Quotes and stories for a simpler life.
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Far More Than He Seeks
“In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks.” John Muir, Steep Trails (Chapter 9, “Mormon Lilies”) Muir was not selling a productivity hack. He was naming what happens when you leave the desk and let the outdoors rearrange your attention. You go out looking for a view, a stretch of the…
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When Enough Is Too Little
Epicurus on why nothing is enough when enough already feels too little, and one small practice for the week.
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Stay Quietly in Your Own Room
Blaise Pascal on why so much trouble starts with not being able to sit still at home, and a one-week way to practice a quiet evening in.
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We Used Them Because We Had Them
Seneca on how much we use simply because it’s there, and a one-week test to find out what you actually need.
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Find Out What You Really Need
Marie Kondo on why clearing out comes before knowing what you need, and one small category to test it on this week.
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Three Chairs in My House
Thoreau furnished his tiny Walden cabin for everyday life, not the rare party. Here is how to try that idea in your own home this week.
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Whatever You Have, Spend Less
Samuel Johnson on spending less than you have, and one small money habit to try this week.
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Never Enough Time for Nothing
Bill Watterson on protecting time for nothing, and one small way to schedule empty space this week.
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Subtract the Obvious, Add the Meaningful
“Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious and adding the meaningful.” John Maeda, The Laws of Simplicity John Maeda makes simplicity sound like editing, not deprivation. You remove what is loud and obvious, then you protect what actually matters. That is a useful way to think when life feels crowded for no good reason. The obvious…
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Promote What You Most Value
“Minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of anything that distracts us from them.” Joshua Becker, The More of Less Joshua Becker puts the spotlight where it belongs. Minimalism is not a contest to own the fewest objects. It is a quiet decision about what gets your attention,…
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Living With Less Is a Life Philosophy
“Living with less is a life philosophy; it’s not about the number of things you own.” Tammy Strobel, You Can Buy Happiness (and It’s Cheap) Tiny house photos make it easy to turn simple living into a numbers game. How many square feet. How many items in the closet. How few mugs on the shelf.…
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Outer Order for Inner Calm
“Outer order contributes to inner calm.” Gretchen Rubin, Outer Order, Inner Calm A messy kitchen counter should not be able to set the tone of your whole day. Yet it often does. Rubin’s line names a small truth most of us feel before we admit it. Clear the surface, and your mind often follows. This…
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