"Love People, Use Things" book notes
These are my personal book notes from "The Minimalist"'s "Love People, Use Things" They are for myself, but I hope they might be useful to you too.
The Pursuit of Minimalism and Meaning
Love people and use things. Ask yourself, "Does this item serve a purpose in my life? Or does it spark joy?" People often believe that possessing item A will bring everlasting happiness. However, after obtaining item A, a new desire for the next item emerges. Happiness from these possessions is fleeting as you return to your baseline mood.
- Be careful with accumulating items, as they require maintenance: replacing or charging batteries, software updates, fixing, cleaning, etc.
- Owning more reduces time for what truly matters.
Sentimental Items
- For sentimental items you don't use, consider taking a photo or video and then discarding them.
- Pursue happiness by seeking freedom, not possessions. True freedom is elusive and immeasurable.
Advertising and Services
- Free services bombard you with advertisements; it's better to pay for services where creators, not advertisement companies, hold influence.
- Spending on services makes your choices intentional. Time is your most valuable currency, so spend it wisely.
- Reach a state of "enough" in possessions. While more is always possible, ensure there is "enough."
Financial Considerations
When purchasing something new, consider:
1. Can you afford it, both financially and mentally?
2. Does it serve a meaningful purpose? Does it truly improve your life?
- Consider the hidden costs: storage, maintenance, psychological strain.
Decluttering Tips
- Avoid bringing unnecessary items into your space.
- Limit "just in case" items; you may never need them. Focus on emergency items only within reason.
- "When" items—things you'll definitely use—are acceptable (e.g., stock of toilet paper, toothpaste, or whiskey if you enjoy it).
Categorizing Possessions
Everything fits into three categories:
- Essentials
- Non-essentials
- Junk
Embracing Truth and Overcoming Fear
Truth is preferable to lies, though it can be uncomfortable, facilitating the prevalence of dishonesty. Simplify life to expose the truth, stripping away its hiding places.
- Manufactured fears inhibit pursuing personal desires. Fear often keeps us holding onto things "just in case."
- Ask yourself, "What am I afraid of?" The answer is often irrational or rooted in manufactured fears.
Health and Well-being
- The best medicine is free: good food, sleep, exercise, sunshine, and stress reduction. Avoid unnecessary medication.
- If stagnant, try diverse, unconventional methods. Failure is likely, but experimentation is vital.
Managing Stress
- Identify major stressors and address them.
- Resist the fear of missing out; prioritize current focus over FOMO.
- True power lies in maintaining focus.
- Each item you own must either serve a purpose or bring lasting joy.
The 90-90 Rule
- If you haven't used an item in the last 90 days and won't use it in the next 90, let it go. This covers both seasonal changes.
Core Values
- Health: Without it, nothing else matters, not even possessions.
- Relationships: Share your life with someone.
- Passion, Fulfillment, and Creativity
- Intentional Growth: If not growing, you're decaying.
- Constructive Contribution
- Index funds outperform gold.
- Technology can transform people into unthinking "zombies."
- Embrace digital minimalism, shifting from constant doing to simply being.
Practical Minimalism
"Don't Upgrade" Rule:
- Advertising invests millions in inciting desire. Counter this by questioning each upgrade. Once something breaks, decide to leave it, fix, or replace it only if necessary.
- Consider downgrading if it significantly enriches your life.
- Use time for writing, reading, or exercising.
Imperfection and Creativity
- Avoid letting perfect be the enemy of good. "Good enough" is the new perfect.
- Continuous slow progress is key. Perfectionism should not stifle creativity.
- All work, even by professionals, has imperfections.
Attitude Towards Possessions
- Appreciate someone else's joy to eliminate jealousy.
- Don't cling to items; be prepared to abandon them swiftly. Detachment offers flexibility, crucial for self-care.
Home and Possessions
- An expensive watch doesn't grant more time. Keep only what adds genuine value.
- Prioritize high-quality, enduring items. Though initially costly, they save money and time for meaningful activities.
- A minimalistic home can include a reminder of life's absurdities, emphasizing substance over material extravagance.
E-Mail your comments to paul@nospam.buetow.org :-)
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