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EconTalk

Minimalists and Hoarders (with Michael Easter)

Feb 10, 2025
Join Michael Easter, an author renowned for his insights on minimalism and excess, as he discusses the psychological tug-of-war between minimalism and hoarding. He highlights how both approaches stem from coping with uncertainty. The conversation dives into the consumerism fueled by events like Black Friday, and how the pandemic intensified impulse buying. They also explore the evolving significance of possessions and the freeing nature of relinquishing control, encouraging listeners to prioritize experiences over material things.
55:05

Episode guests

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Quick takeaways

  • Minimalism and hoarding are both psychological responses to uncertainty, representing different methods of seeking control over one's environment.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic amplified consumer behaviors, prompting impulse buying for comfort and a surge in decluttering for emotional relief.

Deep dives

Understanding Minimalism

Minimalism is defined as the desire to simplify one's life by reducing the number of possessions to only those that bring joy or serve a purpose. This concept often emphasizes creating an aesthetically pleasing environment through decluttering. However, minimalism can lead to underlying motivations that serve as coping mechanisms for stress or anxiety. It reflects a broader cultural reaction to the abundant availability of goods, such as the accessibility of shopping online, particularly during events like Black Friday.

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