". They consume more than normal people. 2. Functional minimalists, are the Marie Kondo types. They may or may not have alot of *things*, but they've made an intentional well thought decision for them. 3. Then you have the Anti-consumption minimalists, these people don't usually have pretty white clean homes and matching dinnerware, because they buy almost everything second-hand. They reuse 10 times more than they recycle and probably don't call themselves minimalists.
The problem is that the first type of minimalist is the majority of minimalist youtubers and bloggers. The same youtubers and bloggers who says that poor people are poor because they buy a lot of stuff, which is not the case.
Well thought comment . There is also 4. Competition minimalism. 5. Anxiety reduction minimalism 6. Religious minimalism ( give up all worldly possessions for spiritual pursuits ). 7. Life is a game minimalism
Nowadays people mixing “minimalism” with “buying contemporary design looking stuffs”. Minimalism is simple, only keeping the things you need. If I need 5 things and have 5 things, I’m a minimalist. If another person needs 100 things and has 100 things, he’s also a minimalist.
@@Skoda130 Yup, told my mum I was selling the iron / ironing board. She was puzzled saying I should keep it incase I need to use it for a special occasions.... I had to remind her my life is literally work, eat, sleep, & repeat with no friends other family in sight lol.
@@b4rs629 just a little advice real quick from me if that's ok. You can live your life however you please, everyone has different wants and needs out of life. That being said, work, eat, sleep, repeat isn't a very healthy nor happy lifestyle, at least to me. I would suggest starting little habits that make you happy, chatting with a friendly co worker, or going out somewhere that you enjoy occasionally. When you're older don't you want to look back at your life with fondness and good memories? I can't imagine looking back and thinking "I had such a great life, I did the same thing every day with no fun nor friends in my life!" As I said before, you can do whatever you think feels best. I just want to maybe give you a different perspective to think about!
Contemporary (or any) design is not non minimalist. Minimalists are welcome to decorate our homes however we want haha. I got rid of 90% of my stuff and kept what makes me happy and my home is not decorated to look stale. Minimalism isn’t an aesthetic.
I have clutter. I like my books and my antiques. My 300 square foot apartment is exactly how I want it. My cluttered kitchen means I gave easy access to all my spices and cooking utensils. I'm also doing my best to be zero waste, anticonsumption and sustainable. I believe in décroissance, don't drive and bike everywhere. I just don't believe a white walled, sanitized and cold looking neutral apartment would make me happy.
For me, I think the point of minimalism is to declutter what you don’t need so that you can really achieve whatever it is you want to achieve / be whatever you want to be.
PG: You could be whatever you want to be without throwing all your stuff in the landfill. It's not exactly a requirement. Most really successful people have several homes full of expensive stuff.
Minimalism is a lifestyle, not an end goal. It’s a very mindful way living. I have started enjoying it very much! I feel relieved and want more of it in my life!
For me, minimalism is pointless if you don't know what is truly essential for your life and your goals. Or else you'll just follow or do blindly what every minimalism stereotype does.
They spend all their time virtue signaling and competing over who has the least stuff. Yes, of course they copy each other. One empty apartment looks pretty much the same as another.
@@robinlillian9471 This is my minimalist apartment tour... looking like they just moved in out their parents house. Honestly, though my apartment is almost similar now because I realized if I ever have to move I would need to hire someone to help me move since I live alone. + my friends & family never bother to come visit me + I'm the one always visiting.
This is exactly why I think "The Minimalists" have distorted their original message--now they've released two movies, about a dozen books, and countless talks that recycle the same idea. It's a powerful one that I fully subscribe to, but if they were truly living by it I would think that their lives would have opened up for new ventures and exploration...
I think that they have bills to pay too, so making a living out of books and movies that we pay ourselves for, because we want to get more educated / inspired over a certain topic, is not really contradicting with the idea of minimalism. If they are selling mugs and T’s with their logo - then that would be a problem, at least in my eyes. Just sharing my thoughts. I think of minimalism as a journey and I’m working on my impulses so I find such content inspirational.
@@SandraStefanova That's a fantastic point - and I completely agree about it being a journey. I have always seen it as solely a mindset switch that begins the journey but I definitely see the value of being able to watch others follow down the same path and discuss it!
@@SandraStefanova it's one thing to "teach" minimalism and still have a job and life outside that. But it seems like they made their whole lives and careers out of just minimalism (which will is just a simple straightforward thing) so they'll be milking it even if they don't have anything new to teach. They make it seem like minimalism is a magic pill that will solve any problem. They now look like a cult. I liked the first movie but the second one is just a cringey regurgitation.
@@jam4448 mmm I disagree with what you say but don’t want to turn this into a toxic argument, I guess everyone is entitled to have an option. So I’m going to let go of this debate 🤣
This is so true. By living minimalism lifestyle, I started to pick up crafting hobbies and it became one of the most important thing in my life. The space i cleared out gives room to store crafting materials. The space in my mind gives me clearer sights into my needs and helps me figure out what matters. Also the minimalist lifestyle also disciplines me from haulding too many unnecessary crafting supplies.
I wouldn’t dream of decluttering my home, it is full of the art and antiques we have collected over forty years. Our house is full of colour and interest, anything but a white box. But we are anti consumerist. We try to minimise our household waste, we don’t buy imported plastic gizmos, we buy our food from small local shops and markets and cook it from scratch. I think the idea of minimalism is very narrow and people think that you have to live with four brilliantly curated objects in a Spartan box. Most of our furniture has been in the world for a long time and is probably less taxing on the environment than twenty first century modernist furniture. We need a new word for the way some of us live.
The idea of minimalism it's not narrow it's the youtubers/influencers that make the idea narrow by putting in a pretty box, just like every other movement on internet. I've been a minimalist for 5 years and I can say that minimalism in real life it's not the same that online.
Minimalism is a way of living by understanding that when you arrive in this world you come with nothing, and when you leave this world you leave with nothing.
Minimalism opened up the room to breath. I now know what my style is, freedom to move when I want, and being intentional with money, time, and what I want to do.
Well said! Soooo true about the label of minimalism, it becomes this obsession and competition about who has the least things. I like to replace the word with simplicity, its the same philosophy without the extreme "cult".
I agree. His comment at around the 5:12 point about how some people practically turn it in a religion was spot on. Unfortunately there also are a lot of commentators on these type of videos who also think you need to be religious to be a "proper" minimalist.
I think too many people try to give minimalism a much bigger and complicated meaning than it has. It is simply the opposite of consumerism. Only getting what YOU need and enjoy not what ads, the news, your friends, society, brands or social media tells you you should get. Simply being intentional on your own terms with what you get. It may end up that your house will be almost empty or full of stuff but in the end you'll enjoy all of it. Now because we already live in a consumerism society where we buy everything for no reason for most people minimalism will end up by declutering their space. Now wether it helps you focus on your goals or not depend on each person and it has nothing to do with minimalism. Some minds thrive in clutter and chaos ... The problem is that with this honest but simple definition which is very personal many people who live on minimalism would not have enough content = would not make enough money from it. So every day we add more and more to the meaning of minimalism to produce more content, videos, podcast, netflix movies, books, wallets...
