Stoicism and Minimalism: Living with Less

  Sunday, the 27th of October 2024, 11:00 PM

          In today’s world of “more is better,” where we are constantly bombarded with messages urging us to buy more, own more, and, essentially, be more, the idea of living with less can seem, well, not so attractive. Yet, the saying “less is more” could not be truer and essential for both the Stoics and modern minimalists. While Stoicism and minimalism come from different eras and origins, their core philosophies overlap significantly. Both teach that true freedom and clarity come not from amassing wealth or possessions but from appreciating simplicity. By letting go of the non-essentials, we can live with more intention and less distraction. This week, we will explore how Stoic principles align with the minimalist movement, looking at how living with less can build the way for a more fulfilling life.

Embracing Only What Is Essential

          For Stoics, life’s value is not measured by material possessions but by the quality of one’s character and the pursuit of virtue and values. Marcus Aurelius, often reflected on the importance of focusing only on what is necessary, eliminating anything that distracts from a life of virtue and purpose. 

          Kathy (2023) notes that, according to Aurelius, simplicity fosters inner peace. Today’s minimalism focuses on this idea by encouraging us to reduce clutter, both physical and mental, so we can focus on what truly matters. When we ask ourselves, “Do I really need this?” as Voncken (2024) suggests, we are practicing a form of mindful decision-making. Living with only what is essential is a principle that provides clarity and frees us from the constant pressure to accumulate.

Detaching from the Desire for More

          One of the most challenging aspects of minimalism, and perhaps one of the hardest Stoic lessons, is learning to detach from the desire for more. The Stoics believed that unchecked desires can lead to anxiety and dissatisfaction. After all, if we are always wanting more, we are never truly happy. 

          As Billy (n.d.) explains, the Stoic approach is not to eliminate desires entirely but to cultivate the right kind of desires, ones that align with our values and contribute to our well-being. Modern minimalism reflects this principle by promoting the idea that our happiness should not be tied to material possessions. Instead of constantly chasing after the latest gadget or trendy clothing item, we can find happiness in the things we already have, or, as the Stoics would say, in the things that genuinely serve our purpose.

Freedom Through Simplicity

          At the heart of both Stoicism and minimalism is a desire for freedom. However, freedom here does not mean the freedom to own more; rather, it is the freedom from being owned by our possessions. When we let go of excess, we gain the freedom to live without the weight of attachment. 

          Practical Stoicism (2024) highlights that simplicity allows us to “go beyond material minimalism” and achieve a sense of mental clarity. This freedom is not just about having fewer things; it is about cultivating a mindset that values quality over quantity, peace over chaos, and fulfillment over pleasure. As we let go of the unnecessary, we create space for personal growth and clarity in our lives, ultimately leading to a stronger sense of purpose and fulfillment.

          The intersection of Stoicism and minimalism reveals a timeless truth: living with less can lead to a life of greater freedom, clarity, and purpose. By embracing what is essential, detaching from the desire for more, and finding freedom through simplicity, we can cultivate a way of life that is both meaningful and fulfilling. The journey toward a Stoic and minimalist lifestyle is not just about clearing out physical space but about clearing out the mental trash that stands between us and true happiness.

          Hopefully, your perspective on living with less and finding clarity through simplicity has changed after reading this post, which marks the eighth week of this Stoic writing journey. Welcome to your new life, and thank you for setting aside time to read this! If you want to learn more about this important topic, I invite you to explore the references I have included. I assure you, it will be time well spent on some insightful reading. See you in the next post!

References

Billy. (n.d.). Stoicism And Digital Minimalism: An Interview With Computer Scientist And Bestselling Author Cal Newport. Daily Stoic. https://dailystoic.com/cal-newport-interview/

Kathy, & Kathy. (2023, September 8). Stoicism and Minimalism – 10 lessons from Emperor and philosopher Marcus Aurelius. Minimalist Focus. https://minimalistfocus.net/stoicism-and-minimalism-10-lessons-from-philosopher-marcus-aurelius/

The stoic path to living simply: beyond material minimalism. (2024, April 2). Practical Stoicism. https://www.stoicismpod.com/blog/the-stoic-path-to-living-simply-beyond-material-minimalism/

Voncken, B. (2024a, August 4). How to be a Stoic Minimalist: Do I need this? Via Stoica. https://viastoica.com/how-to-be-a-stoic-minimalist/