Read* Date: July 2025
Summary in 3 sentences
A book on minimalism by Fumio Sasaki, a Japanese writer who got rid of most of his belongings (books, cameras, TV, kitchenware) and found energy and enthusiasm for life in the process. The book is structured mostly through 55 tips to help readers get rid of their belongings, as well as 12 ways the writer has changed since getting rid of his stuff.
How I discovered it
Recommended in some minimalism forum perhaps? Can’t remember. I’ve read a book or two on minimalism but the fact that it was written by a Japanese writer and its sweet title appealed to me.
Who should read it?
People interested in minimalism, or even just wanting to declutter a few things
How it changed me
Behavior, ideas, perspectives, emotional shifts For the most part I thought this book was self-aggrandizing (I even rated it on Storygraph as 2.5). It made me think about aesthetic and the value of our things beyond utility. As an artist I read about a lot of other artists, like Maira Kalman, who collect widely— Art starts with collection. So really it made me think that minimalism isn’t really a virtue, it’s more so a tool for intentional living. Another thing was his emphasis on consumerism for sake of appearance. I’m sure that’s true for a lot of people but it didn’t personally resonate with me. I want things because I am curious by them or am delighted by them. I have all my books for me, not to appear smarter to others as he seemed to have. That being said there were some points I really enjoyed. I liked the writer’s formula of considering the square feet of a space and dividing that by the item, so that the item is x amount of rent. Each item requires maintenance, whether it’s dusting or feeling guilt about not using. Having less stuff does clear the head.
Top 3 quotes
I think our lives are better when our belongings stir our passions. As long as we stick to owning things that we really love, we aren’t likely to want more.
Minimalists are people who know what’s truly necessary for them
Variances or changes are necessary for people to recognize stimuli. This is why we often find ourselves unhappy after we’ve owned something for a while.