Loved how you paired 'decluttering' with the video of a landfill. We should be more aware of that image when we buy something. I been trying, and it helps a lot with leaving stuff at the store :)
You should be more aware of that landfill image when you throw stuff away. Most minimalists start off by adding quite a bit to the landfill. They could keep the clothes they already have instead of throwing it all out to go buy a capsule wardrobe.
Totally agree! Some people brag about being a minimalist but its just supplemental to who we want to become or what to achieve. I'd like to say minimalism is an action plan, way of life, a coping mechanism.. whatever it is, the purpose of deciding to choose it is to improve our quality of living. And it's just one of the few choices of the 'how' of living.
Personally, I would rather get rid of all these self-righteous prig minimalists who spend all their time throwing their stuff out instead of actually putting themselves out there to make something of their lives.
Your expression of minimalism as a vehicle is spot on 👌🏽 I agree! It has absolutely changed my perspective of material possessions. I used to keep everything everyone gave me. I kept clothes that didn’t fit me. I even kept old toys I used to play with as a child. Now when I make purchases or accept gifts, I make sure it is going to be used and that it has a purpose in my life (even if not daily). Gifts are tricky, but if I just can’t fit it into my life, I either donate it or regift it at a later date. In NO WAY do I call myself a minimalist though. I think “frugal” and “freestyle” are good labels 😄🤗
I got rid of my useless possessions and over the past two years I have achieved all the "one day" or "some day" tasks that built up over years. I couldn't agree more with what was said in your video. It has made room for the things I really really wanted to get done in my life so far.
I'm glad you said it! It's all about intentionality. I follow the minimalism subreddit and there are often times where people sacrifice hobbies and enjoyment for "minimalism". But in my eyes, it's fine to have hobbies and buy things as long as there is intention behind them.
labels are shit, be who you are, we "use" ideas and concepts... I find it increasingly irritating the need in society these days to stick a label on everything and everyone and the need to announce it to the world at any chance. Just be
My point of adapting minimalism is to live and get things done with the least number of items I can get by (not necessarily following any guide) but to maybe settle for less, like a cheaper car, a smaller house, cheaper and less clothing items and so on. Don't buy things just because people have it, so you must have it too which is very common in this age of social media.
I would agree. I consider minimalism to be resetting the canvas to the blank slate we all get as children and then filling it back in with care and intention.
Extreme minimalism is not healthy in my opinion. It works for very few people, not for the average person. However, owning what one needed and some of what one enjoys and not much more is healthier. I do not agree with white walls and four plated and glasses, but it has been helpful to get rid of a whole bunch of my stuff that was just taking up space. I have also cut way back on buying unnecessary things. I do spend money though. I spend on the Christmas parties my husband and I throw, or on my children’s weddings.
I'm just gonna say your content quality just keeps getting better and better and the footage you use is always directly related to what you're discussing. Keep being great man! Proud subscriber 🤗
In my opinion, as someone who's easily overwhelmed mentally and emotionally, minimalism helps a lot to keep my life in balance and my mental health in check. Minimalism shouldn't be made to be overcomplicated, that only defeats its original purpose. People can be minimalist, maximalist, or whatever the hell they want and need. It's something that shouldn't even be anyone else's concern.
For me, it's all about finding the middle ground in whatever you choose to follow. Unfortunately, many emphasize on whether you are or not a, for the topic at hand, Minimalist. A literal black or white view on things, missing out the huge gray area in between. To quote one of my favourite influential person, There are 3 sides of a coin : a) Head, b) Tail & c) Edges
I like that you made the public understand that it is beyond the label. That it is an ideology rather than owning to a label that doesn't serve the real purpose.
Great video. There's a similar point to be made with "veganism". I not so long ago understood that is a path and a destination, rather than a label. All said, labels like that are useful (I personally use it), we just have to be careful to avoid defining us completely by them
Veganism is an ideology, not a destination, or whatever you’re trying to define it as. Boycotting cruelty isn’t about you and your journey. It’s a useful label but veganism isn’t about vegans. That’s the problem with the label. Everyone is all me, me, me. Defeats the point. Been vegan 9 years and the label or journey is irrelevant to the violence. Just do it. Stop obsessing.
"Minimalism is having space for what you trully care for." I'm going to consider this as the capsule definition of the concept. Thank you! New subscriber here!
Today I came across this article - Why I hate minimalism - of this woman who tried minimalism, hated it and now she propagates all wrong ideias about this life style. However, she got rid of EVERYTHING she had, even her house, and moved to a tiny home so she could call herself a minimalist, and this is only one of the several wrong ideas she had about minimalism. Throughout her text you see how extreme she was about going minimal and completely missing the point of it ALL. I'm going to send her your video and hopefully she can finally understand everything she has been thinking. Here's the link to her article: www.getgreenbewell.com/minimalist-drop-out-why-i-hate-minimalism/?
If you’re a Maximalist or a Minimalist, you’re doing it because you believe that it’ll enable you to be happy. Each is akin to being in a fanatical religious cult. And within each there are rival cult leaders. Are you a Daniel minimalist or a Matt minimalist? I agree that being a minimalist gives you space both physically and mentally to provide the opportunity to think about what you do and don’t want in and for your life.
Right now, there are people all over the world who are just like you. They’re either lonely, they’re missing somebody, they’re depressed, they’re hurt, they’re scared of the past, they’re having personal issues no one knows about, they have secrets you wouldn’t believe. They wish, they dream and they hope. And right now, they are sitting here reading these words, and I’m writing this for you so you don’t feel alone anymore. Always remember, don’t be depressed about the past, don’t worry about the future, and just focus on today. If today’s not so great don’t worry! Tomorrow’s a new chance. If you are reading this, be sure to share this around to make others feel better. Have a nice day!
I could never be a minimalist because I like to make our home have personality. But I have used minimalisem to only buy and have things I will use and that I like. I have payed my debt because I think this way.
It works with labelling people in all areas of life. Labels are just limiting attachments. They tend to be definitive and presume further characteristics. They may be good for products, but not at all good for the complexity of a human being. I've been challenged over and over in life with many other labels that put me into certain boxes full of presumptions that I never lived up to, nor experienced. If I choose not to eat meet, people call me a vegetarian and have a preconceived idea of who I am. If I feel attracted to the same sex, people call me a homosexual, gay or a same-sexist (:D) and have their idea of who I am because that label has many implications. Some other ones are artist, spiritualist, immigrant etc. All of it is just a mind concept. We can live a minimalist life but don't have to identify as minimalist. We can eat plants but be nothing but a regular human being. We can love a same sex partner but have no identity around it at all. Be creative but not an artist with all the preconceptions that go with it and so on... Now, I love the idea of practising no identity so am I no-identitist? :D
Exactly. I have noticed that especially Western cultures(or maybe America?) put labels on everything. People define themselves with these labels...And these labels suddenly become something like religion...
