Introduction to Minimalism

Minimalism is often misunderstood as a lifestyle of being cheap, selfish, or impetuous. However, it is far more about making things last and focusing on what truly matters. This journey into minimalism began for me and my family through a combination of financial constraints, a philosophical inspiration, and the practical necessities of life.

Stoicism: The Inspiration

My exploration into minimalism was initially sparked by the principles of Stoicism. Stoicism teaches us to live in accordance with nature and to live simply. This philosophical approach to life is one that resonates with the minimalist lifestyle.

The First Step: Delaying Purchases

My first step to embracing this lifestyle was a simple yet profound practice. Whenever I felt an urge to make a purchase, I would wait 24 hours. This delay allowed me to reconsider whether the item was truly necessary or if it was just a fleeting desire. At first, this was incredibly challenging, but over time, I persevered.

Early Influences: My Father and Finances

My journey into minimalism was not just about stoic philosophy but was also influenced by the financial wisdom instilled in me by my father. As a young teenager, I had saved several thousand dollars through working multiple paper routes in the late 70s. Rather than spending this money on material goods, my father advised me to invest it.

Following his advice, I began purchasing stocks at the age of 15, and to this day, I haven't owned a car. Instead of spending the money on a vehicle, I chose to invest and save. This approach not only helped me grow my finances but also aligns with the core principles of minimalism—using resources to their fullest extent rather than consuming them.

Passing it Forward: My Son and Minimalism

I continued this philosophy with my son. At 16, he too worked at McDonald's, earning money to invest rather than spend. He didn't buy a car, just as I didn't. Instead, he drove the 1997 Toyota T-100 pickup truck that I had. In a photo taken on one of my rural land properties, you can see this truck, which I purchased in 1997, the last year I was in the U.S. Navy. I drove it for over 16 years, and my son drove it for about the same period when he was in the Navy for nearly 10 years. This vehicles' longevity is a testament to the practical approach to minimalism.

Lessons from Life and Divorce

A significant turning point for me came during and after a divorce. I packed a carry-on bag with essentials: a laptop, a smartphone, a few readers, and cables. Everything else I thought was non-essential had to remain behind. This experience taught me the importance of prioritizing what truly matters.

When I moved to Finland, the homes there were much smaller, which forced us to reevaluate our needs. Our first home was a mere 50 square meters (538 square feet) and even smaller with four rooms and a sauna. Our current home, though larger, at 72 square meters (775 square feet), is two stories tall with four rooms and a sauna. Additionally, my stepdaughter has an apartment of around 20 square meters (215 square feet) in Helsinki, emphasizing the trend towards smaller, more efficient living.

Conclusion: Simplicity and Longevity

Minimalism is ultimately about simplicity and longevity. It's about using resources wisely and making things last. Whether it's an oak desk that has survived four moves, an 8-year-old Mac computer system that still works, or a pickup truck that served for over 26 years, the core message is that we don't need to consume or replace things just because we can. Instead, we should focus on what truly adds value to our lives and sustain it.