Comments on: Minimalism Begets Manliness

By: G.M. Schooley

G.M. Schooley — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 04:59:45 +0000

Great post, really enjoyed the quotes. Minimalism is a concept I have been trying to apply to my life for several years now with varying success.

By: Meurig

Meurig — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 16:07:48 +0000

“Any fool can make something complicated. It takes a genius to make it simple.”
— Woody Guthrie

By: Paul

Paul — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 19:54:24 +0000

Regarding not eating meat as a virtue of minimalism, it takes much, much more land, water, and energy to provide a kilo of meat protein than vegetable protein. If taking care of your environment is a positive, then eating less meat is also a positive.

I love eating meat, but only three or four times a month. Moderation adds to the pleasure – perhaps another benefit of minimalisation!

By: BH

BH — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 05:19:00 +0000

Simplicity vs Minimalism. Meat vs Vegetables. Sports Cars vs. ???. Bodyweight vs. Weights. I think some folks are missing the boat on this article. We all have things. Cars, scuba gear, hunting gear, and other stuff. Was Gianpaolo’s point to make us choose between meat or fruit? Nope. Look in the mirror. Look at your life. Look at what you use. Then decide if you need both an XBox and PS3. I drink beer and smoke cigars, but I do it in moderation like my grandfather taught me. I run 6 miles a day but I don’t knock the guys who pump iron becuase we all have our strengths and weaknesses. The real stregth of men is combining those strengths to work together and accomplish something instead of sniping our differences. If you can live minimally and it works-great. If you can live simply-great. The point is to not live for stuff or let things control us.

By: Army Man

Army Man — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 04:48:54 +0000

Great advice!! As a military family we keep our “stuff” to a minimum to make moving easier. While deployed in Afghanistan I keep it simple-a bed, my gear, an IPod, and a few books. The 11 points above are things we try to teach the soldiers to make life easier here. Some get it and some don’t. Now I just have to be home long enough to teach my son…

Again, great points.

By: BH

BH — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 06:42:52 +0000

I consider myself a minimalist in some ways because I share a house with roomates, have few electronics, modest clothes, limited home furnishings and cookware, etc. This is not out of necessity as I could certainly afford a much higher “standard of living.” On the other hand, I have a garage full of wetsuits, kayaks, fishing, hunting & camping equipment, diviing gear, tools, BBQ and homebrew supplies. Is all of this stuff contrary to a minimalist lifestyle? I would say, “no” since these items are a source of entertainment, sustenance and self reliance for me.

I’m wondering if this resonates with anyone else or does it sound like I have a lot of crap?

By: pal

pal — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 02:11:12 +0000

As a minister, I have really enjoyed all of the comments that have been offered. It seems that almost everyone here has picked out one facet or another of the article to focus on. But the real strength of the wisdom of “Minimalism” is the freedom that it affords. Freedom to do the important things with our lives; freedom to dedicate ourselves to our families and friends; freedom to mature and grow up; freedom to enjoy life without all the emotional and material clutter.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 20:10:16 +0000

One way to simplify one’s life is to ignore the din and remain true to one’s own preferences (provided those preferences don’t harm others). So smoke if you want to smoke, and refuse to be hectored.
Simpler is not always easier.

By: Lucia

Lucia — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 02:15:29 +0000

alas, as a woman and civil engineer (and regular reader of the AOM, zenhabits e.a.) I find inspiration and food for my thoughts with this post – thank you.
usually I do not comment and just wanted to seize the moment to do so now.

est modus in rebus
grazie, Lucia

By: J James

J James — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 13:21:49 +0000

Song of Solomon7:29
…God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.