The Art of Letting Go | The Minimalists | TEDxFargo

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  • Опубліковано 27 вер 2024
  • How might your life be better with less? Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, known to their 4 million readers as "The Minimalists," are the executive producers of MINIMALISM, the #1 indie documentary of 2016. They spoke at TEDxFargo about the benefits of letting go and living a meaningful life with less. For more info about The Minimalists visit theminimalists.com
    Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, known to their four million readers as “The Minimalists,” have written four books, including the bestselling memoir, Everything That Remains. They write about living a meaningful life with less stuff at TheMinimalists.com. Their new film, Minimalism, is currently the #1 documentary of 2016.
    This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,1 тис.

  • @Teresa-ig4op
    @Teresa-ig4op 8 років тому +3028

    Love people,
    use things.
    The opposite never works.

    • @lunalevi7482
      @lunalevi7482 8 років тому +17

      good quote

    • @MFJared
      @MFJared 8 років тому +39

      Somebody has been paying attention to the podcast.

    • @Teresa-ig4op
      @Teresa-ig4op 8 років тому +10

      Yes, of course. ;)

    • @Ermude10
      @Ermude10 8 років тому +15

      I think this is the first time I've heard Ryan say it though. Usually, it's Joshua who ends the podcast.

    • @supercooled
      @supercooled 8 років тому +4

      Tessa89 sorry to be thick but you mean don't use people a d love stuff?

  • @NeThZOR
    @NeThZOR 8 років тому +1691

    Da Vinci says it best: "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."

    • @lunalevi7482
      @lunalevi7482 8 років тому +12

      yeah,i'm always right

    • @Izabell673
      @Izabell673 8 років тому +3

      Haha xD

    • @coletivating
      @coletivating 8 років тому +8

      +Cantwait4summer sophistication is oftenly labelled to someone or something with many features/accesories hence a typical phrase people in the 90's would talk about the latest gadget as 'sophisticated'. Simplicity is the basic form / ''stripped down" approach and so is sophisticated by it being the 'simplest' (less clutted )form of a thing.

    • @NeThZOR
      @NeThZOR 8 років тому +2

      Well in modern times you can apply his quote to things like phones and people's schedules. Do you want your phone to do many things but in a very intricate and complex way or would you like it to do those many things in such a simple way that it feels intuitive?

    • @kassi4837
      @kassi4837 8 років тому +1

      beautiful

  • @CrazyCollectorGirl
    @CrazyCollectorGirl 7 років тому +406

    I'm just starting my minimalism journey. It's been especially hard for me because the only home I had ever known burned down when I was 15, and we didn't have house insurance. 4 days later, my parents split up, and in the middle of class my school counselor told me I was leaving my hometown for good. It's been over 10 years, and only just now did I donate the top I wore when I ran out of my burning house. Wish me luck on going through the bin of things that survived the fire. Wish me luck on finally moving forward from my depression, anxiety, and suicidal life. Wish me luck on an uncluttered, brighter future. I need it.

    • @cocolonger
      @cocolonger 6 років тому +7

      Good Luck with all of that.

    • @donyeajennings1518
      @donyeajennings1518 6 років тому +8

      I wish you luck girl and hope all is well

    • @supercrazydesi
      @supercrazydesi 5 років тому +5

      Stay strong, keep calm and move on ...you will do great 👍🏻

    • @theculinaryschooldropout9040
      @theculinaryschooldropout9040 5 років тому +4

      Logic Goddess praying all is well. Good luck on your journey.

    • @rajeshkr4150
      @rajeshkr4150 5 років тому +6

      May be this reply is late, I wish you , your dream comes true, stay focus and strong

  • @andrewavila7783
    @andrewavila7783 4 роки тому +262

    One night I was by myself, extremely depressed, crying my eyes out, and having major alcoholism withdrawals. I had UA-cam on this video came on. That's how i discovered minimalism. Its been a snowball effect ever since. I love what minimalism has done for me and i am forever grateful to joshua and ryan. This was a very powerful lesson.

  • @ChristalDawnn
    @ChristalDawnn 8 років тому +842

    just started my minimalism journey 2 months ago ive gotten rid of so much so far and dont miss a thing and im so much happier

    • @GymClubHouse
      @GymClubHouse 8 років тому +1

      good

    • @hollow_crown_
      @hollow_crown_ 8 років тому +20

      I started my journey a few weeks ago. I wish you all the best :)

    • @anacruz-nm2km
      @anacruz-nm2km 7 років тому

      we recently started our minimalism journey as well
      would love it if you dropped by our channel and checked it out!

    • @DontDooTooMuch
      @DontDooTooMuch 7 років тому +1

      Christal Dawn what did you do with the stuff you got rid of? donate or sold?

    • @ChristalDawnn
      @ChristalDawnn 7 років тому +2

      some of both depending on what it was, some i sold some i gave to friends and some i took to the op shop and sum of the junk just went into the bin

  • @GamingandSocialfun
    @GamingandSocialfun 7 років тому +660

    I will admit even as a poor person the minimalist life does help. I think it helped me by not caring so much about having more. To live within my means and to grow as a person. To a certain extent the poor are the original minamalist. However minimalism is not just having less its also a attitude. For me giving up the race for more and accepting less. Has helped my happiness and has increased my health. Since not focusing on getting more I focus on how to improve myself.

    • @Handgun777
      @Handgun777 5 років тому +19

      ThoughtsandDreams I just had to write this comment down. I hope you don’t mind. I am in also on the journey of the decluttering my whole life. Thank you for sharing your story! Best regards.

    • @playnejayne5550
      @playnejayne5550 4 роки тому +22

      My minimalism came from being poor. Then I finished school and went without so-called necessities in order to double up on student loan payments. When buying a house and then a second house, I did the same to pay them off early. Now I am retired and able to live without working. Two paid off homes, one for a rental, and two paid off vehicles. The key is to be thankful for what you have and to never feel deprived.

