Beyond simple
Depth is what makes less mean more
“The essence of minimalism is simplicity, but simplicity without depth is merely cheap. It is not enough.”
— Tadao Ando
00: Living for others
Minimalism Life’s premium edition continues with an essay on living for others—on the quiet power of shifting the center away from the self.
We live in a time when the self has become both compass and mirror, shaping nearly every decision we make. From the ways we vote to the ways we rest, modern life continually reminds us to protect, refine, and center ourselves. But what happens when the first and final question we ask is always about us? We explore what it might mean to turn outward—to live not less personally, but more relationally. To move through the world with regard for others, to listen before acting, to see the self not as the center, but as part of a larger whole.
This essay reflects on how such a quiet reorientation could change not only how we live, but how we belong.
Support and subscribe for $5/month or $50/year to read the full essay when it lands on November 5. Plus, unlock our growing archive of reflections on simplicity, intention, and what it means to live with less.
01: Journal
Read entries from the archive of the Minimalism Life® community journal
Solitude: seeking out quiet time
Words by Carl Phillips
Impulse purchases and the benefits of retroactive intentionality: if you buy a thing, use the thing
Words by Shawn Mihalik
Letting go is not something you do: it is something you stop doing
Words by Joshua Fields Millburn
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 to 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
Artifacts (blog/shop)
Aesthetics over upgrades (article)
Author clock (tool/hardware)
04: Minimal lifestyle
Explore our list of curated lifestyle resources for simple living
Slowly: penpal reimagined (tool/experiment)
Sentenc.es (experiment)
Small scale is the best scale by Manu (article)
05: Shop
Discover our hand-picked minimalist products in the Minimalism Life® shop
06: Brands anchored by simplicity and sustainability
Minimalism can mean frugality and owning less, but it can also mean supporting ethical brands with sustainability at their core. Here are a few you might find interesting—just remember, clothes are not an investment.
Collars & Co: minimalist polo shirts
Steele & Borough: vegan, lightweight and water repellant bags
Void Watches: simple Swedish timepieces
Meller: minimal shades
Wahts: minimal monochromatic menswear
Floyd: Unique and distinctive travel cases
Mismo: bags and accessories from natural materials
Discover more minimal brands on minimalism.com