Not so long ago I saw a documentary on Netflix titled Minimalism. My main problem with it, and the movement as a whole, is that it depicted these people as crazy outsiders that chose to remove themselves from capitalism for no good reason. But the reason in and of itself is to find a meaning outside of material possession.
There is a misconception of minimalism; it’s unrealistic and pure hippie talk. There is also a societal misconception that in order to be happy we have to surround ourselves with many goods. Especially in New York City, where everyone is working to obtain “more”. Everyone is seeking to establish their superior status through a collection of things. New Yorkers want to be tangibly rewarded for all the amount of hours they put in. Personally, I’m interested and open to the idea of decreasing my things to increase value in my life in other ways.
In retrospect none of the highlights in my life have been obtaining goods. They have been moments where I have felt the most free, the most alive. Minimalism isn’t about having less, but rather obtaining much more. More meaningful connections, more memories and more time. I can’t deny that I like the finer things, but that mansion you strive to attain or luxe car will not follow you to the grave. When old age comes, I would like to look back on the moments I spent doing much more rather than chasing creature comforts. And if these ideas categorize me as a crazy person than I am happy being so.