    • @redcokamixed6716
      @redcokamixed6716 4 роки тому +2

      ThoughtsandDreams I agree. But being minimalist and being poor is poor. Being a minimalist and being rich and having saving is hip 🤔

    • @lizamarie3472
      @lizamarie3472 4 роки тому +13

      You health is your wealth. I wish more people realized working out, not eating junk, drinking more water, meditation, etc is ultimately free.

    • @user-ee5om8wy7u
      @user-ee5om8wy7u 3 роки тому +8

      @@redcokamixed6716 living within or below your means makes you not poor. So even on low income, you're not necessarilu poor. While on high income, lots of people live above their means, which qualifies them as "poor"..

  • @khalidsafir
    @khalidsafir 8 років тому +187

    "Love people, using things - because the opposite never works". That is so true and so important for our times. Thanks for that talk.

  • @JohnAudioTech
    @JohnAudioTech 7 років тому +606

    I began my minimalism journey earlier this year. 5 carloads of items to Goodwill, sold things on Craigslist and eBay (sold $170 in things just this week). Even hauled a pickup truck load of stuff to the dump. It has been refreshing but still I have a long way to go. I was never a hoarder but is amazing of how much crap I have acquired over the years.

    • @brandyvasco1066
      @brandyvasco1066 6 років тому +1

      JohnAudioTech

    • @sugarsweet8598
      @sugarsweet8598 6 років тому +5

      So how's it going?

    • @deaddropsd1972
      @deaddropsd1972 6 років тому +4

      yeah bud..my war has just begun....

    • @supercrazydesi
      @supercrazydesi 5 років тому +2

      We buy what we need, very less wants and declutter twice a year. We are amazed every time on how much we have to get rid of.

    • @mobubabe
      @mobubabe 5 років тому +2

      @@deaddropsd1972 Why does it need to ba 'a war'?
      If that's something you enjoy it should be easy.

  • @Bigboss-xe6lm
    @Bigboss-xe6lm 4 роки тому +27

    Been selling most of my unused stuff for the last few years. It took me almost 2 years and i sold for round 20k total. It feels goddamn awesome! Plan on scaling down. Smaller house, smaller debt, smaller cravings, smaller space to "put stuff into" and have an easier life all together. Its the frugal and wealth building steps to take to live a more free life. Now and forever.

  • @candygram501
    @candygram501 6 років тому +2037

    I lost an earring almost 30 years ago. I kept the single earring for those 30 years, just in case I found the other one.Finally I threw it out because it was so silly.Then, I found the missing earring in a box at my mother’s house. Life is weird.

    • @candygram501
      @candygram501 6 років тому +108

      Also, I have to say it, this man looks like a cross between Steve Buscemi and David Bowie, with the body language of Fred Rogers, no?

    • @marcarrera4904
      @marcarrera4904 6 років тому +8

      Oh no!!!

    • @Abeta.S.A
      @Abeta.S.A 6 років тому +24

      Finally, it's just an earrings .

    • @drfix2020
      @drfix2020 5 років тому +12

      Similar thing happened to me too!

    • @supercrazydesi
      @supercrazydesi 5 років тому +37

      I get rid of things because I didn’t use it for a year or two and then I need it ...duh!!!

  • @mom2peaches
    @mom2peaches 8 років тому +217

    These guys have brought simplicity into my life...let go of stuff that has no value.

    • @rachidamamouni9525
      @rachidamamouni9525 8 років тому

      thuya tkp

    • @dinahandersen
      @dinahandersen 7 років тому +3

      stuff has value for one and not for another. The subject is worth a debate.

  • @emmilittlemuffin
    @emmilittlemuffin 6 років тому +48

    I've been minimalistic/zero waste since I moved out, not that my parents were hoarders but working 2 full time jobs at 17 to afford rent without a roommate means you just don't have time to buy stuff. Husband adopted my mentality of experiences vs things and now we have a baby and an adoption almost ready to go through and our two kids will hopefully see our example and grow up happy.

  • @caronward4042
    @caronward4042 7 років тому +61

    Josh used to come into the coffee shop where I worked in Lebanon, OH. I used to tease him about being related to Christopher Walken. Ryan was my daughter's brother-in-law. If I had been able to talk to Josh very long, he would have known I was also a minimalist. I inherited a LOT of things from my parents. But I found that you either own your stuff or your stuff OWNS YOU. I hardly ever miss anything I've let go of--- and in the end, we really have to let go of it all.
    Love. People. Love is the only eternal thing.

  • @ln611
    @ln611 7 років тому +805

    I love the minimalist lifestyle and what it stands for, but I find it hard for others around me to understand it. I have a lot of people in my life who want gifts, they love commercial products & packaging. I've tried to convince them for years to try to reduce the gifts they buy me for birthdays and holidays, but it never seems to stick. I'd rather just spend time with them, and cook a meal together. Was wondering if anyone else had any challenges like this, and how have you dealt with them?

    • @emanalmutawa8564
      @emanalmutawa8564 7 років тому +118

      I know it might be tough, but you really don't have to convince anyone! its your choice! and the gifts that you receive are a sign of love and appreciation, thank the ones that gave them to you and you can pass them to someone else to use them!

    • @antine2598
      @antine2598 7 років тому +188

      Lauren Nihill I usually ask for 'experiences'. Plane tickets, museum tickets, theatre tickets, a day to the beach, a cooking workshop, etc. That way relatives can still give you something, but it won't clutter your entire house.

    • @ln611
      @ln611 7 років тому +10

      Antine Reddingius I love these ideas!

    • @anacruz-nm2km
      @anacruz-nm2km 7 років тому +6

      we recently started our minimalism journey as well
      would love it if you dropped by our channel and checked it out!