100% agree with this. Thanks for sharing! I’ve stripped back a lot of my consumerist habits over the past few years but honestly I’m happier when I keep ahold of things that I really love.
I love how you educate people who are looking forward to become a minimalist like myself. You are absolutely correct in almost EVERYTHING. I am glad I saw this video! 🤗 keep up the good work.
Really well said! Overemphasizing the label blows everything out of proportion. Also Interesting to hear how you apply minimalism in your architecture work.
We have developed minimalism as an aesthetic in our home and lifestyle since we built our tiny house! We’re loving not feeling tied down to the habit and endless cycle of constant and cheap consumerism.
You’re videos are very insightful. You address the philosophies of minimalism in a very nuanced way. If I didn’t know you studied architecture, I would think you were a Philosophy professor. I study Philosophy in college and your discussions are engaging. Keep up the great work.
Thank you for this! Too many creators, authors, blogs, and need outlets seem to be getting it all wrong. It's for everybody to learn and a be aware of the consumerism they choose to participate in. It can help your finances, free time, ability to do other interests because you have more space, money, and time. Imagine all the time you wasted at starbucks to waste money on coffee you could've made at home. And you don't have to get rid of things that bring you joy or nostalgia, and you don't have to get rid of clothes, collectibles, or furniture. Just have intent when you think of how you want to fill your space and it makes sense for you.
I am an artist with ADHD and can only talk from experience. Minimalism has helped me tremendously. I get less distracted, work less, have savings, and can focus on making art. I am Mexican and like colors and pretty handmade things, but I only have what I need. Minimalism taught me to cherish the only resource I can not get back, which is my time, so I use my resources well and use them to support other artists and small businesses as much as possible. Overall I feel happier, less stressed, and less part of the capitalist rat race. Living with ADHD can be overwhelming. You don't have to get rid of everything. Find a good home for what is extra in your life.
I think this is a great video describing how he couldn't care less, on how people think he should live his minimalism (I'm assuming through comments) But something that people who struggle with social expectations, should also think about
Daniel. This is the most real video about minimalism ever. Using it as a tool rather than an identity. I love your take on this, and as always your visuals are STUNNING. Wonderful job, I hope to see your channel reach new heights. Can’t wait for more content ☺️
Amen 🙏 many self claimed minimalists are in a state of deprivation and so angry with much righteousness entitlement.. they often relapse coz they used it as means to get rid of a debt and once that’s over and there are those with the fear of stepping out to “Paint” is making much echo in their cold empty space.. i love this video here thank u
I have been a minimalist life for forty years. There are two points to this life. 1. Is to beware of covetousness. Americans are extremely spoiled. It's learning to be your own person and not what your neighbors, the marketing industry, big business ,or society says you should be. Screw them ! 2. It's you become more complete when you understand you only need food, water, and clothes. You become a better person when you don't let the vanity of this present world dictate your life, and you learn and understand how to do without there trapping.
Great advice! Thanks! For me, I only have things that I NEED. However, I still let my self shop and enjoy a treat. I just approach it differently now. While shopping, when I have an item in my hand or in my cart I ask my self: do I need this? If I stop needing this, can I recycle it or give it away? Will it end up in landfill? Another really good rule of thumb is waiting a few weeks or even months to buy something that you want. 50% of the time you will realize over time that the item is no longer worth spending the money, or you’ll grow disinterested. For me, if after a while I realize I still need it, I buy it.
You’re absolutely right with what you say about minimalism , but i think being a minimalist is a way to describe someone’s artistic style. The art of minimalism was “founded” in nineteen hundred as a design language, used in architecture and different kinds of design. Someone who was a minimalistic artist was of course called a minimalist. This does not change how misused the word is nowadays
I'm the opposite of a minimalist, I'm a bowerbird. I surround myself with a hoard of things that bring me joy, from trinkets to toys to figurines to wall art. I fundamentally don't 'get' minimalism at an emotional level, but I respect people's rights to live their lives in whichever way brings them the most peace and happiness.
Thanks for this. Many of my first year students conveniently say "minimalism" as an excuse why they have no design in their section drawings. I hope they get to watch this.
I wouldn't call myself a typical materialist but I'm definitely not a minimalist in almost any way. Yep, the backpacking was a bullseye but for me, it has nothing to do with minimalism. Being in a hotel is simply less adventurous than sleeping in a tent. But it seems to me, that these days minimalists throw the rest of the people into one bag with pure materialists and that's pissing me off. I'm definitely not buying a new mobile phone every single year because I can, I don't buy something just because I like it in that specific moment and throw it away after a month, I don't waste hoards of things simply because I can afford it... That doesn't mean I don't want a big house with a huge garden... because I would find a use for it, I wouldn't call myself eco-friendly or low-waste, I just don't "waste" more resources than is "necessary". And I definitely have a huge pile of basically useless stuff... e.g. film/game replicas etc. and those things don't make me necessarily happier or my life better or easier... I just have them and I'm perfectly ok with having them for the rest of my life. And that's what people don't understand, you can live like that and be perfectly happy and not trapped how basically all minimalists portrait us, the non-minimalists. For me, minimalism would be the exact opposite of happiness.
One should not be a complete die hard minimalist but adopt atleast some principles in ur life to , as much u can follow without being frustrated it will be the better
Loved this video! Being tidy, organized and productive are all adjectives that shouldn’t just be blanketed by “minimalism.” Agree with all your points. Keep up the great uploads and thank you for all that you do! 👍
The point is you dont waste, you dont overspend and hoarde ... you dont really reach an end point, you just reach a balance . You disentangle from the unhappiness of overconsumption but you might not reach the happiness unless you associate minimalism with a soul and a meaning . Its not about materials and decluttering... its intentional to what is more important in life than consumerism..... 🌹
I read about something exactly like this in the minimalism subreddit which I found interesting. Found this video more useful as it should help some others realise that we shouldn't define ourselves as a "minimalist" or make our whole personality around it. Plus those two guys "the minimalists" are trying to make the whole thing a cult and it kind of bothers me. I highly recommend watching Drew Gooden's video on the minimalists, really funny as well. But, I just like the idea as a way of thinking in situations even as a 17 year old since I don't have an income or even spend lol. Great video though!
Great perspective on this I learnt a lot. I love the mindset of understanding what you NEED and what you just want. If people applied this to all areas of life they'd be a lot happier. For example if you understand you only need 1 or 2 good friends you wouldn't be worried about social status and popularity games! Not to say you should deliberately reduce your social circle, but it's important to understand what's just ego.
