To me applied minimalism in whatever endeavor just means finding the simplest possible thing that works. I think most of us can see the value in that.
Minimalism: It Works
61–64 of 64 posts
Re: Minimalism: It Works
#62Each author is using their own definition of minimalism. There's no point in arguing over whose definition is better.
The argument isn't "What is minimalism." The argument is, "What are these people doing that they call minimalism?" Vivek's criticisms are mostly valid for his perception of the movement, and I think he's a reasonable guy, so I tried to update and correct his perception.
This is not a sisyphean task unless Vivek has a very strong motivation to ignore my explanation.
Re: Minimalism: It Works
#63Earlier quoted context omitted.
Why is it that your definition of minimalism is paucity? The movement's canonical definition is: the right amount of things for your goals. If you are a cook, a well-appointed kitchen is the Right Thing to have. Anything less is just a conceit, and itself a violation of the goal-oriented thinking we've been talking about. There is this idea of zen and asceticism that has crept into the conversation and honestly I'm n…
I'm not sure of the origins of the zenny/ascetic minimalist idea either, but it certainly is present, and not a figment of my imagination ( http://cultofless.com/ is an example, so is http://www.farbeyondthestars.com/minimalist-freedom-how-to-l... ). And that's really the sort of thing I am talking about. It's not immoral to have stuff, and I feel this "stuff is immoral" vibe floating around from some proponents of M…
People making passing references to Zen as a mental stance, if not a religion. Like I said in my essay, sites like http://cultofless are basically publicity stunts and personality cults. They're out there more to get attention for the authors than to provide any real advice.
As for Everett Bogue, for someone espousing minimalism he sure has a lot of books to sell you.
Re: Minimalism: It Works
#64The original article criticizing minimalism was written with more depth and more sense of humor than this article written in response.
My take on the two articles: http://www.johndcook.com/blog/2011/01/01/periodic-minimalism...