    • @edennis8578
      @edennis8578 7 років тому +11

      Otie, most of us have friends and family who don't know each other. Do your in-laws from your wife's side hang out with your side of the family? But you have to keep track of who gave the gift, or it could get awkward. I've heard of people who regifted the item to the same person who gave it in the first place.

  • @showmercytoothers4059
    @showmercytoothers4059 6 років тому +83

    I JUST DUMPED 85% OF MY HOUSEHOLD JUNK, in a week.! YAY ME

    • @utub1473
      @utub1473 3 роки тому

      @JamesO19991 Wow...

  • @shadmansudipto7287
    @shadmansudipto7287 8 років тому +314

    When u wanna buy something, ask yourself 3 questions. 1.Do i want it? 2.Do i really need it? 3.if i get it, will it give me peace of mind?

    • @CtStr
      @CtStr 6 років тому +25

      Shadman Sudipto I use the, “Cost to use ratio.” If you buy a $2000 bike and use it once, you bought a $2000 bike. If you use it 2000 times, you bought a $1 bike.

    • @francophysique5192
      @francophysique5192 5 років тому +3

      CtStr how would you apply this to a car purchase?

    • @JohnSmith-dn4ry
      @JohnSmith-dn4ry 5 років тому +3

      also ask yourself "do i feel like taking care of this ?"

    • @alexp4785
      @alexp4785 5 років тому +1

      I always ask myself the question "If I moved now would I be happy to pack this up". I'm *VERY* fresh on my minimalism journey but I'm trying to get out of the situation I'm in and I've put that limit on myself. My end goal is to be able to move in just a suit case that I can fit on a plane.

    • @RalphJBater
      @RalphJBater 5 років тому +4

      Another key question to ask before you buy anything, is "Where is this going to go?"... you need to plan a place where things will go before you bring them into your life so they do not become more clutter..

  • @beverlybelury4789
    @beverlybelury4789 6 років тому +50

    I can remember getting stuck when it came to a few things that were precious, meaningful and/or were part of my family history. Not a lot of things. Maybe a box full. Such as a scrimshaw whales tooth from many generations back. Here's what I did, it may help those who also may want to reduce their "tough to get rid of" stuff. I thought...if I were dead who would I want to have it? Who would find joy in having it? I have a family member who is deeply connected with the ocean, who sails and lives by the water. I gave it to that person who loves it. Mounted it and placed it on a shelf. Talks about the history of whaling and refers to the tooth. Isn't that more fulfilling than being hidden in the bottom of a dark box?

  • @ericddenison4016
    @ericddenison4016 7 років тому +54

    Minimalism is: having enough (not too little - poverty - and not too much - self-indulgence, but simply enough and grateful; content).

  • @Johnmsweeney5
    @Johnmsweeney5 8 років тому +252

    These guys ooze coolness. And are probably the most genuine and humble people you could meet. Cut the bullshit berating their talk. It has value and authenticity, what more can you ask for? :)

    • @kafizola5695
      @kafizola5695 7 років тому +1

      John M Sweeney Some people are more visual.

    • @ellenc.1093
      @ellenc.1093 7 років тому +24

      But doesn't the fact that they "had it all" at one point make their message even clearer? Sometimes it takes achieving materialistic success to realize that it does not bring happiness.

  • @EnEvighet7
    @EnEvighet7 8 років тому +626

    "The greatest wealth is to live content with little"
    - Plato
    "He is rich who is content with the least, for contentment is the wealth of nature"
    - Socrates
    "The greatest wealth is poverty of desires"
    - Seneca
    "Wealth consists not in having great possessions but in having few wants"
    - Epictetus
    Remember our virtue of Sophrosyne.

    • @stephenfiore9960
      @stephenfiore9960 7 років тому +16

      ................ Paul of Bible fame says in the Book of Timothy 6:6 "But godliness with contentment is great gain." And in the Book of Phillipians chapter 4 vs 11& 12 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

    • @panash6
      @panash6 7 років тому +2

      EnEvighet7 very well said.

    • @automationsolution
      @automationsolution 6 років тому +1

      Greek magnificence! Noted them. Well done my friend. Love for the west from the east.

    • @bonganijwara441
      @bonganijwara441 6 років тому

      EnEvighet7 jjhhgggggg

    • @goodearth5584
      @goodearth5584 6 років тому +2

      by leading a simple life, with care & consideration for others, life becomes fulfilling & meaningful & for such a person life is a beautiful & happy journey

  • @chelseamortensen6541
    @chelseamortensen6541 7 років тому +67

    Reminds me a lot of the book: "The Life- Changing Magic of Tidying Up". Total game changer!

  • @rachelknight6028
    @rachelknight6028 3 роки тому +11

    Watching this brought me to tears...
    I finally found the correct video for my life. This show showed me how I can "let go" of the emotional attachment. Trying to start is a mind-block nightmare but this guy showed me... It's easy, open the wardrobes and cupboards and get rid of it! The memories are in your head.. in your heart. My Late Mother isn't in her dinner sets and old clothes... my mother in law isn't in her old handbags and jewelry... I'm not a huge consumer... I'm a tightwad.
    Im an emotional hoarder.
    Thank you guys for helping me find the first step to setting myself free and making my daily life lighter and easier to manage. ❤️

  • @dollreemappmmk14
    @dollreemappmmk14 5 років тому +12

    When he said in actuality he was "a well organized hoarder". It all looked good. EXACTLY!!!! Less stuff equals less stress. MUCH less stress. ✌️❤️😊

  • @BlueYanYan
    @BlueYanYan 7 років тому +182

    From the wise words of Mahatma Gandhi:
    "Live simply, so that others may simply live."

