Far Beyond The Stars - Latest Comments

Re: Why I live with 56 Things (and what they are)

oliver_south — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:46:33 -0000

If I wanted to be a minimalist would it be okay if I like didn't have a designer bike, and like just used one I'd pieced together or bought for five bucks? I mean, is it okay, if it like has brakes and gears and stuff? Also, can I just use the computers at the library like the homeless people, or do I have to have the most expensive laptop money can buy? I guess if I wanted to be minimalist I could just do everything on my iPhone, but having an iPhone really isn't minimalist.

You're really so inspiring, but I'm like totally upset that you list what brand of note pad you use (moleskin, I mean, those things are so hip, isn't that what Jack Kerouac wrote Walden on?) but I'd really appreciate it if you'd list what brand all your items are. It would really make it easier for fellow anti-consumerism consumers to follow you. Are the purple tank tops from Ed Hardy or Urban Outfitters? Am I supposed to be a minimalist in the "waste not what not" sense or just own expensive items that are of minimalist design?

Re: Why I live with 56 Things (and what they are)

wlexxx — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:16:18 -0000

you have a bike but no bike tools?
pump, wrenches, flat kit, tire levers,?
wle

Re: Why I live with 56 Things (and what they are)

Nate — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:32:19 -0000

I lived with less than this as a freshman in the college dorms.

Also, you must be an enormous hipster. And you're missing items that i guarantee you have such as toothpaste, rugs, decorations etc.

This is one big stroke fest. For example: "For Monday I’ve written an epic post (over 4500+ words!), which is already scheduled about how I work less than 2 hours per day, and how you can too." wow, aren't you special!

Re: Why I live with 56 Things (and what they are)

ANDREW PRESSAULT — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 14:57:14 -0000

An admirable thing to do. I actually live similarly, albeit with a few more things. That fact, however, begs the question: How do you live without dishes, cups, and utensils? Perhaps you're not counting consumables. But I hope you're not using disposable cutlery.

While it's good to approach every purchase with a "Do I need this?" attitude, I think it's what we consume, use up, and waste that's more important than the items we own.

(Sorry if this gets sent to you twice. Was having issues with DISQUS)

Re: Why I live with 56 Things (and what they are)

JustinD — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 14:54:29 -0000

I wouldn't say you're a minimalist at all. That list of stuff, combined with the shared apartment items that you and your partner use, amount to a pretty average amount of stuff for a young urban adult.

Re: Why I live with 56 Things (and what they are)

G_WR — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:54:06 -0000

I guess I need to read more of this blog to understand the 'minimalist' concept. Given the amount of energy required to support the Internet, being so wedded to the online project doesn't seem very minimalist at the macro level. See, for example:
http://technology.timesonli...

Oh, and it's a 'moleskine' notebook; presumably there's no skins of moles involved...

Re: Why I live with 56 Things (and what they are)

bob_vila123 — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 12:53:34 -0000

nooooooobody caressssssssss

Re: Why I live with 56 Things (and what they are)

Jana Miller — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 10:46:04 -0000

I'm a new reader...I love your writing style! ps-If you are looking for a good home for your camera-I'd be happy to store it for you and send it back to you if you change your mind :)

Jana

Re: Why I live with 56 Things (and what they are)

Karim D. Ghantous — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 06:54:42 -0000

Hooray! Judging by the comments, more than 90% of readers actually understand your fundamental point. And those that don't at least see where you're going. In fact I only see two comments which indicate that the persons who made them weren't fully paying attention.

If I got anything out of this post, it's this: it got me thinking. There. Easy. Nothing to it. And I thank you for it.

A small point on cameras. Compact and integrated cameras are certainly good now. Compacts can sometimes replace DSLRs and phone cameras can sometimes replace both of those.

I suppose that a 'true' minimalist (!) can borrow a big camera if they need one. Which may not be that often. And maybe minimalism is totally compatible with care-and-share ideals.

I'd like to answer Ari's point. The iPhone is a consumer-driven, materialistic device: if you ignore that it replaces a modem/router; if you ignore that it replaces two cameras (video & still); if you ignore that it serves as a back-up Internet access point in case the laptop is not available or not working; if you think that minimalism = featureless, clunky technology; if you confuse minimalism with asceticism.

Nice, beautiful, functional things are not by definition materialistic.

Re: Why I live with 56 Things (and what they are)

Ari Herzog — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:03:47 -0000

I'm curious your rationale for owning an iPhone. You can't get much more materialistic and consumer-attracted than that.

Re: Why I live with 56 Things (and what they are)

Halcyon Frank — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 22:39:39 -0000

Hey I just found your blog. I'm fascinated with this minimist idea, but I have a serious question. I found your list of clothing was what I would've expected, full of neutral, simple pieces, except for the brown button cowboy shirt. I found this interesting and was just curious as to why you chose this for one of your 57 things.

Re: The Secret of Ultra-Mobility without Owning a Car

Dana84 — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 11:01:23 -0000

How much did Zipcar pay you to write this post?

Re: Twelve Things I’ve Learned from One Year of Minimalist Self-Employment

Tommy Schultz — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 23:43:14 -0000

Hi Everett,
Great point:

"If your monthly overhead is $7,000, it’s much harder to succeed than if your monthly overhead is $1,000."

I think you're definitely right that this is the reason most people fail at living independently.

