#033 — Less is more
The art of simplification: finding what truly matters.
Welcome back to another edition of Slow Letter!
In this issue, we’re building a bridge from our previous exploration of the “old money” aesthetic to dive deeper into the essence of “less is more”. As we discovered, the allure of simplicity and understated elegance isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a philosophy that can transform our lives in meaningful ways. Today, we’ll explore how embracing minimalism and intentional living can lead to greater fulfillment and clarity in our fast-paced world.
From practical tips on decluttering your space to thought-provoking ideas about redefining time, we’ve curated content that will inspire you to simplify and focus on what truly matters. We’ll also introduce you to a unique digital experiment that challenges you to simply sit and be present—a radical act in our constantly connected lives.
So, take a deep breath, find a comfortable spot, and join us on this journey towards a simpler, more intentional way of living. After all, in a world that constantly demands more, sometimes the most revolutionary thing we can do is choose less.
Enjoy!
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Food for thought
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“All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking.”
– Friedrich Nietzsche
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The power of less: embracing minimalism in a maximal world
In a world that constantly pushes us to want more, do more, and be more, there’s a quiet revolution taking place. It’s a movement towards less: less clutter, less distraction, less stress. This philosophy, often encapsulated in the phrase “less is more”, isn’t just about decluttering your physical space. It’s about creating room in your life for what truly matters.
The Steve Jobs approach: simplify to succeed
Perhaps one of the most striking examples of the power of simplification comes from the world of technology. In 1997, when Steve Jobs returned to Apple, the company was on the brink of bankruptcy. Jobs’ solution? Simplify.
According to his biography written by Walter Isaacson, during one of his first meetings back at Apple, Jobs approached a whiteboard and drew a simple 2x2 grid. On one axis, he wrote “Consumer” and “Professional”. On the other, “Desktop” and “Portable”. Four quadrants, four products. This was to be Apple’s entire product line.
At the time, Apple had a confusing array of 40 products (!). Jobs’ radical simplification cut through the noise, allowing the company to focus its resources and creativity on just a handful of excellent products. This decision, as we now know, set Apple on the path to becoming one of the most valuable companies in the world.
The lesson? Sometimes, the path to growth and success lies not in doing more, but in doing less—and doing it exceptionally well.
Why less stuff is better
The benefits of simplification extend far beyond the corporate world. On a personal level, embracing a “less is more” philosophy can lead to numerous benefits:
Financial freedom: fewer possessions mean less money spent on buying and maintaining stuff.
Mental clarity: a decluttered space often leads to a decluttered mind.
More time: less time spent managing possessions means more time for experiences, relationships and other things.
Increased focus: with fewer distractions, it’s easier to concentrate on what truly matters.
Sustainability: consuming less is inherently more environmentally friendly.
The power of doing nothing
In our hyper-connected, always-on world, one of the most radical acts of simplification might be simply doing nothing. This isn’t about laziness or apathy; it’s about creating space for thought, creativity, and genuine human connection.
As explored in the article “Doing Nothing Has Never Been More Important”, the concept of idleness goes beyond mere relaxation. It’s a state of being that allows our minds to wander freely, unencumbered by the constant demands of productivity and purpose. This form of “active inactivity” is crucial for our mental, emotional, and even societal well-being.
Historically, idleness has been viewed with suspicion, often equated with laziness or moral failing. However, this perspective fails to recognize the profound value of unstructured time. In our modern society, where every moment is commodified and monetized, choosing to do nothing becomes an act of rebellion – a reclaiming of our time and our minds.
The power of idleness lies in its ability to foster creativity and independent thought. When we’re constantly occupied, whether with work or commercialized forms of leisure, we risk losing the ability to form our own values and views. Our thoughts become shaped by external influences rather than emerging from within. By contrast, periods of idleness allow for the kind of deep reflection that leads to genuine self-discovery and innovation.
Moreover, idleness serves as a counterbalance to the cult of productivity that dominates our culture. The pressure to always be doing something, to be visibly productive, can lead to burnout and a loss of purpose. By embracing moments of nothingness, we create space for regeneration and renewal. This isn’t just about recharging our batteries to be more productive later; it’s about reconnecting with the essence of who we are beyond our roles and responsibilities.
In essence, the art of doing nothing is about reclaiming our autonomy in a world that constantly demands our attention and energy. It’s about recognizing that our value lies not just in what we produce, but in who we are. By embracing idleness, we open ourselves up to a richer inner life, enhanced creativity, and a more authentic way of being in the world.
The 'sit' experiment
The “sit.” website offers a simple yet powerful experiment in the art of doing nothing. It challenges users to sit quietly for just one minute, or more, doing absolutely nothing:
Even this short period of stillness can:
reduce stress and anxiety
improve focus and clarity
provide a moment of reflection in a busy day
cultivate mindfulness and presence.
By incorporating small moments of stillness into our daily routines, we can create space for deeper thought and reflection. It’s a small act of our rebellion against the constant demands in our attention-driven world. Many great thinkers and creators throughout history have emphasized the importance of idle time. It’s in these moments of apparent “nothingness” that our minds can wander, make unexpected connections, and stumble upon innovative ideas. By constantly filling our time with activity or distraction, we risk stifling this natural creative process.
Embracing "less is more" in your life
Adopting a “less is more” philosophy doesn’t mean living an austere life devoid of any joy or comfort. Instead, it’s about being intentional with your time, energy, and resources. Here are some ways to start:
Declutter your space: start small—maybe with a drawer or a closet—and work your way up.
Simplify your schedule: learn to say no to commitments that don’t align with your priorities.
Digital detox: reduce screen time and be more intentional about your digital consumption.
Practice mindfulness: incorporate moments of stillness into your day, even if it’s just for a minute (the “sit.” website is a good starting point).
Focus on experiences, not things: prioritize creating memories over accumulating possessions.
Remember, the goal isn’t to strip your life bare, but to make room for what truly enriches it. By embracing simplicity and valuing moments of “nothingness”, we often find that we gain more than we give up—more time, more peace, more creativity, and more appreciation for the things that truly matter.
In a world that’s constantly pushing for more, choosing less can be a truly powerful act—and a pathway to a richer, more fulfilling life.
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