Sorry to say so, but I raise an eyebrow when the first thing I see is an english sounding Matt D´Avella copy that sells a minimalist wallet in the first minute of the video. However as I am not that full of cynicsm and sarcams, I just watched the whole video and agree on many things. „Minimalism is a lifestyle for wealthy people who pretend to live like poor people.“ It is also for „better educated people“, who have the time and effort to change their lifestyle. That is all by design and choice. But Minimalism aside from a modern philosophy for the „Overfed wealthy young spoiled consumerism addict“ is a concept for everyone, a concept for the whole society. It is important to point that out and see the downsides of how minimalism is shown to the public by the regular show-off tools (socialmedia and yt). Minimalism is already misused by advertising, companys and consumerism lifestyle. Hey Look, my newest edc minimalist workout routine against procrastination! Nope, the bluecollar worker probably has to work nightshifts and overtime to just get food on the table and not the newest middleclass lifestyle Gadget that makes you feel like you are intentional.
It's cutting off all the unnecessary sidebunch of all sorts of things in order to have our way clear and straight and to even make it more and more frictionless so that we can reach where we want to with the necessary effort... And also there are no fixed rules here.. We are choosing the way we want to be in the most productive way possible... Also circumstances are different for many people... But I will say that being minimal really helps one go get what he or she wants irrespective of whether we get it exactly or we end up swayed just a lil. But thats not that bad... I really do appreciate minimal... It's healthy, at the same time, we are keeping ourselves free of many unnecessary chaos.
I’m the barbarian …. I’m going to ask my husband ( a packrat who fancies himself as tidy). I have no such pretensions. But i admire your work and have the intention … of streamlining our lives. Thanks. Monica
This Vancouverite loves that map you have in the background! Also, this video is very necessary in the minimalist conversation. It's about an overarching principle, and not a specific lifestyle.
Really liked this video and totally agree. I never understood the obsession with decluttering. Surely if you want to reduce consumerism you should use whatever you have until it breaks/falls apart/finishes...
Nothing that defines you besides yourself whether, it’s being a subculture, religion, tattoos, your education or anything else that’s a label that drives your being makes sense. Just be you. Whatever that means
I've been streamlining....or living a "minimalistic" life for many years now.... I'm still getting rid of crap I don't use or need.... and that includes the title minimalist :) There is no title that accurately covers "not purchasing for the pleasure obtained from the act of purchase itself" .... Reformed or recovering purchaser perhaps :) Minimalism is such a simple concept...like stopping smoking, drinking or stopping any addiction....you just stop.... Stop doing what you're doing..sounds simple. But...it is in direct opposition to the way we've been taught to value ourselves within our society. More stuff = greater standing in the community. This translates into - the better your chances of finding a mate.... And that's where it all gets complex..as you realise that you've just shunned what 99% of human beings value. You are right though, in your assumptions regarding the minimalist approach... I spend little time earning money now, since I need so much less..... My quality of life has sky rocketed regarding the quality of food that I eat and my overall levels of comfort..since I have so much more time now to make my own food from scratch, and concentrate on what really makes my life more pleasurable. Minimalism can be very self indulgent....since you're saying "screw you world, I'm looking after me...and I couldn't care less about how you view that". Great video...all the best....J
Basically: Do not overdo your minimalism into extreme... Nice video though... As someone from a non-english speaking country I enjoyed your rich language in terms of vocabulary - it nicely widened my horizons. Love the critical thinking.
What is the point of getting rid of stuff you paid for & use? If you repurpose items not being used now that makes sense. Isn’t this really decluttering??? I admit most Americans are guilty of conspicuous consumption. But isn’t minimalism just a ridiculous extreme?
I also see minimalism not as an act of taking out things, but having only the essential for something to work well (your life, happiness, design, architecture etc.). I think it doesn’t need to be 0+1-1=0, as a rule. Great content!
It's sad that even minimalism has become a sort of brand and bragging label for many content creators. The very opposite of the core message of living with minimal stuff.
You dont end up "back where you started", you end up clear minded, and owning things that contribute value to your life. You also save a sh*t of money, to invest in bitcoin and the stock market.
Big thanks to Ridge for supporting the channel and making videos like this possible! Here’s the site if you
want to check them out: www.ridge.com/DANIEL
What you meant was minimalist is pointless but we still need names to work about things.l
So my thinking is minimalist label is pointless. But minimalism as an umbrella term for this process of doing things is important.
Because you language and vocabulary for large groups of people to interact and work with something, or work against it.
Like how you named consumerism as a problem to delete or reduce.
You still NAMED it, with the purpose of communicating to us the importance of its counter ; minimalism.
We do need language to organize ourselves and the world around us.
... The name minimalism has to stay.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Imagine the disappointment someone would feel if they tried to rob a house only to realize those people were minimalists
🤣
Great 😂 😂
yeah but minimalist own higher quality products so bye bye apple laptop
"The naked man fears no pickpocket"
hahahahaha it must be so hard for the robber😹😹😹
I see at least three types of minimalism, that can overlap. Aesthetic minimalism, functional minimalism, and anti-consumption minimalism.
You can see all these types in the 'minimalist' youtubers.
1. Aesthetic minimalists buy new desks and tools every month, because each one is *so much better* for minimalism. They put a new mattress in a dumpster because a shikibuton is more "minimalist". They consume more than normal people.
2. Functional minimalists, are the Marie Kondo types. They may or may not have alot of *things*, but they've made an intentional well thought decision for them.
3. Then you have the Anti-consumption minimalists, these people don't usually have pretty white clean homes and matching dinnerware, because they buy almost everything second-hand. They reuse 10 times more than they recycle and probably don't call themselves minimalists.
Interesting distinctions and well said
The problem is that the first type of minimalist is the majority of minimalist youtubers and bloggers. The same youtubers and bloggers who says that poor people are poor because they buy a lot of stuff, which is not the case.
Well thought comment . There is also 4. Competition minimalism. 5. Anxiety reduction minimalism
6. Religious minimalism ( give up all worldly possessions for spiritual pursuits ).
7. Life is a game minimalism
@J T oh . Apt observation
@@NuryPPanaligan I think one of the reasons they do that is because they have a youtube channel. It is easier on the eyes.
This guy is also minimalistic towards his number of video uploads...still manages to be among the top...Wow!
Appreciate it Sushrutt! 🙏🏼
Quality>quantity
I always look forward to Daniel's uploads. I know it's gonna be interesting every time.
Few but purposeful and meaningful videos. 😂 He’s a purposefulist.
totally agreed as most of "minimalist" youtubers have posted too many videos just talking about minimalism, as opposed to their motto
@@lowwastehighmelanin Exactly!!!
Minimalists flexing on eachother be like "bet I have less than you bro!"
Lol.So true !
Poor people: hold my nothing
OK THIS IS REALLY FUNNY
No Matt was harmed in this video
Yessss 😆
They have a minimalist factory somewhere, where they build several Matts out of the bodyparts of former consumers.
