Subtraction
Finding clarity through intentional reduction
“No” is no to one thing. “Yes” is no to a lot of things. — 37signals
Subtraction
We have too much.
Too much stuff.
Too much stress.
Too many obligations.
Yet we don’t have enough.
Not enough time.
Not enough money.
Not enough energy.
Looks like we’ve stockpiled the “wrong” things,
and that’s why we don’t have enough of the “right” things.
Of course, “right” and “wrong” are just moralizing constructs.
There are no right or wrong material possessions.
The reality is we have too many things that increase our misery.
As a result, we lack composure, contentment, calmness.
Soaking in suffering, we glimpse occasional moments of happiness.
We attempt to reprise those moments by acquiring new possessions.
We try to “fix” the misery by gathering objects that make us happy.
We act as if it’s an inventory problem.
As if that Instagrammable couch or that area rug will “spark joy.”
As if that indoor planter or that vertical bookcase will complete us.
As if that new shirt or those skinny jeans will make us anew.
Subtract the “wrong” things;
add the “right” things.
That’s the key, right?
Yes, that’s the key to anxiety, restlessness, and dissatisfaction.
We cannot consume our way out of discontent.
Well, we can—but only for a fleeting moment.
It’s not unlike a drug addict’s high.
We can purchase pleasure,
but, in doing so, we also purchase future pain.
An addict is never “fixed” after getting his “fix.”
For after that spark of pleasure, misery always awaits.
There are no exceptions—
pleasure and misery are two sides of the same coin.
We’ll never have all the right things,
because there are no “right” things.
That’s the lie we’ve been sold by advertisers
and by confused “influencers” who don’t know any better.
Yes, some objects may enhance our lives,
but only after we subtract the attachment that gets in the way.
Peace cannot be packaged and placed on a conveyor belt.
It is buried beneath the hoard we’ve added to our lives.
The path to misery is cobbled with addition.
The path to peace is uncovered with subtraction.
Words by Joshua Fields Millburn
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From clutter to clarity — How I finally beat the overwhelm of stuff
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Words by Joshua Fields Millburn
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Collars&Co: Minimalist polo shirts
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JAK: Portuguese leather sneakers
Steele & Borough: Vegan, lightweight and water repellant bags
Oliver Cabell: Minimalist Italian footwear and accessories
Nordic Knots: Rugs inspired by the beauty of the Nordic light
CDLP: Luxury essentials
The Resort Co: Eco-conscious and artisan vacation wear
Escuyer: Accessories designed in Brussels
Meller: Minimal shades
Void Watches: Simple Swedish timepieces
Floyd: Unique and distinctive travel cases
ASKET: Ending fast fashion by making covetable everyday essentials
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CLAE: Minimalist footwear from LA
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That was great, thank you. Going out now to appreciate the things that matter. 🙏