  • @atemhauch
    @atemhauch 8 років тому +51

    "the more action you take, the more you want to take action" great quote

  • @LivingFree207
    @LivingFree207 8 років тому +53

    We did the same with taking pictures of things we got rid of when we downsized and moved from Ohio to Florida. Honestly, I don't even remember what I took picture of or where I have them stored. It goes to show you how we THINK things are so important until they are gone....they are not important. I love this video. I think exactly the same. We are downsizing again and plan on living out of a suitecase and traveling the world. Yes, we will have a tiny pod with some things stored that I'd like to keep like my violin and family pictures and old letters from my dad during WW 2. But stuff in general and clothe....I don't need much :)

    • @CocoOPNY
      @CocoOPNY 7 років тому +7

      Living Free Forever awesome! I hope it goes well for you!

    • @LivingFree207
      @LivingFree207 7 років тому +4

      Coco S Thank you!

  • @30dayu69
    @30dayu69 6 років тому +3

    Imagine changing the world for good in all we do in life by living the simplest life possible.
    A minimalistic way to be, live, learn, and grow while living in complete balance and flow is much much easier than would ever imagine!
    I would love to share with anyone wanting to be completely free in all you do in life.
    Keep it simple!
    Vitorio

  • @Future_Pheonix
    @Future_Pheonix 8 років тому +67

    Great lecture. I tend to think about this a lot. It seems to me that people tend to use objects as some sort of emotional proxy or just something to project and deflect their feelings into in some form of escape instead of living through their emotions and openly expressing them and dealing with them, which only leads to more misery. (sorry, it's kinda hard to explain what I mean, but I hope it's somewhat comprehensible. saying that different emotions and feelings are being channeled through objects is another way of putting it). It takes a lot of bravery to change that sort of thing.

  • @dicklongmire6836
    @dicklongmire6836 6 років тому +318

    I'm 52 and grew up through the capitalist 80's which meant owning a BMW, Rolex and a big house meant success. Today's younger people have a different and fresh ideology of what success really means which I admire because as they say, money will never equate happiness which in my older age 110% agree.

    • @kamisahmanap5598
      @kamisahmanap5598 5 років тому +10

      They are getting smartter ..

    • @emilytsp6689
      @emilytsp6689 4 роки тому +5

      Thank you so much, it definitely gives me courage to keep go and forgive about focusing on the materials ❤️

    • @Surafawaz
      @Surafawaz 4 роки тому +5

      52 is not old

    • @sauravdas7087
      @sauravdas7087 4 роки тому

      Come nd join iskon in india

    • @blessedmamags7796
      @blessedmamags7796 2 роки тому

      Agree. Knew it started in the 80s.... I'm 48 .... Working on downsizing every week 🤩

  • @andrewgodly5739
    @andrewgodly5739 8 років тому +134

    It's funny, I just saw an advertisement, before this video, trying to convince me to buy something I don't need and which wouldn't bring much longterm joy to my life

    • @theyayo
      @theyayo 6 років тому +4

      use an adblocker bro

    • @YouveBeenRead
      @YouveBeenRead 6 років тому +1

      And they get $$$ for that and their books and whatever else they are selling. They have money to make a documentary traveling to cities to promote what they are selling.

  • @Sherrilynn27
    @Sherrilynn27 6 років тому +12

    Wonderful!
    Losing my father, a number of years ago, helped me realize that my memories are not in 'the stuff'.
    Raised three girls who are grown now and the youngest is ready to move out. I'm still working on a 'final' purge.
    Thanks and happy minimizing to everyone.

  • @maddalena2529
    @maddalena2529 6 років тому +5

    Hi guys, thank you very much for your words and your work, what you do is amazing. Two years ago I was in the same situation : good job, money, husband, big apartment and lots of stuff and i realize that i didn't ask for it, it wasn't my choice. So i ask myself what i really want to be happy. I started with selling and giving stuff, I stopped shopping and buying and i changed my job. I was a psychologist and i became a pastry chef and now I'm so freaking happy !!! I watched your documentary 2 times because i love it and it makes me fell so good. So thank you ! I send you lots of love from Paris and maybe one day I will also have a hug from you ! 😊

  • @bohobutterflies3074
    @bohobutterflies3074 6 років тому +9

    I love the idea with minimalism, I just cant get over the memories of old journals and things because I believe they hold a que that signal memories we would typically forget about . With my own experience I relive memories I forget about until I read old journals and it brings me a certain flood of life. I could never get rid of my old journals.

    • @elizabethcarden393
      @elizabethcarden393 4 роки тому +4

      Keep things you love like that. Get rid of other things. Keeping well loved journals doesn't mean you have to keep dishes you don't use or clothes you don't wear.

  • @lornaparong9
    @lornaparong9 5 років тому +8

    Thank you so much. My mom just recently passed away. I was saving a lot of her stuff in my already cluttered house. I'm going to donate her stuff and just keep a few things. I'm also going to get rid of a lot of stuff that I don't need.

  • @Amandahugginkizz
    @Amandahugginkizz 5 років тому +4

    When I'm going through stuff now the thing that's helped me the most is repeating "make a decision and make it now" because really that's all I'm doing is delaying making a decision.

  • @chrisl418
    @chrisl418 2 роки тому +7

    I taught my kids by saying over and over and over..."People first, not things. Love people, not things." I wanted to instill goodness in them. I wanted them to act with kindness towards people and to put their effort into thinking of others not in gaining things.
    Thank you guys for reminding me that it is not my stuff that holds memories of my loved ones. I hold them in my mind.

  • @catapillargirl2021
    @catapillargirl2021 7 років тому +5

    I never saw a Ted talk with the silent action to go along with the talk. Really appreciated it and the humor. Very inspiring and creative. I'm going to definitely incorporate this thinking into the new year.

