Wealth, Money and Minimalism

Minimalism is a trend that seems to be gaining steam in our society.  Phrases such as “getting off the grid,” or “less is always more”,” are counter-culture attempts to eliminate the Materialism that dominates our culture. Minimalism has become quite attractive to those who believe that capitalism is the “great evil” that has corrupted the culture and destroyed one’s ability to find true happiness, meaning or fulfillment.

The impression that capitalism is the “great evil” is, of course, an anemic supposition based on flawed reasoning, but never-the-less it has become the mantra of those who sincerely, however misguided they may or may not be, are looking to bridge the gap of emptiness, fill the void of meaninglessness, and overcome the loneliness that plagues a large number of people in modern culture.

A deeper search for the real reasons behind the emptiness, meaninglessness, and loneliness found throughout our society is beneficial if we are truly seeking for solutions, not scapegoats, and answers, not wishful thinking. Giving up the conveniences, the comfort, the hygiene and yes, the privileges that capitalism has afforded modern society will not magically or automatically dispense the happiness, meaningfulness, and fulfillment that we humans seek, crave and thrive on.  Obviously, neither will the pursuit of passions, fame, or fortune.  No, these deep desires are human needs that cannot merely be bought and sold with superficial platitudes even if those platitudes are extreme, like self-denial and self-aggrandizement used to the maximum.

Successful people understand and value the importance of connection, relationships and having meaningful interaction with others. They realize that when money is vilified, scorned or lowered to its lowest level (merely its purchasing power,) then money becomes a barrier between people rather than a conduit of connectivity where people interact with each other.   Yet, when money is recognized and respected as the quantitative result that comes when serving others, it becomes a spiritual force that binds society together, encouraging interaction with others, and drives innovation and creativity.

Of course, we’ve all experienced the fulfillment that comes when being united with others in a cause or relationship.  We can also attest to the joy that we’ve experienced when we’ve come up with a better way to accomplish something or have been creative.  And nobody can deny the joy that comes from being recognized for the service provided to another human being.  And yet, Minimalism tends to support the idea that material goods like money, houses, and possessions are what is robbing the human race of happiness, meaningfulness, and fulfillment.  That idea couldn’t be further from the truth. A more advanced perspective is necessary lest, believing that less is more, we end up with nothing.

First, we must realize, being centered on money, houses, and possessions will rob us of the happiness, meaning and fulfillment that we all are searching for and need. But that isn’t because those inanimate objects robbed us or anybody else of anything.   Rather, it is what we think these inanimate objects can do, and furthermore what we do, or don’t do, with these inanimate objects, that will either rob us or supply us with what we really need and are looking for.

So, if Minimalism is about learning to be content with where we are at, what we have, and the direction our lives are taking, fine and good.  But if Minimalism is about, reducing, eliminating and avoiding, interaction with others and the helpfulness of inanimate objects, be forewarned.  No person, society or culture can remain an island.  It takes relationships, interaction and connectivity between individuals, societies and cultures to truly find the happiness, meaning and fulfillment that we all seek and need.

As long as money, an inanimate object is permitted to play the significant role of facilitating the necessary interaction, relationships and connectivity required to reward service and value provided, Materialism will be avoided.  And when Materialism is avoided there is no need for Minimalism. At least, the Minimalism that is defined as the eliminations of Materialistic goods and supplies.

There is nothing wrong with having material possessions as long as those possessions don’t possess you and keep you from the interaction, relationships, and connectivity that permit you to have all the happiness, meaningfulness and fulfillment that you desire.  In fact, in this way, having material possessions can be part of wealth.