It is hard to avoid no true Scotsman territory for a term that in not very well defined and used slightly differently depending on context (what medium, which a

It is hard to avoid no true Scotsman territory for a term that in not very well defined and used slightly differently depending on context (what medium, which aspect of life, geographically). Also I haven't read any of the linked books/articles the newrepublic piece links. Wikipedia has it as: "The term minimalist often colloquially refers to anything that is spare or stripped to its essentials." Oxford Dictionary as: "a style of art, music or design that uses very simple ideas or a very small number of simple elements" So in my opinion, having rusting car wrecks around in an old shed with the intent to re-use their essential spare parts later is perfectly compatible with minimalism, and what I would expect someone with the skill set and space to do so. Contrast that with a large garage where numerous expensive cars are being parked and continuously maintained as well as cost of electricity, cleaning, security etc. for the building, although the cars are pretty much never driven. That would be much closer to a minimalists nightmare. Not the self reliant utilitarian guy with the old shed.