I enjoyed the Netflix documentary, but the book is better!
I really enjoyed their Neflix documentary about minimalism, so I wasn't sure if I'd learn much more by reading this book. I was wrong! I really loved how this book expanded upon what was covered in the documentary and reached towards many areas in our lives where we really need to consider " What is valuable to me and my values and what should I discontinue/discard?", not just physical clutter, but emotional/psychological clutter, relationship clutter and lifestyle clutter that prevents us from reaching our ultimate goals in life.
I really liked how the book gives concrete examples and exercises to practice or understand the basic principals that are examined. The authors also give outside research to back up some of their theories or teachings, which is helpful. The book is a bit repetitive in areas, going into details that aren't quite necessary. Also, the authors should consider revising some areas of the book where there are racial stereotypes (one author tells a story relating to his brother who is black and his mother, who is white, and tries to make it humorous but it is just cringeworthy--it is unfortunate and not at all relevant to what the author is trying to convey). In other areas the authors show their lack of awareness by proclaiming that without health, life really isn't worth living. While exploring how we can improve our health, we can make our lives improved in general, they neglect to acknowledge that many people have poor health through no fault of their own (genetics, disease, accidents) and they are certainly worthy of pursuing and obtaining a fulfilling life despite these obstacles. So although I loved the book in general and hope to use some of these ideas to simplify my life and promote the values and goals I want to achieve, I would hesitate to recommend it to family and friends due to some of the previously mentioned issues.
I really liked how the book gives concrete examples and exercises to practice or understand the basic principals that are examined. The authors also give outside research to back up some of their theories or teachings, which is helpful. The book is a bit repetitive in areas, going into details that aren't quite necessary. Also, the authors should consider revising some areas of the book where there are racial stereotypes (one author tells a story relating to his brother who is black and his mother, who is white, and tries to make it humorous but it is just cringeworthy--it is unfortunate and not at all relevant to what the author is trying to convey). In other areas the authors show their lack of awareness by proclaiming that without health, life really isn't worth living. While exploring how we can improve our health, we can make our lives improved in general, they neglect to acknowledge that many people have poor health through no fault of their own (genetics, disease, accidents) and they are certainly worthy of pursuing and obtaining a fulfilling life despite these obstacles. So although I loved the book in general and hope to use some of these ideas to simplify my life and promote the values and goals I want to achieve, I would hesitate to recommend it to family and friends due to some of the previously mentioned issues.