Why less really is more
"The things you own will eventually own you," said Tyler Durden, aka Brad Pitt, on Fight Club. And we don't even have that few of these things: on average even up to 10,000 pieces. But we often have more than we actually need. “Consumerism” is what experts call this lifestyle, which always satisfies the need for new consumer goods. He makes us “rich” in possessions. But how happy does possession really make us?
100 vs 10,000 things
Up to 100 things in life are enough for the minimalist. According to Duden, minimalism is the "conscious limitation to a minimum, to the essentials". However, the simple life is by no means an invention of modern times, but the basis of human history, religions and philosophies. For several years now, it has once again found its way into our living, sleeping and working spaces and has changed the way we look at the things we own.
Minimalism has many facets: from the sharing economy, the circular economy and decluttering, to small houses such as "tiny houses" or plastic-free unpackaged shops. He is even finding his way into the bathroom with "Zero Waste" products - products that save not only waste but also water and resources. So there has long been the right minimalism trend for every area of life. According to studies, consciously letting go and limiting even makes you happier because it reduces complexity and stress and thus creates more space for experiences, ideas or relationships. And yet there is more to the phenomenon than personal soul care. Because the production of many things also requires many resources such as energy, raw materials or human labor. For a long time now, minimalists have not only pursued their lifestyle as an end in itself, but also for ethical and ecological reasons.
The freedom to do anything
In 2008, blogger Dave Bruno became a pioneer of minimalism after abruptly reducing his household items to 100 items. He has achieved his goal of putting an end to consumer terror and becoming freer and happier, while at the same time setting a public example of how strongly reduction and happiness are linked - and how much more less can actually be. Or, to put it in the words of Tyler Durden: "Only after we've lost everything are we free to do anything."
