What minimalism really looks like...

Summary

This video explores minimalism as a lifestyle, emphasizing its impact on personal well-being and contentment. It traces the modern minimalist movement back to 2006, highlighting the influence of bloggers like Leo Babauta. The script discusses benefits such as financial security, reduced stress, and clarified passions, while dispelling misconceptions about extreme deprivation. It encourages viewers to reflect on their values and redefine success, sharing personal stories of transformation through intentional living.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Minimalism as a lifestyle is about more than just art and design; it's about decluttering and finding contentment with less.
• 📅 The modern minimalist movement began around 2006, with bloggers like Leo Babauta promoting the benefits of decluttering.
• 📝 Leo Babauta started the blog 'Mnmlist' to foster a conversation around minimalism and its benefits.
• 📉 Minimalism encourages the elimination of unnecessary items from life to experience benefits like financial security and reduced stress.
• 🤔 The minimalist lifestyle is about making intentional decisions about what to keep based on what adds value or brings joy.
• 🛍️ Minimalism is partly a reaction to conspicuous consumption, a concept observed by economist Thorstein Veblen.
• 🌐 The rise of online shopping and social media has contributed to a culture of buying more, which minimalism seeks to counteract.
• 🏠 Minimalism does not advocate for extreme deprivation; it's about keeping what you love and letting go of the rest.
• 📚 Minimalism is not one-size-fits-all; it adapts to individuals' interests, values, and life circumstances.
• 🔑 The key to minimalism is not taking it too far by getting rid of things that genuinely bring enjoyment and value.
• 💡 Minimalism is about more than material possessions; it's about focusing on what truly matters and redefining success.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video script?

The main topic of the video script is minimalism as a lifestyle, discussing how decluttering and focusing on fewer possessions can lead to a more content and meaningful life.

When did the modern minimalist movement begin according to the script?

The modern minimalist movement began around 2006, with bloggers like Leo Babauta writing about the benefits of decluttering and promoting a simpler way of living.

What is the name of Leo Babauta's blog and what does it represent?

Leo Babauta's blog is called 'Mnmlist', which is the word 'minimalist' without a couple of the vowels, representing his focus on minimalism.

What are some benefits of minimalism mentioned in the script?

Some benefits of minimalism mentioned in the script include better financial security, reduced stress, clarification of passions, and allowing for more quality time with family and friends.

What is the term for the idea of displaying wealth through material possessions?

The term for the idea of displaying wealth through material possessions is 'conspicuous consumption', a concept first noticed by the economist Thorstein Veblen.

Who are Josh and Ryan from The Minimalists, and what did they notice about minimalism?

Josh and Ryan are early bloggers and advocates of minimalism who noticed that minimalism had a PR problem, with people often misunderstanding it as an extreme lifestyle of getting rid of all possessions.

What is the misconception about minimalism that Josh and Ryan from The Minimalists wanted to correct?

The misconception that Josh and Ryan wanted to correct is that minimalism is about getting rid of everything one owns down to the bare minimum, which they proved to be untrue.

What is the key takeaway from the script regarding the decision of what to keep or discard in minimalism?

The key takeaway is that only you can decide what's worth keeping in minimalism. It's about removing things that don't add value or bring joy, not about depriving oneself of things that are truly enjoyed.

How does the script suggest minimalism can impact one's definition of success?

The script suggests that minimalism can lead to a redefinition of success, shifting focus from acquiring material possessions or achieving a certain social status to finding work one is passionate about and focusing on experiences and relationships.

What is the importance of asking deep questions about what one wants out of life according to the script?

According to the script, asking deep questions about what one wants out of life is important because it can lead to a more intentional and meaningful way of living, regardless of whether one identifies as a minimalist or not.

What is the significance of the term 'minimalism' in the script, and are there alternatives mentioned?

The term 'minimalism' is significant as it represents the lifestyle and philosophy discussed in the script. However, alternatives such as 'essentialism', 'intentionalism', or 'living within your means-ism' are mentioned to convey the same principles without the potential negative connotations of the word 'minimalism'.

