Collecting is dangerous
minimalism.com
“Objects that contribute the best atmosphere tend to be less immediately noticeable; it may take some time before you appreciate them for their practicality and more subtle, discreet presence. That’s because the balance of how they look and how they perform is correct.” – Jasper Morrison
Collecting is dangerous
Collecting material possessions is not unlike hoarding. Take it from two former hoarders — ahem, collectors — of stuff. The word collector just sounds nicer.
No matter how hard we try to hide behind euphemisms and other semantic trickery, though, the truth will always find us. Don’t believe us? Look it up. The Oxford American Writer’s Thesaurus lists the following synonyms under the first definition of collection: HOARD, pile, heap, stockpile.
It’s strange: there are myriad TV shows, websites, and clubs all dedicated to collecting things — not creating things, but collecting them.
We don’t believe there’s anything inherently wrong with owning material possessions, but we do wonder why so many of us collect things: why do we give our belongings so much meaning?
The things we collect become elements of us: our collections become part of our identities. But what happens when we take away our collections—are we not the same beautiful people?
Actually, when we jettison our superfluous possessions, we discover we’re already perfect — beautiful through and through.
Words by The Minimalists
01 – Journal
Read entries from the archive of the Minimalism Life® community journal
So you married a maximalist: How to live with your opposite (by Katherine Davis)
Stop and enjoy the biscuit: Step away from the always-on mentality (by Chris Lovett)
Minimalist running: How a minimalist approach to footwear got me back on my feet (by Nicholas Hallows)
Share your story
Do you have an interesting story you would like to share on minimalism.com? We want to read about it. You have the opportunity write about your experience of how minimalism has impacted your life and get your words published in our community journal.
02 – Minimal art
From our curated gallery
03 – Minimal design
Explore our list of curated design resources
Lines: minimal icon set (software)
AL0: minimalist launcher for Android (software)
Scrivi.la (Write it!) (tool/software)
04 – Minimal lifestyle
Explore our list of curated lifestyle resources for simple living
Oak: meditation app (tool)
05 – Shop
Discover our hand-picked minimalist products in the Minimalism Life® shop
06 – Brands anchored by simplicity and sustainability
Minimalism can be about frugality and owning less, but it can also be about supporting ethical brands with sustainability at their core. Here’s several that you might be interested learning more about:
Cubo: Simple adaptive bags
Pini: Italian clothing for the modern man
Collars&Co: Minimalist polo shirts
Luca Faloni: Luxury Italian men's clothing
Stiksen: Premium caps from Sweden
ODA: The modular everyday bag and essentials
Crown Northampton: High quality minimal footwear
The Resort Co: Eco-conscious and artisan vacation wear
CDLP: Luxury essentials
North-89: Shoemakers designing for Scandinavian weather conditions
JAK: Portuguese leather sneakers
Selfmade: Handmade eyewear
Steele & Borough: Vegan, lightweight and water repellant bags
Void Watches: Simple Swedish timepieces
ASKET: ending fast fashion by making covetable everyday essentials
Nordic Knots: Rugs inspired by the beauty of the Nordic light
Floyd: Unique and distinctive travel cases
Dalgado: Timeless accessories made to last
Wahts: Minimal monochromatic menswear
Discover more minimal brands on minimalism.com