I first discovered The Minimalists in 2018. I was unemployed for the first time after a decade of promising and seemingly unstoppable career in private practice. As I love to write and realised how social media platforms are less robust to the network effect, I wanted to try blogging. Google search brought me to their blog. Then I watched their first documentary and started listening to the podcast, read Everything That Remains.
I have felt there is something unsatisfying with consumerism; in generating money to feel ‘secure’ and in accumulating material possessions to be fulfilled; to confuse pleasures with happiness; and to link my self worth with my net worth. Therefore, their ‘gospel’ is relatable.
I used to listen to their podcast daily in 2018. After I started working again, I didn’t make the time. However, during the quarantine/Covid-19 pandemic, I began to listen to them again. I love the fact that they still refuse to monetise their works by advertising--which gives them independence in their opinion and recommendations. All of their standalone works are value adding. However, their works are never in isolation. In sharing their ideas, they made references to credible sources (but not in a dry academic way). In a single podcast episode, you’d be enriched by the discussions (often inviting great speakers) on various topics and valuable resources--from books, music, films, and even things which can augment your life experience--to help you live a meaningful life.
I have not subscribed to their maximal episodes (yet) because I am still considering whether I will have the time to consume them. However, based on a free sample of a maximal episode, I would recommend anyone to subscribe. The discussion in maximal episodes is less restrained, and therefore richer.
Thanks for adding value to my life. And happy birthday Josh.
