I heard a funny quote the other day, that minimalism is something bored rich people do, and it got me thinking.
When you think of wealth, you think of an opulent mansion, multiple cars, designer clothes and jewelry that costs more than most homes.
And for some, you’re right, however for most of the wealthy, they live a largely modest life because wealth isn’t just about having nice things, but more about how they can use their resources to help others.
Let’s look at Billionaire business visionary, Elon Musk who at the time of writing this article is worth an estimated $149.1 billion dollars.
Why would a man with an insane amount of wealth, want to downsize and become a minimalist?
Well let’s start from the beginning, on the 2nd May 2020, Elon tweeted “I’m selling almost all physical possessions. Will own no house” which was a complete shock with many thinking, it was just another twitter publicity stunt, but 8 months later, he completed the sale of all 7 of his properties.
Elon said “yeah, in some ways, possessions weigh you down, I just have all these houses, and nobody is using them” which may sound like a first world problem, as many would love to be in possession of a property portfolio worth in excess of USD$150 million, however is just highlights that “things” don’t bring you happiness.
Modern culture has bought into the lie that the good life is found in accumulating things—in possessing as much as possible. They believe that more is better and have inadvertently subscribed to the idea that happiness can be purchased at a department store.
But they are wrong. Embracing minimalism brings freedom from the all-consuming passion to possess.
It may sound like a cliché, but it’s incredibly common. Think about yourself for a moment.
What was the last thing you bought as a treat for yourself?
How did it make you feel when you saw it, and how did it make you feel after you bought it?
Now, how long have you had it, and how does it make you feel now?
I guarantee, that high you felt when you first bought it, is most likely gone. In that moment you bought your happiness, but it didn’t last and, when we become aware of this, our views change for the better.
And so whilst it may seem a little “mad”, there is a method to this madness. Don’t weigh yourself with possessions, instead, surround yourself with things that help you get closer to living your life of freedom, independence and purpose.
