#113 - Minimalism and the Logic of Enough

This neat definition of a minimalist by Fumio Sasaki [1] fits very well with the material use considerations from the last reflection. Excessive use of materials is one of the main sources of the sustainability challenge. Arguably, without a substantial reduction in material use per capita — particularly in the wealthier parts of the world — a meaningful reduction of climate impact is very unlikely. Cleaner and more efficient production is important, but it will not solve the problem of excessive consumption.

Sasaki presents his minimalist transition as a journey of self-development rather than restraint. The reduction of material possessions to those that are truly important to a person clears the physical surroundings, which in turn helps to clear the mind and perhaps allows one to find happiness in the simple act of being. Minimalists claim that they do not sacrifice anything by removing possessions; rather, they gain time and renewed focus on what truly matters. Each unnecessary item we own takes time, energy and, ultimately, part of our freedom. In that sense, minimalism is a search for what is genuinely important to us, rather than a simple act of removal. Reduction is a result of the process, not its goal. As part of that process, other areas of life are affected as well — the decisions we make, the speed at which we live, and the amount of information we choose to engage with.

The positive framing of minimalism reminds me of adaptive preference — a nuanced capability within resilience thinking, defined as the “deliberate or reflexive process by which people adjust their expectations and aspirations when trying to cope with deteriorating changes in their living conditions” [2]. Adaptive preference is not necessarily resignation; it can also be a conscious recalibration of what constitutes a good life. From this perspective, minimalism may represent a voluntary shift in aspiration rather than forced deprivation.

It is perhaps not coincidental that minimalism has gained visibility in Japan — a country with limited natural resources and recurring exposure to natural constraints. Living with an acute awareness of scarcity may encourage exploration of alternative pathways to wellbeing beyond material accumulation.

Yet if the logic is so compelling, so why are we so attached to the things we own?

Part of the answer lies in the search for happiness, even if it is short-lived. We adapt to new possessions very quickly. The boost of happiness after a purchase fades fast, creating a reinforcing loop of new purchases each time we feel bored or dissatisfied.

But this is only part of the equation. The deeper layer is social: possessions serve as tools to convey our status to others. The more we own, the more valuable and successful we appear. The social aspect makes the issue much more complex. Achievement and success are widely associated with happiness [3], and society often measures achievement through visible signs of status. A Mercedes G-Class has limited utilitarian value, but its status value is very high. The same applies to a large house with a swimming pool or other luxury features that are rarely used.

Here lies the tension. If minimalism challenges not only consumption but also status signalling, it questions a core social mechanism. Without a broader shift in how societies allocate recognition and status, minimalism may remain marginal — even quietly countercultural. Choosing less in a culture that rewards more can feel isolating.

Which raises a deeper question: Is minimalism a niche lifestyle — or an early signal of cultural recalibration?

In his book, Fumio Sasaki offers 55 practical suggestions for beginning a minimalist journey. If you want to try it is the good reference to start with.

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References and Notes

1. Sasaki, F. (2017). Goodbye, things: The new Japanese minimalism. W. W. Norton & Company.

2. Pingault, N., & Martius, C. (2024). Resilience thinking: A review of key concepts (Occasional Paper 16). CIFOR-ICRAF.

3. Frankl, V. E. (2006). Man's search for meaning. Beacon Press.