“You can reach timelessness if you look for the essence of things and not at the appearance. The appearance is transitory—the appearance is fashion, the appearance is trendiness—but the essence is timeless.” — Massimo Vignelli
Excessories
In the Western world, money may serve as a loose marker of competence (one’s ability to provide for a family, save for retirement, and stay out of debt are all signs of his or her proficiency). Ostentatious displays of material wealth, however, are evidence of incompetence.
Not unlike peacocks, humans feel the need to signal their supposed prosperity to attract others. And even when we don’t have the means, the modern world makes it easy for us to flex our consumerist muscles by way of “0% financing,” “luxury rentals,” and other modes of consumer fakery. Even nine-year-olds are flaunting their excess these days.
When you step back, though, you realize how silly this is: look at my chrome-plated rims, my logo-plated handbag, my oversized house with more toilets than people—don’t I look relevant?
But of course, excess isn’t a symptom of relevancy; it isn’t even a demonstration of happiness or significance or wellbeing. In fact, the opposite is usually true: our “excessories” merely hide our discontent while showcasing our insecurities at the same time.
Words by Joshua Fields Millburn
00: The minimalist dilemma
Our premium newsletter continues to explore the deeper layers of minimalism—through original essays, philosophical reflections, and case studies that examine its intersections with creativity, culture, consumerism, and considered cultivation.
If you haven’t yet subscribed, you can access our latest essays—including the most recent edition—by joining for $5 per month or $50 per year. Our next premium essay, arriving on 26 March, explores the tension between aesthetic minimalism and ethical minimalism—and what it really means to live simply.
01: Journal
Read entries from the archive of the Minimalism Life® community journal
Tranquility or trinkets? — Everything has a price
Words by Andrew Rocha
Successfool — Are you truly successful?
Words by The Minimalists
Recalibrating through simplicity — Simplify your journey by recognizing past patterns
Words by Carl Phillips
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
Quiche browser (tool/software)
Naoto Fukasawa: Embodiment (book)
Design for speed (article)
04: Minimal lifestyle
Explore our list of curated lifestyle resources for simple living
Andō (newsletter/sessions)
Sentenc.es (experiment)
Nothing: timer (tool)
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.
Stiksen: Premium caps from Sweden
Dalgado: Timeless accessories made to last
Collars&Co: Minimalist polo shirts
JAK: Portuguese leather sneakers
Nordic Knots: Rugs inspired by the beauty of the Nordic light
The Resort Co: Eco-conscious and artisan vacation wear
Steele & Borough: Vegan, lightweight and water repellant bags
Escuyer: Accessories designed in Brussels
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
I totally agree! I am still recovering from clutter, too much of everything and now I have the right support!