I’ve been seeing a lot of minimalist lifestyle content lately, and while I appreciate the focus on intentionality, I think the pendulum has swung too far. The contrarian view, that Minimalism is Overrated can be pretty compelling if you dig into it. For example, are we truly happier with just three plain t-shirts, or are we just suppressing natural desires for variety and self-expression? It feels like sometimes it’s less about genuine need versus want, and more about projecting an image of ‘enlightened simplicity’.
One of the arguments I see against minimalism is its potential inaccessibility. A truly sustainable minimalist lifestyle often requires upfront investment in higher quality, longer-lasting items – which isn’t feasible for everyone.Buying cheaper, readily available alternatives and replacing them is arguably more accessible, though less environmentally kind.
What are your thoughts? Is minimalism genuinely liberating, or just another form of consumerism repackaged? Are we perhaps confusing true contentment with aesthetic restrictions? I’m curious to hear perspectives from both sides of the argument.