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Inside Minimalism: Essays on Simple Living
Inside Minimalism Vol.1 is a series of 50 short and relatable essays on simple living. This ebook discusses minimalism as a tool to help you be more focused and feel more fulfilled, covering many topics such as slow and quiet living, curation, consumerism, and family.The series is written by Minimalism Life’s dedicated team of writers from differing backgrounds, who are passionate about helping people craft a simpler life. Supported by their own personal experiences, these writers want to inspire and encourage others to clear the path of life’s stuff, so they can get to where they really want to be.
216 pages, Paperback
Published August 27, 2020
10 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Joshua Fields Millburn
24 books1,105 followersJoshua Fields Millburn is one half of the simple-living duo The Minimalists. As the bestselling author of five books, Millburn has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Time magazine and has spoken at Harvard, Apple, and Google. His podcast, The Minimalists Podcast, is often the #1 health show on Apple Podcasts, and his popular documentary, MINIMALISM, is available on Netflix. Raised in Dayton, Ohio, he currently lives in Los Angeles.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 1, 2021
I don't give a lot of 5 star reviews. Something really has to move me to tears or belly laughter or to resonate deeply. Not only did I give this book 5 stars, but it actually inspired me to do something I've not since my college days 30+ years ago! I found myself dog-earring pages and underlining sentences and passages throughout! What?!
I began my slow dive into minimalism a couple of years ago after watching Marie Kondo's Netflix series on the art of tidying up, followed by reading her book on the same subject. I did as she teaches, starting with my clothes closets and began moving through my house ever so slowly, decluttering and simplifying all my possessions. It is proving to be a long process (for me). When you spend nearly nearly have a century accumulating stuff, it takes a while to get to it all in order to release it from your life.
In paring down my "stuff", I quickly came to realize that I was also beginning to declutter other areas of my life, and it felt amazing. Through this process, one begins to declutter ALL that no longer serves a purpose (including foods, social media/apps, mementos, habits, and even certain people). Letting go of things that no longer serve a purpose from all areas of your life is incredibly freeing, and it helps you focus on the PRESENT and things that ARE valuable and important to you.
So far on my journey into this type of lifestyle, I've read a several books and listened to many podcasts on simplifying, decluttering, minimalism, mindfulness, and essentialism. This book has been, by far, the most impressive to date. This is one I will go back and read again and make reference to moving forward.
If you are, at all, curious about minimalism or are thinking of adopting this sort of lifestyle, please read this book. It's incredibly helpful, and simply put... SO GOOD!
I began my slow dive into minimalism a couple of years ago after watching Marie Kondo's Netflix series on the art of tidying up, followed by reading her book on the same subject. I did as she teaches, starting with my clothes closets and began moving through my house ever so slowly, decluttering and simplifying all my possessions. It is proving to be a long process (for me). When you spend nearly nearly have a century accumulating stuff, it takes a while to get to it all in order to release it from your life.
In paring down my "stuff", I quickly came to realize that I was also beginning to declutter other areas of my life, and it felt amazing. Through this process, one begins to declutter ALL that no longer serves a purpose (including foods, social media/apps, mementos, habits, and even certain people). Letting go of things that no longer serve a purpose from all areas of your life is incredibly freeing, and it helps you focus on the PRESENT and things that ARE valuable and important to you.
So far on my journey into this type of lifestyle, I've read a several books and listened to many podcasts on simplifying, decluttering, minimalism, mindfulness, and essentialism. This book has been, by far, the most impressive to date. This is one I will go back and read again and make reference to moving forward.
If you are, at all, curious about minimalism or are thinking of adopting this sort of lifestyle, please read this book. It's incredibly helpful, and simply put... SO GOOD!
December 31, 2020
Good Stuff
I'm happy to have read this quiet overview of things, and I look forward to reading more. It brings readers to a turning point that I have somehow discovered is true in my life as well.
I'm happy to have read this quiet overview of things, and I look forward to reading more. It brings readers to a turning point that I have somehow discovered is true in my life as well.
April 19, 2025
“Inside Minimalism: Essays on Simple Living” - Its a collection of essays by 6 authors sharing their insights and personal experiences related to minimalism and simple living. The writers are –
Joshua Fields Millburn: Co-founder of The Minimalists, known for his work on minimalism and simple living.
Shawn Mihalik: Author and editor focusing on minimalism and intentional living.
Joshua Hook: Contributor to minimalist literature.
Zoë Kim: Writer and advocate for minimalist living.
Tiina Ilmavirta: Contributor to minimalist essays.
Andō: Writer associated with a minimalist philosophy.