Nowadays people mixing “minimalism” with “buying contemporary design looking stuffs”. Minimalism is simple, only keeping the things you need. If I need 5 things and have 5 things, I’m a minimalist. If another person needs 100 things and has 100 things, he’s also a minimalist.
But then again, everyone defines "need" in their own way.
@@Skoda130 Yup, told my mum I was selling the iron / ironing board. She was puzzled saying I should keep it incase I need to use it for a special occasions.... I had to remind her my life is literally work, eat, sleep, & repeat with no friends other family in sight lol.
@@b4rs629 just a little advice real quick from me if that's ok. You can live your life however you please, everyone has different wants and needs out of life. That being said, work, eat, sleep, repeat isn't a very healthy nor happy lifestyle, at least to me. I would suggest starting little habits that make you happy, chatting with a friendly co worker, or going out somewhere that you enjoy occasionally. When you're older don't you want to look back at your life with fondness and good memories? I can't imagine looking back and thinking "I had such a great life, I did the same thing every day with no fun nor friends in my life!" As I said before, you can do whatever you think feels best. I just want to maybe give you a different perspective to think about!
I need 100 pair of shoes
Contemporary (or any) design is not non minimalist. Minimalists are welcome to decorate our homes however we want haha. I got rid of 90% of my stuff and kept what makes me happy and my home is not decorated to look stale. Minimalism isn’t an aesthetic.
I have clutter. I like my books and my antiques. My 300 square foot apartment is exactly how I want it. My cluttered kitchen means I gave easy access to all my spices and cooking utensils. I'm also doing my best to be zero waste, anticonsumption and sustainable. I believe in décroissance, don't drive and bike everywhere. I just don't believe a white walled, sanitized and cold looking neutral apartment would make me happy.
Yeah, this "minimalist" aesthetic is everywhere in modern world, everything feels so empty, so useless, inefficient...
That makes you a minimalist
minimalism isn't about owning less stuff, it's about not allowing the stuff you have distract you from the activities you enjoy. great perspective!
It's really both.
That’s not true minimalism. That’s just a lazy person who doesn’t want to clean.
@@velse9869 right! Everyone who liked and agreed with that comment is either lazy or doesn’t clean or both lmao
@@sarina4526 What an educated person that is. GEEZ !
@@sandysmom100 lmao
I'm calling myself a productivityiststsststssts from now on.
It's a great label. I think it's going to catch on
Haha productivity is so trendy
Funny, because, some endorse minimalism to avoid that productivity and enjoy time out of the rat race.
OLIURRR
For me, I think the point of minimalism is to declutter what you don’t need so that you can really achieve whatever it is you want to achieve / be whatever you want to be.
💯! 🙌🏼
PG: You could be whatever you want to be without throwing all your stuff in the landfill. It's not exactly a requirement. Most really successful people have several homes full of expensive stuff.
I like the nuance you took with this. Makes the movement feel a little more human in some way. 👍🏻
Cheers Levi!
Minimalism is a lifestyle, not an end goal. It’s a very mindful way living. I have started enjoying it very much! I feel relieved and want more of it in my life!
For me, minimalism is pointless if you don't know what is truly essential for your life and your goals. Or else you'll just follow or do blindly what every minimalism stereotype does.
TRUE
They spend all their time virtue signaling and competing over who has the least stuff. Yes, of course they copy each other. One empty apartment looks pretty much the same as another.
@@robinlillian9471 This is my minimalist apartment tour... looking like they just moved in out their parents house. Honestly, though my apartment is almost similar now because I realized if I ever have to move I would need to hire someone to help me move since I live alone. + my friends & family never bother to come visit me + I'm the one always visiting.
This is exactly why I think "The Minimalists" have distorted their original message--now they've released two movies, about a dozen books, and countless talks that recycle the same idea. It's a powerful one that I fully subscribe to, but if they were truly living by it I would think that their lives would have opened up for new ventures and exploration...
the tea is hot with this one
I think that they have bills to pay too, so making a living out of books and movies that we pay ourselves for, because we want to get more educated / inspired over a certain topic, is not really contradicting with the idea of minimalism. If they are selling mugs and T’s with their logo - then that would be a problem, at least in my eyes. Just sharing my thoughts. I think of minimalism as a journey and I’m working on my impulses so I find such content inspirational.
@@SandraStefanova That's a fantastic point - and I completely agree about it being a journey. I have always seen it as solely a mindset switch that begins the journey but I definitely see the value of being able to watch others follow down the same path and discuss it!
@@SandraStefanova it's one thing to "teach" minimalism and still have a job and life outside that. But it seems like they made their whole lives and careers out of just minimalism (which will is just a simple straightforward thing) so they'll be milking it even if they don't have anything new to teach.
They make it seem like minimalism is a magic pill that will solve any problem. They now look like a cult. I liked the first movie but the second one is just a cringey regurgitation.
@@jam4448 mmm I disagree with what you say but don’t want to turn this into a toxic argument, I guess everyone is entitled to have an option. So I’m going to let go of this debate 🤣
It's so much more about how intentional you're living, rather than how minimal you're living. Great video!
💯
This is so true. By living minimalism lifestyle, I started to pick up crafting hobbies and it became one of the most important thing in my life. The space i cleared out gives room to store crafting materials. The space in my mind gives me clearer sights into my needs and helps me figure out what matters. Also the minimalist lifestyle also disciplines me from haulding too many unnecessary crafting supplies.
*hoarding
I wouldn’t dream of decluttering my home, it is full of the art and antiques we have collected over forty years. Our house is full of colour and interest, anything but a white box. But we are anti consumerist. We try to minimise our household waste, we don’t buy imported plastic gizmos, we buy our food from small local shops and markets and cook it from scratch. I think the idea of minimalism is very narrow and people think that you have to live with four brilliantly curated objects in a Spartan box. Most of our furniture has been in the world for a long time and is probably less taxing on the environment than twenty first century modernist furniture. We need a new word for the way some of us live.
Agree.
Well said.
The idea of minimalism it's not narrow it's the youtubers/influencers that make the idea narrow by putting in a pretty box, just like every other movement on internet. I've been a minimalist for 5 years and I can say that minimalism in real life it's not the same that online.
I think you are describing maximalism.
Minimalism is a way of living by understanding that when you arrive in this world you come with nothing, and when you leave this world you leave with nothing.
Amen
Yes 🙌💯
But that doesn't mean you have to live with nothing while you are alive?
Minimalism opened up the room to breath. I now know what my style is, freedom to move when I want, and being intentional with money, time, and what I want to do.
Well said! Soooo true about the label of minimalism, it becomes this obsession and competition about who has the least things. I like to replace the word with simplicity, its the same philosophy without the extreme "cult".
I agree. His comment at around the 5:12 point about how some people practically turn it in a religion was spot on. Unfortunately there also are a lot of commentators on these type of videos who also think you need to be religious to be a "proper" minimalist.
