In 'Love People, Use Things,' Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus expand on the concept of minimalism by exploring how it can help individuals reevaluate and heal their relationships with seven key aspects of life: stuff, truth, self, values, money, creativity, and people. The book delves into how consumerism hinders true happiness and how adopting a minimalist lifestyle can lead to a more intentional, meaningful, and fulfilling life. It uses personal experiences and expert insights to provide a template for living with fewer distractions and more focus on what truly matters.
In 'Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life,' Luke Burgis delves into the concept of mimetic desire, which is the tendency to imitate the desires of others. Drawing on the work of René Girard, Burgis explains how our desires are mediated by models and how this can lead to rivalry, conflict, and unfulfilling pursuits. The book distinguishes between 'thin' desires, which are superficial and mimetic, and 'thick' desires, which are deeper and more lasting. Burgis provides tactics for identifying and transforming these desires, such as creating a hierarchy of values, finding sources of wisdom that withstand mimesis, and practicing empathy. The book aims to help readers gain control over their desires and find more meaning in their lives by making intentional choices rather than blindly following mimetic forces.
https://bengreenfieldlife.com/minimalist
I've been interviewed a few times on the outstanding Minimalists podcast with Joshua Millburn and his partner in crime Ryan Nicodemus, who together founded The Minimalists. This time it was I who put one of them on the hot seat for my podcast, and was able to speak with Joshua about his journey into the minimalism mindset, how we sometimes go about it the wrong way, the four stages of hoarding, and much more.
At first glance, people might think the point of minimalism is only to get rid of material possessions: Eliminating. Jettisoning. Extracting. Detaching. Decluttering. Paring down. Letting go. But that’s a mistake.
True, removing the excess is an important part of the recipe—but it’s just one ingredient. If we’re concerned solely with the stuff, we’re missing the larger point.
Minimalists don’t focus on having less, less, less. We focus on making room for more: more time, more peace, more creativity, more experiences, more contribution, more contentment, more freedom. Clearing the clutter frees up the space.
Minimalism is the thing that gets us past the things so we can make room for life’s important things—which aren’t thingsat all.
In this interview with Joshua Millburn, you'll discover: -Publishing forays in the realm of minimalism... -The four stages of hoarding, and which stage you're likely at... -The "lightbulb" moment when Joshua embraced minimalism... -Starting points into the realm of Minimalism... -Ben and Josh discuss a minimalist diet... -Minimalist exercise and workouts... -Why being busy doesn't make you important, it just makes you busy... -The seven essential relationships in our lives to balance before focusing on relationships with other people... -How social minimalism promotes a life of productivity and creation... -And much more... Episode sponsors:
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-HigherDOSE
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