  • @BRuthable
    @BRuthable 25 днів тому

    After listening to Josh and Ryan a few times I am learning so much. I always wanted less, felt free with less, but didn't really know what it was all about. These talks have inspired me. So many photos saved over 55 years are going to be scanned. However, getting married 55 years ago and losing my husband almost 8 years ago has left me with more than I need or what adds value to my life. I have donated quite a bit, but at the same time I have bought so much that I now feel was "comfort" items dealing with the loss of my husband. I can now go ahead and let go of so much more that I haven't be able to. Thankful for this information.

  • @Hairitage2023
    @Hairitage2023 4 роки тому +19

    This video is one of the most poignant and deeply moving videos I think I’ve ever watched thus far. It totally resonates with me and answers some of the questions I’ve been wrestling with for a long time. Thanks so much...

  • @aimankhan6289
    @aimankhan6289 8 років тому +39

    This is amazing! I'd be looking forward to get rid of all the "just in case" stuff from my closet.

  • @AnotherBeerMovie
    @AnotherBeerMovie 6 років тому +16

    Possession leads to Attachment,
    Attachment leads to fear of loss - And then your possessions start to own you.
    Remember, the King is always alone, he may be powerful but he fears to lose that wealth and power, then he starts to doubt whether there is a plot to overthrow him amidst his court that tells him what he wants to hear. Then he seats at his table for a feast and wonders whether his food or drink has been poisoned or not.
    Doubt leads to Uncertainty and Uncertainty can lead to Madness.

  • @lilyau83
    @lilyau83 6 років тому +4

    I've recently have been into minimalism as well as the vast amount of debt that we as a society have. I am glad that other people feel the same way! It honestly makes you feel so much happier to let go.

  • @christyplumlee570
    @christyplumlee570 3 роки тому +3

    I am literally cleaning my closet as I listened to you. Thank you for the inspiration.

  • @richardbambenek2601
    @richardbambenek2601 6 років тому +1

    I heard that last message on the radio many years ago said by a pastor. He said. "In years past we used to love people and use things but now we love things and use people" That is so true of our consumer driven world and it does so much to give our lives false meaning and differentiate us from one another. We have let things define us. It's no longer who we are as a people but what we own that gives us value to others. But look at how people and businesses survive, they need to sell things and people need to buy them. To become minimalists means there needs to be a change to how we exist on this planet.

  • @seanmarie4653
    @seanmarie4653 7 років тому +173

    we are moving out of our large 3 bedroom to a double wide mobile home that we payed cash for# we will save 1100 a month and I think it's the craziest coolest thing we've ever done! :-)

    • @susanlansdell863
      @susanlansdell863 7 років тому +3

      sean marie good luck with your move.x

    • @chrisrandall5235
      @chrisrandall5235 6 років тому +6

      How's the new crib?

    • @lamoabird
      @lamoabird 6 років тому +7

      We kind of did that... It wasn’t easy, expectations of friends and society... Letting go of the stereotypes of stuff, a fancy house and cars = successful... I found it to be a tough journey... nonetheless, very liberating...

    • @lamoabird
      @lamoabird 6 років тому +4

      sean marie I think that a lot of people who have huge mortgages on their huge houses have no idea how liberating it is not to have one... we paid ours of with a lot of hard work and penny pinching, and it feels amazing!!! I would live pretty much anywhere not to have one!

    • @HPCAT88
      @HPCAT88 6 років тому

      Godspeed

  • @arissarawuttiket6379
    @arissarawuttiket6379 6 років тому +2

    It's so powerful. Than you. Fire me up every time I tired of cluttering my house. I found more way to persuade my family to be more minimal.

  • @ReflectingShadow
    @ReflectingShadow 8 років тому +486

    if you love something, let it go
    if you hate something, let it go
    basically let everything go who cares anyway

    • @soonersciencenerd383
      @soonersciencenerd383 7 років тому +38

      RS just don't buy stuff. recycle, remake, repurpose.

    • @soonersciencenerd383
      @soonersciencenerd383 7 років тому +6

      i always think about buying anything. will i use it a lot, do i need it, and if so, i will research it on the internet and youtube, and see if it is worth buying.
      otherwise, i''ll wait on it, and then, decide again.

    • @deancassady7373
      @deancassady7373 7 років тому +10

      Stupidest thing I've ever heard.

    • @pierreroche8337
      @pierreroche8337 7 років тому +6

      Yes The Minimalists are quite right! What they is wise... Stuff is the enemy of an healthy life! We must be courageous enough to mov on and stuck by stuff!

    • @gogoclovertigo1
      @gogoclovertigo1 6 років тому +1

      RS I love this!

  • @joshoarita
    @joshoarita 4 роки тому +1

    My minimalism journey started in January, satisfying journey of declutering my space and mind

  • @hardikjain7063
    @hardikjain7063 8 років тому +766

    I deleted all my 5000 pictures on my iPhone which I never even checked. My phone feels a little better now.

    •  8 років тому +23

      Is your phone very happy?

    • @luxxart
      @luxxart 8 років тому +35

      Well, at the same time you deleted memories. You'll forget those situations sooner or later. Your memories are part of your identity. "All those moments will be lost in time like tears in rain..."

    • @skellymom
      @skellymom 8 років тому +45

      How do you know what type of photos he deleted? Could have been photos of his meal, out of focus pics and inconsequential things. I have thrown out huge amounts of family photographs when printing on paper was a thing (before digital). Many of the photos were duplicate reprints, blurry, head cut off, pics of fingers or feet. Don't miss them one bit and saved room for the few photos that count.

    • @hardikjain7063
      @hardikjain7063 8 років тому +31

      luxxart Notice that I mentioned, "Which I never ever checked."

    • @CocoOPNY
      @CocoOPNY 7 років тому

      Hardik Jain 😂

  • @Jack_rabbits_sage_brush
    @Jack_rabbits_sage_brush 6 років тому +1

    I started a weekend ago. I pulled out a whole truck load of stuff and took it to the dump. What a great feeling that was to get rid of it. I am now looking at downsizing my whole house. I really love this. It does feel good. Less stuff, less waste! is a great point!!!!!!

  • @anga.6891
    @anga.6891 8 років тому +102

    this really opened up my eyes.

  • @zenmusic3429
    @zenmusic3429 3 роки тому +1

    Nothing can grow that's constantly moving. It's only when one stands still in solitude can one figure out what is really important in one's life. Experience with reflection equals wisdom.

  • @Alexis-lp1vd
    @Alexis-lp1vd 6 років тому +17

    I’ve been trying to be a minimalist for an year now. And threw away so much stuff. I over 7 bags in I only have a room. Not a whole apartment smh. But I’m going to try the 30 day challenge.

  • @suescimeca4388
    @suescimeca4388 7 років тому +3

    Loved watching this. There are times when I want to put everything in my house on the front lawn with a sign.. "Free". Of course, that's a little extreme and I wouldn't do that. But every so often I go on a sweep through my home and clean things out that I really don't need. But I need to do more and dig deeper. This video just makes you think harder about what you have and why you have it. When you go to Goodwill and see brand new things offered for pennies on the dollar, or your neighbors three car garage is so full he has to keep those two brand new cars outside in the weather, you know something is wrong with our society. George Carlin said it all "Our houses are just stuff boxes for our stuff."

  • @MariasJournal__
    @MariasJournal__ 7 років тому +17

    I absolutely love these guys!!! They are such an inspiration, love their podcasts and would love to meet them in person one day. Thank you for putting things in the right perspective! 🙏

  • @sjbow95
    @sjbow95 7 років тому +45

    so strangely ironic to have a talk on minimalism with a truck's worth of props

    • @bodyofhope
      @bodyofhope 7 років тому

      Stephen Jakubowski I thought the same! Haha

    • @tschickel27
      @tschickel27 6 років тому +2

      Stephen Jakubowski it adds value

  • @tiffanynelson9537
    @tiffanynelson9537 8 років тому +5

    Excellent message, Joshua and Ryan! I saw you guys in person at the Chicago doc. screening. Thanks for sharing your message; it guides my life daily! I am a more intentional person now. (P.S. to everyone: it isn't just about stuff, reducing your stuff and focusing on the most important is the first step to minimalism, but it doesn't end there. You start re-thinking relationships, your musts, your tasks and habits, and revealing what is essential and your desired goal in life).

  • @SEANMCAD
    @SEANMCAD 3 роки тому +1

    Part of Minimalism is also finding its not needed to expended a great deal of effort and energy to find yourself on a stage telling people what they (deep down inside) likely already know. one might call it superfluous inspiration

  • @epicwriter96
    @epicwriter96 7 років тому +6

    I'm working on decluttering. It's amazing.

  • @busybeenature9092
    @busybeenature9092 6 років тому +1

    I am tidy, I am organised, I have always been under this impression. I am not a hoarder. I am not a discontent person. But suddenly I have become so much concerned about the stuff that are lying one on another in my entire house, which is quite big, as big as four houses, full of clutter. I have come to know the value of having less and be happy doing something beautiful in life. So I have started getting rid of unnecessary things, which I thought are keeping the memories alive. What will happen when there will be no power left, physical and mental both? Thank God to give me light before that.
    Well what you have said is so true and you are so young to realise all this. God bless you.

  • @mobubabe
    @mobubabe 5 років тому +5

    "Don't know what else to throw out of the house to make it clean to the max?
    Throw yourself out!
    People are also an eyesore for the house!
    Aaah, that's perfect!

  • @dlongoria7133
    @dlongoria7133 3 роки тому +1

    Mothers hold on to stuff their kids make or did in school. After awhile you do get rid of some stuff but it fun sometimes to look at.

  • @madlibbz1
    @madlibbz1 7 років тому +7

    living a meaningful life with less is key!

  • @sunhengtain
    @sunhengtain 6 років тому +1

    Ever since I became a minimalist, my life is improve a lot, positively. I am less stressed due to not having to worry about what I need to consume next in order to make me feel like I am doing something right or achieving certain things. My goals and plans are clearer to accomplish and work on. Basically there is so many benefits so being a minimalist. It also saves you A LOT of money especially living in the U.S as a low income citizen. What the guy in the video says is true. Things are meant to be used, and people are meant to be loved but in modern society, it sadly is the opposite. We need to change this perspective of giving more values to things than people. We can also start with ourselves.

  • @SpookyStorkRunningWild
    @SpookyStorkRunningWild 6 років тому +5

    This has changed my life.

  • @silviafitti
    @silviafitti 5 років тому +2

    Taking pictures of old stuff as memory´s trigger is a great idea! It really works to decluttering.

    • @MissPickles1980
      @MissPickles1980 3 роки тому

      A photo doesn't capture smell though. I am keeping the teddy bear my nan knitted me until the scent of her soap fades completely. I'm not ready to swap a less intense memory from a photo for the one I currently get from a smell. I tried it with something else connected to my wedding day and ended up ditching the photo as well; it just didn't work for me - I guess I wasn't as attached to the memory as I thought.

  • @nuttypRofesa
    @nuttypRofesa 8 років тому +3

    wow thank you that was amazing. Your message has excited me. I've been trying to declutter my home but didn't have a focus point, which led to being unmotivated. The key messages are simple but powerful. I now look forward to starting this journey.

  • @Literarycat8
    @Literarycat8 3 роки тому +1

    Minimalism also applies to people. Cut-off people who weigh us down, who doesn't contribute to our growth, who negatively impacts our well-being. I've started cutting down my so-called 'friends' on Facebook. What a difference it made.
    But these guys' stories inspired me. I'ma get rid of junk in my life, so I can start travelling again.