I think too many people try to give minimalism a much bigger and complicated meaning than it has. It is simply the opposite of consumerism. Only getting what YOU need and enjoy not what ads, the news, your friends, society, brands or social media tells you you should get. Simply being intentional on your own terms with what you get. It may end up that your house will be almost empty or full of stuff but in the end you'll enjoy all of it. Now because we already live in a consumerism society where we buy everything for no reason for most people minimalism will end up by declutering their space. Now wether it helps you focus on your goals or not depend on each person and it has nothing to do with minimalism. Some minds thrive in clutter and chaos ... The problem is that with this honest but simple definition which is very personal many people who live on minimalism would not have enough content = would not make enough money from it. So every day we add more and more to the meaning of minimalism to produce more content, videos, podcast, netflix movies, books, wallets...
Yes. Very true.
Well said.
Exactly, Less is More... The end.
Loved how you paired 'decluttering' with the video of a landfill. We should be more aware of that image when we buy something. I been trying, and it helps a lot with leaving stuff at the store :)
You should be more aware of that landfill image when you throw stuff away. Most minimalists start off by adding quite a bit to the landfill. They could keep the clothes they already have instead of throwing it all out to go buy a capsule wardrobe.
"The minimalist equivalent of inbox zero" I love the way you phrase things hahah. High quality content as usual. Loved it!
🙈 Thanks Nate!
Totally agree! Some people brag about being a minimalist but its just supplemental to who we want to become or what to achieve. I'd like to say minimalism is an action plan, way of life, a coping mechanism.. whatever it is, the purpose of deciding to choose it is to improve our quality of living. And it's just one of the few choices of the 'how' of living.
The first step in crafting the life you want is to get rid of everything you don’t.
Hi, please what the author of this awesome quote ?
@@ced6528 I googled it and found Joshua Becker
It's actually just pure common sense if you just stop and truly think about the concept itself in terms of lifestyle.
Personally, I would rather get rid of all these self-righteous prig minimalists who spend all their time throwing their stuff out instead of actually putting themselves out there to make something of their lives.
@@robinlillian9471 Good point tho
This is why you and JustJoeLee are my favourite channels - you have the realest and freshest takes on "minimalism"!
Minimalists always seem to have nice homes/kitchens! ...and no kids.
Your expression of minimalism as a vehicle is spot on 👌🏽 I agree! It has absolutely changed my perspective of material possessions. I used to keep everything everyone gave me. I kept clothes that didn’t fit me. I even kept old toys I used to play with as a child. Now when I make purchases or accept gifts, I make sure it is going to be used and that it has a purpose in my life (even if not daily). Gifts are tricky, but if I just can’t fit it into my life, I either donate it or regift it at a later date. In NO WAY do I call myself a minimalist though. I think “frugal” and “freestyle” are good labels 😄🤗
I got rid of my useless possessions and over the past two years I have achieved all the "one day" or "some day" tasks that built up over years. I couldn't agree more with what was said in your video. It has made room for the things I really really wanted to get done in my life so far.
I'm glad you said it! It's all about intentionality. I follow the minimalism subreddit and there are often times where people sacrifice hobbies and enjoyment for "minimalism". But in my eyes, it's fine to have hobbies and buy things as long as there is intention behind them.
labels are shit, be who you are, we "use" ideas and concepts... I find it increasingly irritating the need in society these days to stick a label on everything and everyone and the need to announce it to the world at any chance. Just be
My point of adapting minimalism is to live and get things done with the least number of items I can get by (not necessarily following any guide) but to maybe settle for less, like a cheaper car, a smaller house, cheaper and less clothing items and so on. Don't buy things just because people have it, so you must have it too which is very common in this age of social media.
I would agree. I consider minimalism to be resetting the canvas to the blank slate we all get as children and then filling it back in with care and intention.
LowWaste: very well said.
Extreme minimalism is not healthy in my opinion. It works for very few people, not for the average person. However, owning what one needed and some of what one enjoys and not much more is healthier. I do not agree with white walls and four plated and glasses, but it has been helpful to get rid of a whole bunch of my stuff that was just taking up space. I have also cut way back on buying unnecessary things. I do spend money though. I spend on the Christmas parties my husband and I throw, or on my children’s weddings.
I'm just gonna say your content quality just keeps getting better and better and the footage you use is always directly related to what you're discussing. Keep being great man! Proud subscriber 🤗
Minimalist is a soothing canvas for the brain to rest...like a clean white pillow for the mind.
In my opinion, as someone who's easily overwhelmed mentally and emotionally, minimalism helps a lot to keep my life in balance and my mental health in check.
Minimalism shouldn't be made to be overcomplicated, that only defeats its original purpose.
People can be minimalist, maximalist, or whatever the hell they want and need. It's something that shouldn't even be anyone else's concern.
Finally someone said that this is only a tool that can help us in life. Great video!
For me, it's all about finding the middle ground in whatever you choose to follow. Unfortunately, many emphasize on whether you are or not a, for the topic at hand, Minimalist. A literal black or white view on things, missing out the huge gray area in between.
To quote one of my favourite influential person,
There are 3 sides of a coin :
a) Head,
b) Tail &
c) Edges
I like that you made the public understand that it is beyond the label.
That it is an ideology rather than owning to a label that doesn't serve the real purpose.
Great video. There's a similar point to be made with "veganism". I not so long ago understood that is a path and a destination, rather than a label. All said, labels like that are useful (I personally use it), we just have to be careful to avoid defining us completely by them
Veganism is an ideology, not a destination, or whatever you’re trying to define it as. Boycotting cruelty isn’t about you and your journey. It’s a useful label but veganism isn’t about vegans. That’s the problem with the label. Everyone is all me, me, me. Defeats the point. Been vegan 9 years and the label or journey is irrelevant to the violence. Just do it. Stop obsessing.
"Minimalism is having space for what you trully care for." I'm going to consider this as the capsule definition of the concept. Thank you! New subscriber here!
Today I came across this article - Why I hate minimalism - of this woman who tried minimalism, hated it and now she propagates all wrong ideias about this life style. However, she got rid of EVERYTHING she had, even her house, and moved to a tiny home so she could call herself a minimalist, and this is only one of the several wrong ideas she had about minimalism. Throughout her text you see how extreme she was about going minimal and completely missing the point of it ALL.
I'm going to send her your video and hopefully she can finally understand everything she has been thinking.
Here's the link to her article: www.getgreenbewell.com/minimalist-drop-out-why-i-hate-minimalism/?
If you’re a Maximalist or a Minimalist, you’re doing it because you believe that it’ll enable you to be happy.
Each is akin to being in a fanatical religious cult. And within each there are rival cult leaders. Are you a Daniel minimalist or a Matt minimalist?
I agree that being a minimalist gives you space both physically and mentally to provide the opportunity to think about what you do and don’t want in and for your life.
