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(Disclosure: I know Andrew) "Real minimalists?" What, is there like a club or something? Unlike you, Andrew isn't engaging in a game of "shoulds" and "oughts.

(Disclosure: I know Andrew) "Real minimalists?" What, is there like a club or something? Unlike you, Andrew isn't engaging in a game of "shoulds" and "oughts." He's just experimenting with his lifestyle and learning from the process.

andrewhyde 15y ago
(Disclosure: I am Andrew) This is a project to help with some personal growth, not really a "I'm better" or "everyone should be like me." It is just something I did. It taught me amazing things.
- silentscope 15y ago
  My brother, currently running a non-profit abroad, utilizes a similar lifestyle. Everything he owns he can fit into his small backpack. I learned a ton from him about the benefits of mobility--something I would have thought the lean, mobile startup crowd here on HN would've related to more. Attachments--to belongings or business plans are a source of strength but are also over emphasized. I admire what you've done and think we could use a lot more of it. Cheers!
  - ceol 15y ago
    Ah, that's perfect! It shouldn't be called a minimalist lifestyle; it should be called a mobile lifestyle.
    - nattyackermann 15y ago
      Exactly!
ceol 15y ago
I think his approach to minimalism is kind of unique. He's essentially saying, "Cut all the unnecessary choices out of my life." The last paragraph sums it up nicely: > Minimalism is equally easy as it is boring to do. What shirt today? The one I didn’t wear yesterday. “How tough is it for you?” You mean, to pick the shirt I didn’t wear yesterday? Once you get used to simplicity, the complex normality others have becomes the audacious thing. However, don't get upset when someone calls him on his anti-ownership bullshit. He still owns things; he's just shoving the energy of owning things on to someone else. I think owning less things is a good goal to have, but not the way he's approaching it. It should be spending less money on things, not spending more money on disposable things so you can technically say you don't own a lot.
rickmb 15y ago
He juxtaposes his "minimalism" with being an "overconsumer". His words, not mine. That makes him a bit of a douchebag who deserves to be called out on his bullshit minimalism claim, not just someone who's just "experimenting and learning". He consumes way more resources than most people on this planet, including most Westerners. By what insane standard is that minimalist?

andrewhyde 15y ago

(Disclosure: I am Andrew) This is a project to help with some personal growth, not really a "I'm better" or "everyone should be like me." It is just something I did. It taught me amazing things.

silentscope 15y ago
My brother, currently running a non-profit abroad, utilizes a similar lifestyle. Everything he owns he can fit into his small backpack. I learned a ton from him about the benefits of mobility--something I would have thought the lean, mobile startup crowd here on HN would've related to more. Attachments--to belongings or business plans are a source of strength but are also over emphasized. I admire what you've done and think we could use a lot more of it. Cheers!
- ceol 15y ago
  Ah, that's perfect! It shouldn't be called a minimalist lifestyle; it should be called a mobile lifestyle.
  - nattyackermann 15y ago
    Exactly!

ceol 15y ago

I think his approach to minimalism is kind of unique. He's essentially saying, "Cut all the unnecessary choices out of my life." The last paragraph sums it up nicely: > Minimalism is equally easy as it is boring to do. What shirt today? The one I didn’t wear yesterday. “How tough is it for you?” You mean, to pick the shirt I didn’t wear yesterday? Once you get used to simplicity, the complex normality others have becomes the audacious thing. However, don't get upset when someone calls him on his anti-ownership bullshit. He still owns things; he's just shoving the energy of owning things on to someone else. I think owning less things is a good goal to have, but not the way he's approaching it. It should be spending less money on things, not spending more money on disposable things so you can technically say you don't own a lot.

rickmb 15y ago

He juxtaposes his "minimalism" with being an "overconsumer". His words, not mine. That makes him a bit of a douchebag who deserves to be called out on his bullshit minimalism claim, not just someone who's just "experimenting and learning". He consumes way more resources than most people on this planet, including most Westerners. By what insane standard is that minimalist?