Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.54 AVERAGE
3.54 AVERAGE
While this was a nice summary of minimalism, I didn't really find out anything new or gotten life changing insight (not that I expected that). He does also repeat himself a lot, so at least ten times I found myself thinking "you've said this already with a slightly different word order or emphasis". I saw some people complaining that there should be a warning about the Bible references, but I didn't mind them at all, actually it was the part that was new for me, so I appreciated them.
I think for people who're not sold on minimalism this is quite convincing, but I am already there, so yeah. I don't agree with everything, but then you are supposed to tailor your minimalism to your needs, so I don't really need to agree with everything.
I think for people who're not sold on minimalism this is quite convincing, but I am already there, so yeah. I don't agree with everything, but then you are supposed to tailor your minimalism to your needs, so I don't really need to agree with everything.
Ugh. So much religion. I wanted to hear about minimalism. I felt duped by the books description not including that this was a heavily weighted Christian book. Really liked the Kon Mari method literature but this was not enlightening even subtracting the aspect of the preaching.
In the world of simplicity/decluttering books (and there are a lot out there now), some say Joshua Becker says nothing new.
Others have criticized his emphasis on Christianity.
Here's my take:
1. I have read nearly ALL books having to do with minimalism, simplicity, decluttering, cleaning. This is probably my second-favorite, if not favorite (Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up is just quirky and intense enough to be vying for the top spot). Becker does say things others aren't saying: for instance, he's the only one I know who addresses each generation and talks about their own hindrances or tendencies when it comes to decluttering, which was very helpful. Unlike Marie Kondo and others, he introduces the concept of "leveling" (not getting rid of things totally, but boxing them up and moving them to a different location to see if you can live without them). He's also a proponent of starting small if you have to, and making it a lifestyle. I think this is more realistic for people, and the emphasis on small victories which keep you going is a truth also discovered by Dave Ramsey, who gives the same advice when it comes to debt reduction. Also, although other books address simplicity from a Christian standpoint, and occasionally point to Jesus as the example of a simple life, only Becker actually talks about Scripture in a way that reveals Jesus' heart towards possessions and His balanced treatment of people (I love the comparison between the Gadarene man and the rich young ruler). This shows that Jesus' intent was the heart, not to make giving away all your possessions a requirement for righteousness, therefore leading to works. Which leads me to point #2:
2. I loved it most because of the emphasis on Jesus, and Becker's declaration of Christianity. Sometimes I have felt he kept his faith veiled on his blog. He is unashamed in this book, and I love it. If someone is offended because they started reading it and didn't know it would have Christian references, I don't know how much more obvious it could be. The library call number on my copy is 241.68, which means you would be in the Christian section when you discover it. The subject on the classification page is "Simplicity - Religious aspects - Christianity". Very early on in the book, Becker writes, "My religious background has played a significant role in both by understanding and my practice of minimalism. You'll see me make the connection periodically through the book." So, no one should be surprised about that. However, I can honestly say that nothing in this book would offend someone of a different faith. In fact, Becker does a great job of showing the life examples of others who have embraced minimalism, and some of those have come through the teaching of Buddha and others.
Finally! This is the Jesus-focused approach to minimalism I have been looking for. I will recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about minimalism, no matter what their faith. Thank you, Joshua Becker, for adding your voice to the mix!
Others have criticized his emphasis on Christianity.
Here's my take:
1. I have read nearly ALL books having to do with minimalism, simplicity, decluttering, cleaning. This is probably my second-favorite, if not favorite (Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up is just quirky and intense enough to be vying for the top spot). Becker does say things others aren't saying: for instance, he's the only one I know who addresses each generation and talks about their own hindrances or tendencies when it comes to decluttering, which was very helpful. Unlike Marie Kondo and others, he introduces the concept of "leveling" (not getting rid of things totally, but boxing them up and moving them to a different location to see if you can live without them). He's also a proponent of starting small if you have to, and making it a lifestyle. I think this is more realistic for people, and the emphasis on small victories which keep you going is a truth also discovered by Dave Ramsey, who gives the same advice when it comes to debt reduction. Also, although other books address simplicity from a Christian standpoint, and occasionally point to Jesus as the example of a simple life, only Becker actually talks about Scripture in a way that reveals Jesus' heart towards possessions and His balanced treatment of people (I love the comparison between the Gadarene man and the rich young ruler). This shows that Jesus' intent was the heart, not to make giving away all your possessions a requirement for righteousness, therefore leading to works. Which leads me to point #2:
2. I loved it most because of the emphasis on Jesus, and Becker's declaration of Christianity. Sometimes I have felt he kept his faith veiled on his blog. He is unashamed in this book, and I love it. If someone is offended because they started reading it and didn't know it would have Christian references, I don't know how much more obvious it could be. The library call number on my copy is 241.68, which means you would be in the Christian section when you discover it. The subject on the classification page is "Simplicity - Religious aspects - Christianity". Very early on in the book, Becker writes, "My religious background has played a significant role in both by understanding and my practice of minimalism. You'll see me make the connection periodically through the book." So, no one should be surprised about that. However, I can honestly say that nothing in this book would offend someone of a different faith. In fact, Becker does a great job of showing the life examples of others who have embraced minimalism, and some of those have come through the teaching of Buddha and others.
Finally! This is the Jesus-focused approach to minimalism I have been looking for. I will recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about minimalism, no matter what their faith. Thank you, Joshua Becker, for adding your voice to the mix!
I started this book when it first came out, put it away for a while, and just finished it (I'm trying to reach my goal for this year and am finishing a lot of the books I'd left unfinished). As a professional who is very interested in this subject, I've read a lot of books on the topic, and I think Joshua Becker leads the field. He is grounded, easy to understand, and compelling. I like his style much more than The Minimalists. He's a minimalist everyone can relate to, especially those just starting on their simplifying journey, and those with kids. He encourages you to start where you are, doesn't require you to be incredibly drastic, and most of all, inspires you to find a way to give back and be generous. I'll be taking bigger steps on my minimalism quest this year because of this book. I'd like to meet him.
While there may not be "anything new" here, per the other reviews, this is one of those books I'll return to time and time again for the reminder (like The Millionaire Next Door, which also contains "nothing new"). It's also one I'll highly recommended and will get additional copies to hand out, as it serves a wonderful summarization of decluttering/minimizing without the elitist brow-beating.
another inspiring book about minimalism. this one is well done, succinct, and inspirational in that it's not JUST about paring your possessions, but about finding charities, people, and places to spend your newly freed up money, time, and donate-able items. a great reminder that beckoning minimalist isn't about getting rid of the world, but rather about being able to invest in it more fully.
A handy guide for becoming minimalist, full of inspiring real-life stories and hot-to tips, but also full of Jesus and Bible stories. I had not expected the religious aspect, having picked up the book after seeing Joshua Becker and his family featured in a minimalist documentary. There are enough other minimalist books out there if, like me, you prefer yours without a heavy dose of religion.
Listened to this book on audible. Joshua has great energy and was a joy to listen to. He's encouraged me to try living with less. I'm also evaluating my time and seeing how I can better give back to my community.
Great read/listen!
Great read/listen!
informative
medium-paced
challenging
informative
inspiring
fast-paced