Cult of Less

[crankyoldman]

Somehow the word "cult" is very apt.

I have mixed feelings about the idea of living out of a harddrive. Mainly because, well, it's a tinged privileged. There's one form of not having a lot of stuff due to poverty, but somehow it's just not as hip as this. :/

And what about art? I happen to sew a lot now, and that requires a certain amount of stuff to do properly. I think the majority of my accumulation of stuff is related to costuming or the fact I collect art. Am I tied down because of this, or is it a part of the enrichment of my life? I rather like making things, and a stash is very helpful for that (instead of having to go out and buy stuff every time I make something... often I can adapt what I have around).

As much as I love the digital world, there are things I enjoy about the physical one. What about you?

Comments

[paradox_dragon]

On the one hand: I think there's valid potential in minimalism and simple living to combat consumerism, capitalism, environmental degradation, etc. And if this is how they want to live their lives, it doesn't particularly bother me.

On the other hand: This is obviously a lifestyle restricted to a select few. It is incredibly privileged, and it is not a viable solution to unequal distribution of resources or anything like that. I think that simple living is most valuable when done in solidarity with the poor and working classes; this is exclusivity, not solidarity, and it's only possible due to possessing a social network of those with material privilege and resources. Moreover, it is not desirable to many, who like you (and me!) enjoy pursuits or pursue livelihoods dependent on bulky raw materials or means of production.

To conclude: My problem is when stuff like this gets framed as a social justice solution or a source of superiority that I have a problem with it. If a dude just wants to get rid of his DVD, whatever. But don't act like it's an option for everyone or that it would be a good thing if everyone did the same.

[crankyoldman]

I often think of the difference between this sort of privileged minimalist fetishism and people genuinely wanting to combat the destructiveness of pure materialism are more essentialist. In all reality, you don't need a hard drive or a computer or designer clothes. You do need somewhere to shelter you when you sleep, something to clothe you in whatever your weather is.

Unfortunately more often than not I see the good points of minimalism being drowned out by fetishistic lists of possessions and a very consumerist idea of "if you have this thing, you can keep your whole life in it".

Still chasing the thing to buy to solve all your problems.