I've been independent and abroad since 2007 and it's one of the best decisions I ever made. In the beginning I started out in the Philippines because the cost of living is low and the quality of life is high. After a year there I moved to Bali (where I am now) and things couldn't be better.

For anyone who is considering making the move to an independent / abroad lifestyle and not sure if they can pull it off, I'd recommend the Peace Corps. It's a bit like independent living on training wheels where you can start to get a sense of how you might handle being totally on your own but without all the risk.

You'll also gain an appreciation for how much we really do have in America and how much of it you really don't need.

At least that was how the experience was for me, I'm not sure I could have made the move to full-time independence without the language, cultural, and minimalist living skills that I picked up in the Philippines while serving as a PCV.

But after those two years I went from thinking that living abroad independently was something that I could never do to thinking today that it's the most ordinary and practical thing you could possibly do.

Thanks again for the great post--let me know if you're ever traveling through Bali.
Best,
Tommy

Re: Why I live with 56 Things (and what they are)

Kyle — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 01:24:48 -0000

I am currently in the process of getting rid of as much "stuff" as I can. Like an earlier poster said, I also have a few hangups on some things. I have been taking pictures of certain things and it makes it easier to get rid of some things, but I notice you didn't put some things like: your high school/college diploma (you just trashed it?), I didn't see any "nice" clothes, like even a button-up shirt and tie for weddings or other functions, or, as jimmy stated, things you may only use a few times a year. If you or anyone could address my or jimmy's post I would be much obliged.

P.S. I have 4 full boxes of clothes I am donating to a church tomorrow and am further clearing out all the clutter in my life. Yay for minimalism! :)

Re: The Secret of Ultra-Mobility without Owning a Car

Jaime — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 21:35:57 -0000

hey guys thanks! =)

Re: Why I live with 56 Things (and what they are)

Hulbert — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 00:46:49 -0000

Hi Everette. This was such a cool post. I never knew people lived like this... I don't even keep track of how many items I have, but looking in my closet gives me a headache. I actually keep all my old clothes for memories, even from when I was a little kid. However, I never use them or anything and I sort of feel guilty of having them still because they just take up space. I think your minimalism journey (moving all around) was really fun to read. You remind me of video game adventure character, sort of... Thanks for the post man. Looking for what's next!

Re: Twelve Things I’ve Learned from One Year of Minimalist Self-Employment

chibi/SB — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 16:53:41 -0000

This started out great but I stopped reading when I hit "Upper Peninsula of Wisconsin". Either you're talking about someplace I (and google) have never heard of, or you are most offensively confused- the Upper Peninsula is part of Michigan, TYVM.

Re: Why I live with 56 Things (and what they are)

Jimmy — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 16:45:52 -0000

I'm new to this. I have tried and am continuing to try to purge myself of belongings, but I have a few mental hangups when it comes to simple things. You don't list any tools or multi-tool, as far as I can see. I find the need to use a screwdriver every couple weeks and a hammer once in a while tool. I use a drill 6 or 8 times a year. What is your solution to this? You don't list any cleaning products, food, spices, toiletries...basically I'm asking how you "know" where to draw the line and not count something???

Re: Why I live with 56 Things (and what they are)

Rachael — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 03:41:31 -0000

Ooh, this was inspiring. I used to be Minimalist Queen, when I had two children and a smaller house. Now I have four children ( and three chickens, two cats and a dog) and we live in chaos. I love your blog, having come across it today whilst wandering online with a cup of tea. I've subscribed - looking forward to more inspiration from you. Meanwhile, I'm getting another cup of tea, and I'm going to have a read through your archives.

Re: Joshua Becker on Controversial Values, Minimalism with Children, and Inside-Out Simplicity

Joel Runyon | [BIT] — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 22:06:57 -0000

Ryan? :)

Re: Joshua Becker on Controversial Values, Minimalism with Children, and Inside-Out Simplicity

Joshua Becker — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 21:17:39 -0000

Thanks Ryan. Minimalism has never been my ultimate goal. I've always viewed minimalism in my life as just an avenue to something greater.

Re: Why I live with 56 Things (and what they are)

Zach Berkenstein — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:19:26 -0000

well done minismalistic boy

Re: Why I live with 56 Things (and what they are)

Jaime — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 17:19:14 -0000

If you get a lot out of having a blender, then no need to feel about it being un-minimalist. Plus there's no race for whom can live with less things. So I'm curious is your gf a minimalist too?

Speaking of minimalism, I own less stuff than my bf, somehow that fact amuses me. I can pack up all my stuff in my car. hehe. He has stuff in storage. btw I like your sailing pic, you look very happy and free.

Re: Why I live with 56 Things (and what they are)

Beth — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 19:10:19 -0000

Great List--I'm working on giving away some more things this weekend. One thing that I will definitely keep in the kitchen is my Vitamix--love those green smoothies ( :
Thanks for the continuing inspiration!

Re: Why I live with 56 Things (and what they are)

Jenny Miller — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 18:45:02 -0000

Like the quote (bumper sticker on my hubby's truck): "The more you know the less you need." Thanks for the great posts! We are on this course of minimizing our posessions so they do not own us. And thanks, I am also enjoying reading the Becoming Minimalist blog too. We live on 3 rural acres with our two boys and farm animals ( BTW, while we have to have a truck, we have just the one vehicle). Keep it up, Everett!