The best articles I liked from this book are by Joshua Hook. He often breaks down complex ideas, making them understandable. His writing tends to focus on how minimalism can improve mental clarity, reduce stress and lead a more intentional lifestyle. Here all of this is presented in a simple way!
My other favorite, couple of articles in the book worth a thumbs-up are by writer Ando–
1) “MA” the poetics of emptiness – MA a Japanese word, roughly translates to “negative space” but can also refer to a gap or pause that gives meaning to the whole. Beautiful examples in this article from poetry, conversations, and art are depicted thus emphasizing the importance of silence, pause, and space. “MA“ offers an escape from a train of thoughts!
2) The Language of Less – it makes you notice the “burbling of the meaningless words“ we use throughout the day to avoid silence! Mindless talking, mindless social media use are not appreciated by the writer.
I got to know “Minimalism” as a concept in detail due to Marie Kondo (Japanese professional organizer and consultant). In the last 3-4 years, immersed(literally!) myself in the world of minimalism. I have read numerous articles, watched documentaries, and listened to various minimalists and have been implementing a lot of these minimalistic principles in my routine and at home. For me, this book didn’t introduce any new concepts about minimalism. However, it was refreshing to revisit the ideas through the unique perspectives of different writers. Most of the blogs are easy to grasp, few are deep thoughts and require a couple of rereading to understand. Most of them look doable, but few feel out of scope. No harm in reading and putting it in some part of your brain memory to be used later though. Well, at least that’s my approach when reading self-help books.
Over the years, my observation says Minimalism isn’t for all. And it definitely can’t be forced. It’s futile to make someone feel the way you feel when the clutter is gone. Some of my attempts to encourage some around to declutter have met with solid resistance. Guess they are the maximalist lot with the philosophy of “more is more”, contrasting with the minimalist principle of “less is more”! Anyway, this book is for readers who are curious about adopting minimalism and simplifying their lives. It’s for those, feeling burdened by consumerism, clutter, or the fast pace of modern life. Some articles will be liked by philosophy enthusiasts – those interested in exploring the deeper meaning and mindset behind minimalism. And of course, like me, those looking for inspiration to live more intentionally and focus on what truly matters.
Joshua Fields Millburn: Co-founder of The Minimalists, known for his work on minimalism and simple living.
Shawn Mihalik: Author and editor focusing on minimalism and intentional living.
Joshua Hook: Contributor to minimalist literature.
Zoë Kim: Writer and advocate for minimalist living.
Tiina Ilmavirta: Contributor to minimalist essays.
Andō: Writer associated with a minimalist philosophy.
The best articles I liked from this book are by Joshua Hook. He often breaks down complex ideas, making them understandable. His writing tends to focus on how minimalism can improve mental clarity, reduce stress and lead a more intentional lifestyle. Here all of this is presented in a simple way!
My other favorite, couple of articles in the book worth a thumbs-up are by writer Ando–
1) “MA” the poetics of emptiness – MA a Japanese word, roughly translates to “negative space” but can also refer to a gap or pause that gives meaning to the whole. Beautiful examples in this article from poetry, conversations, and art are depicted thus emphasizing the importance of silence, pause, and space. “MA“ offers an escape from a train of thoughts!
2) The Language of Less – it makes you notice the “burbling of the meaningless words“ we use throughout the day to avoid silence! Mindless talking, mindless social media use are not appreciated by the writer.
I got to know “Minimalism” as a concept in detail due to Marie Kondo (Japanese professional organizer and consultant). In the last 3-4 years, immersed(literally!) myself in the world of minimalism. I have read numerous articles, watched documentaries, and listened to various minimalists and have been implementing a lot of these minimalistic principles in my routine and at home. For me, this book didn’t introduce any new concepts about minimalism. However, it was refreshing to revisit the ideas through the unique perspectives of different writers. Most of the blogs are easy to grasp, few are deep thoughts and require a couple of rereading to understand. Most of them look doable, but few feel out of scope. No harm in reading and putting it in some part of your brain memory to be used later though. Well, at least that’s my approach when reading self-help books.
Over the years, my observation says Minimalism isn’t for all. And it definitely can’t be forced. It’s futile to make someone feel the way you feel when the clutter is gone. Some of my attempts to encourage some around to declutter have met with solid resistance. Guess they are the maximalist lot with the philosophy of “more is more”, contrasting with the minimalist principle of “less is more”! Anyway, this book is for readers who are curious about adopting minimalism and simplifying their lives. It’s for those, feeling burdened by consumerism, clutter, or the fast pace of modern life. Some articles will be liked by philosophy enthusiasts – those interested in exploring the deeper meaning and mindset behind minimalism. And of course, like me, those looking for inspiration to live more intentionally and focus on what truly matters.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews