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3.54 AVERAGE
3.54 AVERAGE
I loved the message of this book. I felt like the last chapter was just a little too much though. He consistently talks about giving back throughout the book and I feel like the last chapter is just a restatement of already covered topics. It was the ONLY chapter that I didn't feel like I got much out of because I felt that I had already read it.
Good suggestions on working with spouses and children. Strong religious view point throughout.
GREAT READ. Interesting but full of usable suggestions. If you're considering adopting a minimalist lifestyle or incorporating tenants of minimalism into your life I strongly recommend this book.
To be honest, I skimmed this book, and I did so because:
1) I'm at the point where I'm more interested in practical application and exercises, not personal stories. A bit of that is fine, but every minimalist blogger or author has a story of how they came to to minimalism, and those stories aren't that different.
2) Religion. Becker is a Christian, and he states in the introduction that he's included bible stories as support of the minimalist lifestyle. Fair enough. That's not my cup of tea, as they say.
1) I'm at the point where I'm more interested in practical application and exercises, not personal stories. A bit of that is fine, but every minimalist blogger or author has a story of how they came to to minimalism, and those stories aren't that different.
2) Religion. Becker is a Christian, and he states in the introduction that he's included bible stories as support of the minimalist lifestyle. Fair enough. That's not my cup of tea, as they say.
A book on minimalism life style but nothing new, at least for me... Probably better for someone who is completely new to minimalism. The only useful take home message for me is the 29 rule - remove 29 or 29% of your items (e.g., clothes, kitchen appliances, etc.) for 29 days and see if you're still eager to put them back. If not, better get rid of it.
A great beginner's guide to minimalism--though rather similar to a lot of the blogs, he does does has some original opinions.
Not a lot of meat to this book. It reads more like an infomercial/blog post of minimalism. There are many other books on the subject that are written better. There is a religious undertone about your purpose throughout the book as well. It’s not bad, it’s just nothing new or groundbreaking. I don’t feel like I’m any better off for having read it.
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
I really like how the book isn't just about getting rid of things, but developing a spiritual mindset of content and generosity. Other books I have read focus very mechanically and egotistically on the benefits of minimalism (it will become so easy to clean, you will be able to spend the time and money elsewhere), or even make it into some kind of cool trend or lifestyle, almost like a contest, the one who owns less is the coolest and wins. But Becker writes more deeply on the matter, he goes through several aspects that other miss. Like when he explains how different generations relate to consumerism; understanding the underlying processes for your behaviour might increase your chances to succeed in change. Also, with his chapter where he unmasks the selling-strategies of companies, it hits me how disgusting consumerism is. I have been looking for a book with practical help regarding how to downsize, but now I see that that wasn't what I needed. The change begins with a changed mindset, after that the rest will come easy, I believe. And Becker helped me with this.
He does take some radical stances. Like when he goes against the flow by not recommending downsizing your circle of friends like the rest of the self-centered minimalist out there do. "The path to better living is found in developing the compassion and the space to love even those who don't deserve it. Choosing to invest only in the relationships that benefit you isn't love—it's selfishness." (P 202) He is so right. His message of minimalism as an act of compassion and generosity really resonates with me.
He does take some radical stances. Like when he goes against the flow by not recommending downsizing your circle of friends like the rest of the self-centered minimalist out there do. "The path to better living is found in developing the compassion and the space to love even those who don't deserve it. Choosing to invest only in the relationships that benefit you isn't love—it's selfishness." (P 202) He is so right. His message of minimalism as an act of compassion and generosity really resonates with me.