Outlines

00:00

🌿 Embracing Minimalism: A Lifestyle Change

This paragraph introduces the concept of minimalism as a lifestyle choice, distinct from its artistic and architectural connotations. The speaker shares their personal journey of decluttering and its profound impact on their life. The origins of the modern minimalist movement are traced back to 2006, with bloggers like Leo Babauta playing a pivotal role. Leo's blog, 'Mnmlist', and his advocacy for focusing on fewer possessions to find contentment are highlighted. The paragraph emphasizes the benefits of minimalism, such as improved financial security, reduced stress, clarified passions, and enhanced family time. It also touches upon the reaction against conspicuous consumption, a concept observed by economist Thorstein Veblen, and how the minimalist movement is a response to the consumerist culture perpetuated by social media and advertising.

05:02

💼 Redefining Success and Personal Values

The second paragraph delves into the personal transformation experienced by the speaker upon embracing minimalism. It contrasts the speaker's earlier life, driven by societal expectations and material success, with their current perspective, which prioritizes meaningful work, relationships, and experiences. The speaker's background is provided, including graduating during the global financial crisis and struggling with student loan debt. The discovery of minimalist blogs and a shift in values are credited with helping the speaker redefine their idea of success. The paragraph also discusses the broader implications of minimalism, suggesting that it encourages individuals to question societal definitions of success and to live more intentionally. The conversation with Josh and Ryan from The Minimalists is mentioned, emphasizing the diversity within the minimalist community and the importance of not taking minimalism to an extreme that deprives one of joy. The paragraph concludes with a reflection on the personal nature of minimalism and its potential to lead to a more meaningful life.

Keywords

💡Minimalism

Minimalism in the context of this video refers to a lifestyle choice focused on simplicity and the intentional elimination of non-essential possessions and activities. It is central to the video's theme, illustrating a movement that promotes contentment through decluttering. The script mentions the modern minimalist movement starting around 2006 with bloggers like Leo Babauta, who wrote about the benefits of decluttering and focusing on less.

💡Decluttering

Decluttering is the process of removing unnecessary items from one's environment to achieve a more organized and simplified space. It is a key concept in the video, as it is presented as a means to find contentment by focusing on what truly matters. The script discusses how minimalists believe in removing things that don't add value or bring joy to one's life.

💡Contentment

Contentment, as discussed in the video, is a state of happiness and satisfaction derived from having enough and not seeking more. It is a desired outcome of minimalism, where individuals find joy in simplicity rather than material possessions. The script suggests that by decluttering, one can experience contentment by focusing on fewer, more meaningful things.

💡Conspiracy Consumption

Conspiracy Consumption is a term coined by economist Thorstein Veblen to describe the behavior of the affluent who spend money on items to publicly display their wealth and social status. In the video, it is presented as a societal trend that minimalism is reacting against, encouraging viewers to move away from materialistic values and focus on experiences and personal fulfillment.

💡Values

Values in this video script represent the principles and standards that guide an individual's life and choices. The concept is integral to the theme of minimalism, as it encourages individuals to clarify their values and make decisions based on what truly matters to them. The script suggests that minimalism can help people re-evaluate their priorities and focus on what aligns with their values.

💡Success

Success in the video is portrayed as a personal and subjective concept rather than a societal standard of wealth or status. It is a central theme where the script suggests that embracing minimalism allows individuals to redefine their idea of success based on their own values and passions, rather than external expectations.

💡Intentional Living

Intentional living is the practice of making deliberate and conscious choices about how one spends time and resources. It is closely related to the theme of minimalism, as the script emphasizes the importance of making more intentional decisions with how one lives their life, focusing on what is truly important and meaningful.

💡Mnmlist

Mnmlist is a blog created by Leo Babauta, which is a play on the word 'minimalist' with some vowels removed. It serves as an example in the script of how individuals can use minimalism as a platform to promote the conversation around simplicity and living with less, which is a key aspect of the minimalist movement.

💡The Minimalists

The Minimalists refer to Josh and Ryan, two early bloggers in the minimalist movement who are mentioned in the script. They are significant figures in promoting minimalism and addressing its public relations issues, showing that minimalism is not about extreme deprivation but about living a more meaningful life.

💡Financial Security

Financial security in the video is presented as one of the benefits of minimalism, suggesting that by reducing unnecessary possessions and expenses, individuals can achieve better financial stability. The script implies that this can lead to reduced stress and a more focused life.

💡Quality Time

Quality time, as discussed in the video, refers to the intentional spending of time with loved ones, which is enhanced by the practice of minimalism. By decluttering and focusing on what truly matters, individuals can allocate more time to meaningful relationships and experiences, as opposed to material accumulation.

Highlights

Minimalism as a lifestyle can lead to life changes by letting go of unnecessary possessions.

