Does Less Stuff = More Happiness?

Whether it’s a cultural shift or a passing fad, there’s no denying that minimalism is having a moment. But is there anything to the idea that paring down your possessions will bring you happiness?

- Liesl Robertson

Part pop philosophy and part Pinterest worthy décor aesthetic, minimalism has become a way of life for many, even inspiring religious fervour in some. From decluttering phenomenon Marie Kondo advocating keeping only the items in your life that spark joy to the cult movement of people aspiring to own just 100 items in total (the average American household is stuffed with 300000 objects, just to put that into perspective), having fewer things is definitely trendy. Nineteenth-century English textile designer William Morris said, ‘Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.’ Truth be told, I’d never heard of him, but his quote definitely resonates in our consumer culture.

Some, of course, take it to the extreme. American entrepreneur James Altucher writes about throwing away his college diploma. (‘I don’t hold onto all the things society tells me to hold onto,’ he says.) He owns nothing but a bag of clothing and a backpack containing his must-have electronics: computer, iPad and smartphone. ‘I have zero other possessions,’ he writes.

For others, the luxury of open space has become something of a status symbol. In a recent interview with Apartamento magazine (laid out next to images of his all-white home in Queens), taste maker and director of contemporary art institution MoMA PS1 Klaus Biesenbach was quoted as saying, ‘I don’t aim to own things.’ (Eye-roll.)