Everything That Remains: A Memoir by The Minimalists

by Joshua Fields Millburn

Everyone is attempting to buy what no one can sell.

Beyond our basic needs, most things we buy is to fill some gap in our lives. After making a purchase, the gap temporarily fills up as well - releasing a burst of dopamine. However, when we look again, that gap still appears to exist. We do this over and over again, attempting to buy something that no one can actually sell.

20/20 Theory: basically, anything I jettison can be replaced for less than twenty dollars, in less than twenty minutes from my current location—if I discover I truly need to replace it.

‘The things you own end up owning you.’

‘It’s only after we’ve lost everything that we’re free to do anything.’

And once something’s a part of your identity—once it becomes a part of you—it’s hard to shed.”

“You can't change the people around you, but you can change the people around you.”

I have an OK job, one that pays well but doesn’t satisfy me. Thanks for saying I’m good at it, but being good at something doesn’t mean it aligns with my values. I don’t hate my job, but I certainly don’t love it. I’m not passionate about what I do.”

I focus on one thing: Adding Value.

consumption is an unquenchable thirst.

Not a perfect life, not even an easy life, but a simple one.