Right now, there are people all over the world who are just like you. They’re either lonely, they’re missing somebody, they’re depressed, they’re hurt, they’re scared of the past, they’re having personal issues no one knows about, they have secrets you wouldn’t believe. They wish, they dream and they hope. And right now, they are sitting here reading these words, and I’m writing this for you so you don’t feel alone anymore. Always remember, don’t be depressed about the past, don’t worry about the future, and just focus on today. If today’s not so great don’t worry! Tomorrow’s a new chance. If you are reading this, be sure to share this around to make others feel better. Have a nice day!
I could never be a minimalist because I like to make our home have personality. But I have used minimalisem to only buy and have things I will use and that I like. I have payed my debt because I think this way.
It works with labelling people in all areas of life. Labels are just limiting attachments. They tend to be definitive and presume further characteristics. They may be good for products, but not at all good for the complexity of a human being. I've been challenged over and over in life with many other labels that put me into certain boxes full of presumptions that I never lived up to, nor experienced. If I choose not to eat meet, people call me a vegetarian and have a preconceived idea of who I am. If I feel attracted to the same sex, people call me a homosexual, gay or a same-sexist (:D) and have their idea of who I am because that label has many implications. Some other ones are artist, spiritualist, immigrant etc. All of it is just a mind concept. We can live a minimalist life but don't have to identify as minimalist. We can eat plants but be nothing but a regular human being. We can love a same sex partner but have no identity around it at all. Be creative but not an artist with all the preconceptions that go with it and so on...
Now, I love the idea of practising no identity so am I no-identitist? :D
Exactly. I have noticed that especially Western cultures(or maybe America?) put labels on everything. People define themselves with these labels...And these labels suddenly become something like religion...
100% agree with this. Thanks for sharing! I’ve stripped back a lot of my consumerist habits over the past few years but honestly I’m happier when I keep ahold of things that I really love.
I love how you educate people who are looking forward to become a minimalist like myself. You are absolutely correct in almost EVERYTHING. I am glad I saw this video! 🤗 keep up the good work.
Really well said! Overemphasizing the label blows everything out of proportion. Also Interesting to hear how you apply minimalism in your architecture work.
Cheers CK!
We have developed minimalism as an aesthetic in our home and lifestyle since we built our tiny house! We’re loving not feeling tied down to the habit and endless cycle of constant and cheap consumerism.
I think it’s all about decluttering also I can see why being a minimalist has its perks since you can fly and move near nomadically !
Some people start buying minimalist products to be "minimalist".
You’re videos are very insightful. You address the philosophies of minimalism in a very nuanced way. If I didn’t know you studied architecture, I would think you were a Philosophy professor. I study Philosophy in college and your discussions are engaging. Keep up the great work.
Always such a refreshing perspective bro. Great vid!
Matt D'Avella reading this title like 🤔 - really great video man! 👊🏾
Cheers Yath! I'd definitely be curious to hear what he thinks.
I always wait patiently for your videos. They always help me with my productivity and efficiency.
Great perspective and very well articulated about minimalism. I follow a 'minimalist' lifestyle, but it's not the definition I give my identity.
The "Throw It Away" guided journal by Guru Notebooks is helpful for getting rid of stuff. It's on Amazon.
Thank you for this! Too many creators, authors, blogs, and need outlets seem to be getting it all wrong. It's for everybody to learn and a be aware of the consumerism they choose to participate in. It can help your finances, free time, ability to do other interests because you have more space, money, and time.
Imagine all the time you wasted at starbucks to waste money on coffee you could've made at home.
And you don't have to get rid of things that bring you joy or nostalgia, and you don't have to get rid of clothes, collectibles, or furniture. Just have intent when you think of how you want to fill your space and it makes sense for you.
These productivity ,minimalism and FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE words come under being a reasonable rationale human being
I am an artist with ADHD and can only talk from experience. Minimalism has helped me tremendously. I get less distracted, work less, have savings, and can focus on making art. I am Mexican and like colors and pretty handmade things, but I only have what I need. Minimalism taught me to cherish the only resource I can not get back, which is my time, so I use my resources well and use them to support other artists and small businesses as much as possible. Overall I feel happier, less stressed, and less part of the capitalist rat race. Living with ADHD can be overwhelming. You don't have to get rid of everything. Find a good home for what is extra in your life.
I think this is a great video describing how he couldn't care less, on how people think he should live his minimalism (I'm assuming through comments)
But something that people who struggle with social expectations, should also think about
Daniel. This is the most real video about minimalism ever. Using it as a tool rather than an identity. I love your take on this, and as always your visuals are STUNNING. Wonderful job, I hope to see your channel reach new heights. Can’t wait for more content ☺️
I love the versatility of the table!
Amen 🙏 many self claimed minimalists are in a state of deprivation and so angry with much righteousness entitlement.. they often relapse coz they used it as means to get rid of a debt and once that’s over and there are those with the fear of stepping out to “Paint” is making much echo in their cold empty space.. i love this video here thank u
Thanks for putting up the work. I am glad to get this deeper and vivid image of what minimalism is about..
I have been a minimalist life for forty years. There are two points to this life. 1. Is to beware of covetousness. Americans are extremely spoiled. It's learning to be your own person and not what your neighbors, the marketing industry, big business ,or society says you should be. Screw them ! 2. It's you become more complete when you understand you only need food, water, and clothes. You become a better person when you don't let the vanity of this present world dictate your life, and you learn and understand how to do without there trapping.
Great advice! Thanks! For me, I only have things that I NEED. However, I still let my self shop and enjoy a treat. I just approach it differently now. While shopping, when I have an item in my hand or in my cart I ask my self: do I need this? If I stop needing this, can I recycle it or give it away? Will it end up in landfill?
Another really good rule of thumb is waiting a few weeks or even months to buy something that you want. 50% of the time you will realize over time that the item is no longer worth spending the money, or you’ll grow disinterested. For me, if after a while I realize I still need it, I buy it.
You’re absolutely right with what you say about minimalism , but i think being a minimalist is a way to describe someone’s artistic style. The art of minimalism was “founded” in nineteen hundred as a design language, used in architecture and different kinds of design. Someone who was a minimalistic artist was of course called a minimalist. This does not change how misused the word is nowadays
I'm the opposite of a minimalist, I'm a bowerbird. I surround myself with a hoard of things that bring me joy, from trinkets to toys to figurines to wall art. I fundamentally don't 'get' minimalism at an emotional level, but I respect people's rights to live their lives in whichever way brings them the most peace and happiness.
Daniel. The minimalist that keeps accumulating subscribers.
Thanks for this. Many of my first year students conveniently say "minimalism" as an excuse why they have no design in their section drawings. I hope they get to watch this.
I wouldn't call myself a typical materialist but I'm definitely not a minimalist in almost any way. Yep, the backpacking was a bullseye but for me, it has nothing to do with minimalism. Being in a hotel is simply less adventurous than sleeping in a tent.
But it seems to me, that these days minimalists throw the rest of the people into one bag with pure materialists and that's pissing me off.
