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Minimalism
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Origin of Minimalism
The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as:
a style in art, design, and theatre that uses the smallest range of materials and colours possible, and only very simple shapes or forms
Another definition is from two famous TV Personalities:
Minimalism is a tool to rid yourself of life’s excess in favor of focusing on what’s important—so you can find happiness, fulfillment, and freedom.
They are far from the Inventors of this lifestyle, but they put it into the spotlight in 2014.
As can be seen with the publication of their 2016 Netflix documentary
google Trends show a rapid Spike in searches for minimalism.
Modern minimalism may have begun in the 20th Century,
nevertheless the philosophy's roots reach far further back.
Some 2,500 years, from a self-determined figure called Diogenes
“the original nonconformist” according to William Stephens,
professor at Creighton University. — BBC
From Buddhism to Christianity, many religious groups have mentioned denouncing possessions to gain spiritual focus or wisdom since then.
The belief is that by reducing belongings, you gain in areas of greater importance.
Another influential figure was Walter Gropius.
As he started the “Bauhaus” movement in 1919-1932.
The term “Minimalism” is so ambiguous that there is no definitive answer to what it means or who came up with the idea.
What is clear is that the idea is equally prevailing!
So let us look at some other aspects that may influence Minimalism.
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1. Marginal utility
Marginal utility, in economics, the additional satisfaction or benefit (utility) that a consumer derives from buying an additional unit of a commodity or service. The concept implies that the utility or benefit to a consumer of an additional unit of a product is inversely related to the number of units of that product he already owns.
The law of diminishing marginal utility in simple terms.
Every subsequent portion of a dish will give less enjoyment than the one before.
That is also why the portions in a “Michelin Stare Restaurant” are so tiny.
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2. Simplicity
Simplicity
The fact that something is easy to understand or do.
The fewer bits and pieces are associated with something,
the easier it is to understand or use.
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3. Utilization Rate
(Actual Output / Potential Output ) x 100 = Capacity Utilization Rate
Investopedia
The more something is used, the more value it provides.
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4. Pareto
Vilfredo Pareto, an Italian economist (1848-1923) observed that 20% of the income in Italy was received by 80% of the Italian population and that 20% of the population owned 80% of the property. It was Joseph Juran, a management thinker, who called the '80-20 rule' the Pareto principle. This '80-20 rule' has been found to apply in many walks of life.
Research Paper - The Plymouth Student Scientist, 2014
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Thought Process
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Checklist
- What is the Root cause of my problem?
- Is there a subtractive solution?
- Can I solve the problem with something I already have?
- What is the additive solution that fit 90% of my needs?
- What is the cheapest option Long term?
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Example
Recently, our hand mixer broke while backing a cake.
I needed the Mixer to mix up some whipped cream.
Now that the thing was broken, how could I finish the cake?
Can I use something I already have?
Yes, I can use the whisk.
Do I need to buy a new mixer?
No, because I only use the thing 1x a year.
For that low utilization rate, I can use the whisk again.
So I “subtract” the Mixer from my possessions.
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Quality
I am too needy to purchase cheap things
When purchasing something, reading reviews and repair guides helps determine the quality of a good.
Buy second hand!
So many people think that because something is old,
it must not be any good.
The opposite is the case!
Usually, good quality products hold their value much better.
In some cases, they might be even more expensive than new ones.
I looked for a new mixer for this article.
It turned out, the “KRUPS MIX 3” from the 1980s my Mother used to have.
It sells for around the same price as a new KRUPS.
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Conclusion
Minimalism is about retaining only the things used for their whole potential. It means Simplicity; it keeps the mind unrestricted.
Minimalism does not only apply to things.
It applies to non-physical assets as well.
A hard drive full of files.
That takes up a significant amount of space in the brain!
A big Flat or House need mental space as well, worrying about a good enough paying job, stuff to clean, and things to fix around the property.
All this can be avoided by intentionally deciding what to keep and purchase.
Avoiding news and advertising consumption helps a lot to stay focused.
This is the reason I strongly believe in being Minimalist!
Thank you for reading and i hope you take something with you.