The modern minimalist movement began around 2006, influenced by bloggers like Leo Babauta.

Leo Babauta's blog 'Mnmlist' promotes the idea of decluttering for contentment.

Minimalism suggests that by removing non-essential items, one can experience benefits such as financial security and reduced stress.

Minimalism is a reaction to conspicuous consumption and the pressure to accumulate material goods for social status.

Josh and Ryan from The Minimalists addressed the misconception that minimalism is about extreme deprivation.

Minimalism is about keeping items that add value or bring joy, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Minimalists come from diverse backgrounds and have different lifestyles, emphasizing individuality in minimalism.

The key to minimalism is making intentional decisions about what to keep, rather than holding on to everything by default.

Minimalism encourages not depriving oneself of things that bring enjoyment, but rather focusing on what truly matters.

Minimalism is not just about material possessions but also about evaluating time spent on unimportant matters.

Embracing minimalism can lead to a redefinition of success based on personal values rather than societal expectations.

Matt's personal story illustrates how minimalism helped him redefine his idea of success after facing financial struggles.

Minimalism is not a quick fix but can be a catalyst for deep reflection on life goals and values.

The term 'minimalism' can be off-putting; alternative terms like 'essentialism' or 'intentionalism' may be more approachable.

The ultimate goal of minimalism is to live a more meaningful life, regardless of the label used.

Patreon supports the creation of ad-free content, including interviews and discussions on minimalism and lifestyle design.

Matt's behind-the-scenes look at creating his video provides insight into the practical application of minimalism in daily life.

Transcripts

When you hear the word 'minimalism',

you might think of art,

music,

fashion,

or architecture and decor.

But in this video, I want to talk about minimalism

as a lifestyle,

how letting go of stuff changed my life,

and how it might help yours.

But don't worry -- it doesn't really look like this.

The idea of simple living has been around for thousands of years,

but the modern minimalist movement really started around 2006

with bloggers like Leo Babauta.

Leo, along with others, wrote about the benefits of decluttering

and promoted the idea that we could find contentment

if we focused on less.

Leo: And so I said,

"There really needs to be someone writing about this more,"

and so I created my blog, 'Mnmlist', which is

the word 'minimalist' without a couple of the vowels. [laughs]

But uh,

I'm like, I need -- I want to promote the conversation around minimalism.

Matt: Leo wrote in an early blog post in January 2007,

"An ongoing quest for me, and one that I am renewing this year,

is to eliminate all that is unnecessary from my life."

According to minimalists, by removing things

from our lives that don't add value or bring joy,

we can experience a lot of benefits...

Like better financial security,

reduce stress,

it can help to clarify our passions,

and allow for more quality time with family and friends.

But only you can decide what's worth keeping.

Natalie: Can we throw this out?

Matt: Don't touch that!

It's, in part, a reaction to the rise of a thing called

conspicuous consumption,

an idea first noticed by the early nineteenth century economist,

Thorstein Veblen.

He observed how the affluent spent money on things

to publicly display their wealth,

using it as a way to boast their social power and prestige.

And how times have changed.

As packed malls made way for one-click shopping,

goods became cheaper to make,

advertisers spent billions to sell them,

and our ability to boast our prestige moved to social media,

there was a clusterfuck of a tornado

that was pushing all of us in one direction:

to buy more stuff.

Then these bloggers come along and talk about their experiments

with simple living and all of a sudden,

minimalism was making a comeback.

Two of those early bloggers were Josh and Ryan from The Minimalists.

And they noticed from the very beginning that minimalism had a PR problem.

People naturally think it's about going to the extreme:

getting rid of everything you own down to a loin cloth.

But Josh and Ryan proved that that's simply not true.

That's why I'm here at their studio in Los Angeles

to show you guys what it really looks like to be a minimalist.

Ryan: -- he directed Minimalism.

Matt: (What the fuck)?

[BEEP]

Josh: Sorry about that.

The... A/C is broken. Ryan: Yeah. Yeah.

Matt: We talked about what the movement looked like early on.

Josh: When I first stumbled across minimalism it was just--

it was a few different people,

many of whom were single world-travelers.

And while I admired that,

it wasn't how I wanted to set my life up.

I like owning a kitchen table,

I like having a coffee table,

I like having a desk to write on.

And their lifestyle

wasn't necessarily the lifestyle I wanted to mimic.

