Your Turn
Up to this point, we’ve heard about the benefits of minimalism from an advocate of the lifestyle, and heard a discusssion on the reasons for living more simply.
In this session, you’ll be asked to share your views on this topic.
You can use the arguments, words, and phrases from the previous TED Talk or dialog.
What do you think of minimalism?
- Why do some people live a minimalist lifestyle?
1. What are some motivations?
2. What are some positive impacts?
Sample Answer
I think many people do it to declutter and get rid of distractions from life. Disorganisation affects the brain and makes focusing more difficult. So less stuff would mean fewer things to think about. A minimalist lifestyle also makes sense for people who care more about experiences than stuff. By reducing what they own, a minimalist has more freedom to pick and travel whenever they want.
Living a minimalist life also brings several benefits to a person’s life. It reduces an individual’s environmental footprint and saves money. Smaller space will make for smaller utilities which reduces the cost of living, and by using less energy a person will have a smaller impact on the environment.
- How can you adopt a minimalist lifestyle?
1. What steps can you take?
2. What kind of attitude should you have toward possessions?
3. Are there any strategies you can utilise?
Sample Answer
There are three main approaches I would take. First of all, I would edit ruthlessly to clear the arteries of my life. For instance, all those clothes I haven’t worn in years? It’s time for me to let them go. I’d also need to cut the extraneous out off my life, and learn to stem the inflow of new and unnecessary stuff. Secondly, I’d adopt a new mantra: small is sexy, and focus on space efficiency. So I’ll get things that are designed for how they’re used the majority of the time, not for some rare event. Finally, I’d want my home to have furniture and housewares that are multifunctional to maximise my living space.
I think something like Project 333 is a useful method for adopting a minimalist lifestyle. It’s basically a personal challenge for people to try out. The goal of it is to wear only thirty-three pieces of clothing for three months. By doing that I could probably get a better idea of what pieces of clothing I really need, and what I don’t.
- What are the drawbacks to living a minimalist lifestyle?
What challenges might a person face?
You can use the following points for inspiration:
1) It is not easy to apply in life.
2) It takes discipline and a strong mental health.
3) People may consider you as weird.
Sample Answer
It’s possible that minimalism could just turn a home into some shrine to an individual and their minimalist goals. In that situation, a person could become so focused on the goal of minimalism that life becomes limiting rather than fulfilling. So by forcing things to a minimum, a person might end up living life to the minimum.
Also, becoming a minimalist isn’t easy. It takes time and energy to downsize, and to figure out what to keep or purge. Once a person has become dedicated to simplifying, it will be a constant challenge to stick to the new lifestyle. Most of society is built for consumption, so it can be isolating to go against societal norms. As a result, a person may encounter pushback from family and friends, have less in common with those around them, and some relationships may fade away.
