The Philosophy and Global Impact of Minimalism

Minimalism refers to an ongoing quest to pare down one’s belongings to what is essential. This concept has gained popularity in the United States as a reaction to the rampant consumerism of the past decades. Houses have become so clogged with surplus goods that it’s hard to feel comfortable and relaxed at home, and the time required to maintain these belongings is considerable. People are eager for another way of living. To gain inspiration, it can be helpful to look at other cultures that have long-established traditions of minimizing and simplifying belongings.

Japanese Minimalism: Harmony and Space

Japan is an established leader when it comes to minimalism, largely influenced by Zen Buddhism. This philosophy encourages followers not to become overly attached to material possessions and to focus on happiness and mindfulness. The Japanese celebrate minimalism with several concepts:

Ma: This is the celebration of space between things, recognizing that what’s absent is just as valuable as what’s present. This concept is applied to architecture, art, flower arrangements, and interior décor.

Mottainai: This phrase translates to “waste nothing!” It urges people to reuse and repurpose items to delay sending them to landfill, emphasizing gratitude and respect for available resources.

Danshari: This modern term stands for refusing, discarding, and separating. It describes the process of decluttering one’s home and withdrawing from a consumerist mindset. It also extends to mental and emotional clutter, promising more space and freedom to live fully.

Scandinavian Minimalism: Functional Simplicity

Minimalism is also prominent in Scandinavia, where design is known for its sleek simplicity. An interesting practice is “dostadning,” or “Swedish death cleaning.” This involves removing excess belongings as one ages, ensuring family members aren’t burdened by them later. This emphasizes the long-term impact of possessions, acknowledging their burden and promoting the idea of freeing oneself and others.

Other Cultural Approaches to Minimalism

Minimalism exists in various forms worldwide. In France, the “less is more” philosophy in fashion, famously espoused by Coco Chanel, encourages paring down to essential items. The Quakers’ testimony of simplicity advocates for avoiding fancy clothing and distractions from God and service. Southern India’s “devara kaadu” rejects synthetic products, promoting simple living using homemade goods with natural ingredients.