The cost of comfort

When the life we built becomes the life that holds us back

“Freedom is hidden beneath the clutter..” — The Minimalists

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Freedom from freedom

It’s more than a word. It’s an idea. A feeling. A state of mind.

Freedom.

The word itself conjures myriad images: a flag popping crisply in the wind, a war hero returning home, an eagle soaring high above a canyon.

But real freedom moves beyond the imagery—real freedom involves something more abstruse.

We sometimes use euphemisms to describe our lack of freedom: Tethered. Chained. Anchored. Trapped. Stuck.

But what we mean is we’ve lost control. We no longer possess the discipline necessary to walk away from that which holds us back: we’re tethered to the past, chained to a career, anchored by a relationship, trapped by debt, stuck in this two-bit town.

Worse, some possessions and achievements actually ape the form of freedom—the glimmering sports cars, the oversized suburban houses, the corner-office promotions—although they often accomplish the opposite of freedom: faux freedom.

The average Westerner is standing on his manicured lawn, imprisoned by the picket fence of his American Dream. Although he’s unaware of his imprisonment, a well-decorated prison cell is still a prison cell.

Real freedom, then, must lie beyond the accoutrements and decor of faux freedom. And to get there, we must travel outside the deceptively beautiful fences we’ve constructed.

You see, real freedom involves much more than material possessions, wealth, or traditional success. Real freedom can’t be tracked on a spreadsheet—it is an abstraction.

But unlike distance or time, we don’t have units of measurement for freedom. And that’s why it’s so difficult to grasp.

So instead, we settle for what can be counted: dollars, trinkets, social-media clout—all of which lack the meaning, rigor, and payoff of real freedom.

But the more we pursue this kind of faux freedom, the further we travel from real freedom—a sort of surrealist nightmare: freedom from freedom.

And when this happens, we feel threatened by the freedom of others. So we protect our hoard, we question anyone who approaches life differently, and we cling tightly to the status quo—because we’re scared that someone else’s nontraditional lifestyle is an affront to our own.

If that person is free, then we are not.

Although, of course, freedom is not a zero-sum game. In fact, it’s the opposite.

The rising tide of freedom—real freedom—lifts all boats, large or small, while faux freedom only tyrannizes.

Sure, faux freedom is comfortable, not unlike a child’s security blanket—but it is not the blanket that keeps the child secure. Security resides in our ability to move on, to walk away from what’s holding us back.

Naturally, this requires discipline and awareness.

But that’s all real freedom is, anyway: one’s sharpened awareness and discipline, combined with the ability to walk away from anything.

Everything else is just window dressing.

Words by The Minimalists

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00: Before less had a name

Minimalism Life’s premium edition continues to peel back the layers of minimalism—not just as an aesthetic, but as a lens for living and creating. Through original essays, thoughtful reflections, and in-depth case studies, we explore where minimalism meets creativity, culture, consumerism, and intentional growth.

Not yet subscribed? Join us for $5/month or $50/year to unlock every essay—including our latest. The next edition arrives on June 4, reflecting on the presence and clarity found in quiet spaces before minimalism had a name. From museum rooms to Shaker dwellings, it’s a meditation on restraint, attention, and the slow cadences that once shaped extraordinary lives.

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01: Journal

Read entries from the archive of the Minimalism Life® community journal

• Simplicity equals freedom: making friends with simplicity

  Words by Carl Philliips

• Minimalism: pros and cons: from external possessions to internal fulfillment

  Words by Nate Grant

• Less and more: reflecting on life's volumes

  Words by Carl Barenbrug

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.

Submit your article

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02: Minimal art

From our curated gallery

Explore a visual catalog and discover artist profiles

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03: Minimal design

Explore our list of curated design resources

• Soft electronics by Robert Klanten (book)

• 099 minimal mockups (tool/software)

• Ealt: your life companion (tool/software)

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04: Minimal lifestyle

Explore our list of curated lifestyle resources for simple living

• The disciplined pursuit of less (video)

• Barefoot living by Natalia Swarz (book)

• Noisli: soundscapes (tool)

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05: Shop

Discover our hand-picked minimalist products in the Minimalism Life® shop

Less, but better objects

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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.

• CLAE: Minimalist footwear from LA

• Collars&Co: Minimalist polo shirts

• Dalgado: Timeless accessories made to last

• Escuyer: Accessories designed in Brussels

• Floyd: Unique and distinctive travel cases

• Meller: Minimal shades

• Mismo: Bags and accessories from natural materials

• 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

• Stiksen: Premium caps from Sweden

• Void Watches: Simple Swedish timepieces

• Wahts: Minimal monochromatic menswear

Discover more minimal brands on minimalism.com