But

as we first started looking into

different minimalists -- or I started --

I found, not just people like Colin Wright,

who owned fifty-two things and travelled the world,

but people like Leo or Courtney Carver or Joshua Becker.

Matt: All these people that Josh discovered

lived very different lives.

Some of them had kids, some didn't.

Some had full-time careers,

others worked for themselves.

Some lived in tiny houses

and others lived in average-size homes.

Since everyone's interests, values, and lives are different,

we all own different things.

And on top of that, our lives are constantly changing

so what we own today might not be what we own tomorrow.

But if we don't make decisions about what to keep,

by default, we will hold on to everything.

And we'll be left with sheds,

storage lockers, attics, and basements

packed with stuff.

The key though is to not take it too far.

If you get rid of things that you truly enjoy,

then you're doing it wrong.

Ryan: So it's funny 'cause people will inevitably like come up to us and they'll be like,

"I love books and I've got a nice big library and

I love the way the books smell,

I love turning the pages, I love how they feel,

I love lending them out to my friends

and then we talk about the books later!"

And I'm like, "Hey -- keep your books! [laughs]

It sounds like you get a lot of value out of your books."

Leo: If you look at minimalism or any of these experiments as deprivation,

that's suffering and who wants to make themselves suffer? [laughs] Right?

So minimalism should not ever be about

depriving yourself of good things,

of things that you love.

Matt: It starts with the material things

but it doesn't end there.

The biggest question for you to ask yourself right now:

how much time are you spending on stuff you don't really care about?

Have you taken the time to get clear on your values?

If you don't create your own definition of success,

someone else will do it for you.

Ryan: I never really stopped to think about what it was

that I wanted out of my life.

I-- I didn't even realize it until it was too late that I was

really living my life for, uh-- for other people.

It was-- it was look at me look at this awesome job that I have!

Look at this home that I have! I got three bedrooms,

I got two living rooms, there's only one of me!

Joshua: Aren't you impressed by me?

Ryan: Yeah, exactly! It was -- it was about, um

it was about impressing the wrong people honestly.

Matt: And this is where I personally found the biggest benefit in embracing minimalism.

Sure it's nice to have a clutter-free home, but I was able to completely change

my focus and re-define my idea of success.

Matt: I graduate shortly after the global financial crisis in 2010.

I moved back home to live in my parents' basement with $97,000 in student loans,

and I looked at my life and I felt like a failure

because I didn't have all of the things I thought I was supposed to have:

the luxury car, the house, the tech gadgets that everybody seemed to have.

And it took finding these blogs. I started reading Leo,

Josh, Ryan and a bunch of other minimalists, and I started to think

differently about my values.

And I flipped my idea of success completely on its head.

To me it was no longer about acquiring the things or achieving a certain status in society.

For me, it was about finding work that I was really passionate about.

It was about being able to make a full-time living as a filmmaker, spending more time with family

and friends, and experiences,

focusing on my health.

It took a while until I was able

to truly be content. To be happy.

But it started in that moment.

Now, this is not a Magic Bullet,

minimalism isn't gonna fix all your problems.

But I can say with absolute certainty that I wouldn't be where I am today

without minimalism and without asking these really deep questions about what I want out of life.

Whether you want to call yourself a minimalist or not,

it doesn't matter. But I think that everyone can gain something

from making more intentional decisions with how they live their lives.

Maybe we just spend too much time focusing on that word.

Josh: For me the '-ism' is less important -- you can call it 'minimalism',

I think its the perfect word, I also think it's the most imperfect word because

sometimes it scares off people, sometimes it scares people enough to actually make some changes

which is great but if it's too austere of a word, you can say 'essentialism',

you can say 'intentionalism', you can say living within your means-ism.

Whatever '-ism' you want to use,

it really has to do with living a more meaningful life.

Matt: Thanks for watching. If you want to get access

to the full forty-minute interview with Josh and Ryan from The Minimalists,

you can get it on Patreon.

Matt: What are you guys doing? Oh, is this like-- Everyone: [laughs]

Matt: Is that Instagram Live?! Oh no!

Matt: Patreon is how I'm able keep this Youtube channel 100% ad-free.

I release videos every month on lifestyle design, minimalism, and film-making.

I'm actually working to release a video this week about how I made this video.

So, breaking down how I turned my apartment

into a full-fledged studio.

Matt: Alright, so things are a little bit crazy in the bedroom right now.

This is-- this is what the bedroom looks like.

Matt: Again, thanks for watching and I will see you guys next week.