I'm definitely not buying a new mobile phone every single year because I can, I don't buy something just because I like it in that specific moment and throw it away after a month, I don't waste hoards of things simply because I can afford it...
That doesn't mean I don't want a big house with a huge garden... because I would find a use for it, I wouldn't call myself eco-friendly or low-waste, I just don't "waste" more resources than is "necessary". And I definitely have a huge pile of basically useless stuff... e.g. film/game replicas etc. and those things don't make me necessarily happier or my life better or easier... I just have them and I'm perfectly ok with having them for the rest of my life.
And that's what people don't understand, you can live like that and be perfectly happy and not trapped how basically all minimalists portrait us, the non-minimalists. For me, minimalism would be the exact opposite of happiness.
One should not be a complete die hard minimalist but adopt atleast some principles in ur life to , as much u can follow without being frustrated it will be the better
Financial independence = FIRE movement
Great video! Being intentional with your purchases is key :)
Loved this video! Being tidy, organized and productive are all adjectives that shouldn’t just be blanketed by “minimalism.” Agree with all your points. Keep up the great uploads and thank you for all that you do! 👍
The point is you dont waste, you dont overspend and hoarde ... you dont really reach an end point, you just reach a balance . You disentangle from the unhappiness of overconsumption but you might not reach the happiness unless you associate minimalism with a soul and a meaning . Its not about materials and decluttering... its intentional to what is more important in life than consumerism..... 🌹
Thank you for this. I was starting to feel my journey with Minimalism was getting pointless.
Really love your perspective and eloquence in explaining your thoughts
I read about something exactly like this in the minimalism subreddit which I found interesting.
Found this video more useful as it should help some others realise that we shouldn't define ourselves as a "minimalist" or make our whole personality around it.
Plus those two guys "the minimalists" are trying to make the whole thing a cult and it kind of bothers me.
I highly recommend watching Drew Gooden's video on the minimalists, really funny as well.
But, I just like the idea as a way of thinking in situations even as a 17 year old since I don't have an income or even spend lol.
Great video though!
Thanks Parsa! I thought Drew's video was harsh, but he makes valid points.
Great perspective on this I learnt a lot. I love the mindset of understanding what you NEED and what you just want. If people applied this to all areas of life they'd be a lot happier. For example if you understand you only need 1 or 2 good friends you wouldn't be worried about social status and popularity games! Not to say you should deliberately reduce your social circle, but it's important to understand what's just ego.
Sorry to say so, but I raise an eyebrow when the first thing I see is an english sounding Matt D´Avella copy that sells a minimalist wallet in the first minute of the video. However as I am not that full of cynicsm and sarcams, I just watched the whole video and agree on many things.
„Minimalism is a lifestyle for wealthy people who pretend to live like poor people.“ It is also for „better educated people“, who have the time and effort to change their lifestyle. That is all by design and choice. But Minimalism aside from a modern philosophy for the „Overfed wealthy young spoiled consumerism addict“ is a concept for everyone, a concept for the whole society. It is important to point that out and see the downsides of how minimalism is shown to the public by the regular show-off tools (socialmedia and yt). Minimalism is already misused by advertising, companys and consumerism lifestyle. Hey Look, my newest edc minimalist workout routine against procrastination! Nope, the bluecollar worker probably has to work nightshifts and overtime to just get food on the table and not the newest middleclass lifestyle Gadget that makes you feel like you are intentional.
"It rewards you with SPACE" spoken like an architect haha
It's cutting off all the unnecessary sidebunch of all sorts of things in order to have our way clear and straight and to even make it more and more frictionless so that we can reach where we want to with the necessary effort... And also there are no fixed rules here.. We are choosing the way we want to be in the most productive way possible... Also circumstances are different for many people... But I will say that being minimal really helps one go get what he or she wants irrespective of whether we get it exactly or we end up swayed just a lil. But thats not that bad... I really do appreciate minimal... It's healthy, at the same time, we are keeping ourselves free of many unnecessary chaos.
I’m the barbarian …. I’m going to ask my husband ( a packrat who fancies himself as tidy). I have no such pretensions. But i admire your work and have the intention … of streamlining our lives. Thanks. Monica
This Vancouverite loves that map you have in the background! Also, this video is very necessary in the minimalist conversation. It's about an overarching principle, and not a specific lifestyle.
Very well said. In my earlier times we just call it a simple-organized life. Not a trend, a statement, or a practice.
Really liked this video and totally agree. I never understood the obsession with decluttering. Surely if you want to reduce consumerism you should use whatever you have until it breaks/falls apart/finishes...
Nothing that defines you besides yourself whether, it’s being a subculture, religion, tattoos, your education or anything else that’s a label that drives your being makes sense. Just be you. Whatever that means
I've realized, minimalism is not just a lifestyle, it's just a tool that you can use however you want. There are no fixed rules.
I've been streamlining....or living a "minimalistic" life for many years now.... I'm still getting rid of crap I don't use or need.... and that includes the title minimalist :)
There is no title that accurately covers "not purchasing for the pleasure obtained from the act of purchase itself" .... Reformed or recovering purchaser perhaps :)
Minimalism is such a simple concept...like stopping smoking, drinking or stopping any addiction....you just stop.... Stop doing what you're doing..sounds simple.
But...it is in direct opposition to the way we've been taught to value ourselves within our society.
More stuff = greater standing in the community.
This translates into - the better your chances of finding a mate....
And that's where it all gets complex..as you realise that you've just shunned what 99% of human beings value.
You are right though, in your assumptions regarding the minimalist approach... I spend little time earning money now, since I need so much less..... My quality of life has sky rocketed regarding the quality of food that I eat and my overall levels of comfort..since I have so much more time now to make my own food from scratch, and concentrate on what really makes my life more pleasurable.
Minimalism can be very self indulgent....since you're saying "screw you world, I'm looking after me...and I couldn't care less about how you view that".
Great video...all the best....J
Basically: Do not overdo your minimalism into extreme...
Nice video though... As someone from a non-english speaking country I enjoyed your rich language in terms of vocabulary - it nicely widened my horizons. Love the critical thinking.
What is the point of getting rid of stuff you paid for & use?
If you repurpose items not being used now that makes sense.
Isn’t this really decluttering???
I admit most Americans are guilty of conspicuous consumption.
But isn’t minimalism just a ridiculous extreme?
the problem is that people look for outward solutions to inner void . so have or not having is not the issue .
I also see minimalism not as an act of taking out things, but having only the essential for something to work well (your life, happiness, design, architecture etc.). I think it doesn’t need to be 0+1-1=0, as a rule. Great content!
It's sad that even minimalism has become a sort of brand and bragging label for many content creators. The very opposite of the core message of living with minimal stuff.
Yes
You dont end up "back where you started", you end up clear minded, and owning things that contribute value to your life. You also save a sh*t of money, to invest in bitcoin and the stock market.
Exactly