  • @vignesh0208
    @vignesh0208 4 роки тому +17

    You don't need a 1000 friends on Facebook; you need a few good friends that bring value to your life.
    You don't want a million Likes and followers on Instagram; you want to do work which can change the lives of people irreversibly for the better.
    Lose Social Media. Go Minimalist

  • @razzmatazz1974
    @razzmatazz1974 6 років тому +2

    Interesting that i came across this. Although i am not a huge consumer, actually i almost never use my credit cards, own no car and use public transport. i have always had trouble getting rid of things like books i wont re read, highschool notebooks, etc. Since i turned 40 i started to think that i could actually let go of those things and that the time was now. I got rid of several bags of clothing, papers and this week i put many of my books for sale/trade. I will check your website to keep me motivated, the new year is a great time to start anew and stick to this purpose.

  • @darlenelaski9716
    @darlenelaski9716 5 років тому +12

    Great personal talk as you age and grow wiser. Most likely, those of us in our 50's and 60's have already experienced the experiences of those of you in your 30's and 40's. At least the major ones like career choices, falling in love, having a family, health issues, losing a family member, facing a life changing traumatic event, etc.
    George Carlin produced an "album " in the 70s called "Stuff" I believe. It was very funny at the time. You kids might want to set some time aside, once a month, and just sit quietly and listen, with full attention, to the older members of your family. Allow them to share their stories. Learn a thing or two that might help you to avoid a mistake they made. Because I didn't do that in my 30's and 40's and someone in their 50s made the same suggestion to me, but I ignored it. I was too SELF centered. Now, I regret it so much and the WORSE emotion to drag around with oneself is regret.
    By the way, I would kill for the luxury of watching a homemade video of myself at the age of 3 or 10 or 25, or look at photos of my life, throughout my life, that the "millenials" or the "minimalists" have today because your taking for granted that your memories will be clear and in tact when you reach your 50s and so on.
    By the way again, haven't you watched Antique Roadshow and valuable treasures found in ancestors attics?
    You're all gonna be fine.

  • @congat5270
    @congat5270 3 роки тому

    I'm finding how to live like a minimalist. And I realized, if you going to be a minimalist, just started with your blanket when you woke up.
    what a meaningful video

  • @tanxiao7562
    @tanxiao7562 7 років тому +52

    Make me feel really sad when he had to deal with his Mom s stuff after she passed away.

    • @KariSinkko
      @KariSinkko 7 років тому +14

      We all have to do it one day.

    • @starshine3248
      @starshine3248 7 років тому +12

      張添湖 once u find yourself in the situation, the more u understand what they are saying

    • @rachelknight6028
      @rachelknight6028 3 роки тому

      I understand that too well... Been there with my mother's things.. But it hit me like a freight train when talked about it because I brought a LOT of her stuff with me... The burden is huge... I have to start the letting go tomorrow...

  • @goldsilverandiamonds
    @goldsilverandiamonds 5 років тому +1

    I'm just starting my Maximalism journey. Just bought a bunch of cool stuff I'm going to use and enjoy while helping the economy and help employ others so they can feed their families and live well.

  • @budhee
    @budhee 6 років тому +1

    Hamlet's last words ... 'The rest is silence .. ' these guys are Stage 1; respect ..

  • @vanessawiley7477
    @vanessawiley7477 7 років тому +11

    Absolutely loved this documentary and it's what inspired me to start my own journey towards minimalism even though it felt overwhelming. It's a process but getting there !

    • @ufcfighter1488
      @ufcfighter1488 5 років тому

      You can send your unwanted lingerie to me

  • @minniesimmonsmoody4761
    @minniesimmonsmoody4761 2 роки тому +1

    There comes a time in everyone's life that they become minimalist, after deaths of loved ones or other catastrophic events that happen in everyone's lives. We either hold on or let go. We grow up an learn the only things that ever matter are our loved ones.

  • @FiifiAB
    @FiifiAB 7 років тому +51

    "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for the life of a person does not consist in the abundance of his/her possessions" - Jesus Christ

    • @lil-al
      @lil-al 5 років тому

      FiifiAB finally Jesus says something useful!

    • @patriciacole8773
      @patriciacole8773 3 роки тому

      We live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.
      All the current news events are distractions from the coming sun day rest by force of law. Genesis 2:2&3. God never changed Sabbath to sun day. Roman emperor Constantine did in 321 ad. God reminds us in the fourth commandment of Exodus 20:8-11 KJV. Jesus is our example.
      They will soon present sun day rest by FORCE of law as the solution for all the world’s ills. Come out of her My people.
      What do I really need?

  • @rohitrajmishra2696
    @rohitrajmishra2696 8 років тому +1

    love and value people.. the greatest happiness lies in to love and being loved... live life to its fullest

  • @carlav1306
    @carlav1306 4 роки тому +3

    I don’t understand why people keep things for so long. I always get rid of stuff I don’t need. I give it away to charity or sell it. I hate clutter. Less is more!

  • @donellagallo7079
    @donellagallo7079 7 років тому +2

    so good and so true! I love your message and it helped me to eliminate 30 years of a houseful of stuff.....liberating is the best word to describe how it feels....keep up the good work!

  • @renzhammenga8619
    @renzhammenga8619 8 років тому +127

    i can't hear the word "stuff" anymore....

    • @TheVeek192
      @TheVeek192 5 років тому +3

      But you're ok with writing it ;)

    • @torijones9992
      @torijones9992 5 років тому +3

      That's why you got to get rid of it! :D

  • @danielonelove3074
    @danielonelove3074 7 років тому +2

    Hard to let go of things when everyone in my family has died. I feel attachment to things because they are the constants in my reality now and many things bring back memories that I never want to forget. That being said, I am very careful of new things I buy. I make sure I want them over a long period of time and that I buy only high quality so it will last longer. Last year I bought nothing other than food and I have no plans to buy anything new any time soon. I end up talking myself out of buying things the longer I think about how much use they will get or how much I actually need them. I hate consumerism now, especially the stuff associated with fake holidays and frivolous fads. Taking the red pill and waking up has helped a lot.

  • @danpt2000
    @danpt2000 8 років тому +218

    accumulating too much, eating too much... always searching for the latest, greatest. This is a sickness of modern world. Be the Acetic Buddhist.

    • @dinahandersen
      @dinahandersen 7 років тому +23

      Yes, and the pushing marketing world, creating needs that are not real nor necessary just to incite people to BUY stuff. Sometimes, walking around in certain shops, I wonder why certain things are for. I already lived that long without it, so why should I buy something since I never needed it before. Same with all your Apps, we lived well without them, without facebook etc. Real HUMAN connections are much more important, but get more and more lost in society of today?

    • @KlemanM1
      @KlemanM1 6 років тому

      danpt2000 m

    • @catebeal
      @catebeal 6 років тому

      Buddha didn't believe in asceticism.

    • @dingdongism
      @dingdongism 6 років тому

      Ah yes, the Vinegar Buddha. Long may he live.

    • @deaddropsd1972
      @deaddropsd1972 6 років тому +2

      I agree....desire...the cause of suffering...it's challenging...never ending struggle against these material excesses. I am trying to change, evolve. I want to save money...sigh..and also want a Thor Hammer....

  • @Em-im1yz
    @Em-im1yz 6 років тому +2

    Backpacking taught me how I can live on less. No one needs heaps of shoes bags etc. I now have one pair of flat shoes, sneakers and 1 pair of heels. I have one handbag. One backpacking backpack and a small suitcase. Basically everything I own I can travel easily with.

  • @elmntlgnd4995
    @elmntlgnd4995 6 років тому +3

    Great message!!! God bless your mother. May she R.I.P.
    On the other hand I would never donate to the people that contributed to my mothers death. I have seen what chemo does (second hand) to people's body and health when all they have to do is inform their patients "if you don't change your diet I'm going to radioactively burn all the hairs off that part of your body, leaving you with radio waves that will melt your bones to the point that they're like gummies when left in your car on a scolding hot day and radiate your organs until they fail. You can get the same treatment if you jumped into a human sized microwave, but never fear, Dr. Grim will take your money, health, joy and then life over here!!"

  • @johnjay2717
    @johnjay2717 4 роки тому +2

    Great presentation and real challenge to most people. Only maturity and age may compel few to see the lessons given in this one. The Minimalists have seen it relatively in younger age. I have seen it living for many decades later in life. It's a valuable lesson but rarely learned early in life. The next stage would be in the mental and intellectual domain with one's unseen and life challenges. Achieving inner growth, awareness, and spiritual consciousness, peace of mind, harmony, etc. That one can be found in "Let Go, Let God". When one is able to achieve both...quality of life will improve. Life is the gift that humans can fully enjoy no matter at what age. It usually comes late because it takes time and to those who do the take the challenge in life. Material belongings are fun for a while yet they are not lasting. The real values in humans are are in human relationships and sharing. Feelings of love, empathy, compassion, caring, serving, etc.. Being and feeling connected to your Source gives the best assurance and guidance. Only then, one can see and enjoy the gift of life and the beauty around in Nature and the Intelligent Universe.

  • @arricammarques1955
    @arricammarques1955 7 років тому +15

    "We know the price of goods and the value of nothing" Oscar Wilde

  • @LuckyGuu
    @LuckyGuu 3 роки тому +1

    Using the word co- mingle proves that he's somebody that we should listen to

  • @jumpsal7168
    @jumpsal7168 6 років тому +1

    I saw these guys do a seminar they’re absolutely worth the watch

  • @asparra
    @asparra 7 років тому +6

    Watched the documentary. It's the tipping point

  • @brettconv83
    @brettconv83 4 роки тому

    Try to be a minimalist with kids lol.. but great message. I got it quick. I didn’t have much as a kid, we were poor. Lost my father at nine years old. And I have a 13 year old son with an ex partner. I hold onto every piece of paper and thing we’ve collected meaning my son and I over 14 years. I guess it’s for the memories, everything I ever had I save. This really hits home as I sit here wondering why I really hold onto everything. Fear of loss... possibly. I’ll ponder for awhile.

  • @sajtosrud576
    @sajtosrud576 5 років тому +6

    It’s not the material stuff you have to get rid of to live happy and stress free life, it’s the responsibilities.

  • @kathleenmatrale
    @kathleenmatrale 6 років тому +1

    amazing!...less is best!..thank you both! hope more people are able to take the time to listen...

  • @RawVeganGinger
    @RawVeganGinger 7 років тому +4

    Amazing talk! Minimalizing as we speak🙌🏼

  • @surfsidemalibu007
    @surfsidemalibu007 3 роки тому +2

    You guys rock! Thank you for spreading the good word across the planet. 🌈❤️🤙

  • @dillydalie11
    @dillydalie11 8 років тому +5

    I have been doing this for awhile.. LOVE it.. really did not need or use all that Stuff..

  • @divinelyguided7892
    @divinelyguided7892 4 роки тому

    i have started this process 5 months ago , still continuing, its so liberating. in knowing the peace it brings.
    last week i cleared out my kitchen cupboards its amazing the thingz we hold onto, and for what, in the hope of one day i will use🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔
    how is it possible to have soooo many credit cards , that's insane in South Africa you will only get maybe 2-3

  • @PennyZenkerKeynoteSpeaker
    @PennyZenkerKeynoteSpeaker 3 роки тому +1

    I loved this talk. Letting go is the key to resilience. Letting go of our stuff helps us let go of the attachment after we let go of the attachment to our stuff we also get to let go of the attachment to our destructive thoughts. No easy task on either account.

  • @realfreedomofspeech
    @realfreedomofspeech 6 років тому +15

    "Imagine if you had less" said no financially poor person ever.