Do you take delight in watching films, listening to pop music, or reading books? For English learners, movies, songs, and books are one of the most wonderful sources to explore the language! You can indulge in your favorite pastime and still learn some expressions, words of wisdom, and oftentimes good lessons while you’re at it.
#94. Minimalism (documentary, 2015)
This
documentary expands its exploration of the minimalist movement through intimate
interviews with individuals from various walks of life who have consciously
rejected the deeply ingrained American belief that happiness is measured by
material success. Their stories reveal how stepping away from relentless
consumerism and redefining personal values can lead to a more intentional,
meaningful, and fulfilling life. Rather than accumulating possessions, they
embrace the idea that genuine contentment arises from purpose, relationships,
and experiences, inviting viewers to reconsider what it truly means to live
well.
(Rick
Hansen, PhD. Neuropsychologist):
“Why is
it that at the same time there is such a longing for more? I think of that as a
kind of biologically based delusional craving that auto craving is a good strategy
to keep animals alive including early human animals in really harsh conditions.
But these days today it creates a disconnect. You’re like a puppet whose
strings are being pulled by Mother Nature and evolution reaching back tens of
millions of years. We still feel restless, we still are always scratching and
going for more.”
ð Our
relentless desire to acquire more possessions is rooted in humanity's
evolutionary past. For our earliest ancestors, the instinct to seek more food,
shelter, and resources was essential for survival in an unpredictable world.
What once safeguarded human life, however, has become a psychological burden in
modern society.
Dr. Hansen argues that this ancient survival instinct is poorly suited to an age of abundance. Instead of helping us survive, it often fuels excessive consumption, convincing us that happiness lies in accumulating more than we truly need. As a result, many people become trapped in a cycle of endless wanting, only to discover that material abundance rarely brings lasting fulfillment. At its core, the quote portrays evolution as an invisible puppeteer, quietly pulling the strings of human behavior. We are driven by instincts forged thousands of years ago, leaving us restless, dissatisfied, and perpetually chasing the illusion that the next purchase will finally make us happy.
(Shannon
Whitehead, sustainable-apparel consultant):
“American
culture has for the most part these blinders on. There’s definitely this
illusion of what our lives should look like. Whether it’s advertising or your Instagram
or your Facebook feed, it’s this illusion that our lives should be perfect.”
ð
She
warns that many people become trapped in the pursuit of an artificial ideal of
success and happiness, one carefully crafted by social media, advertising, and
consumer culture. It exposes the illusion of perfection that persuades us to
believe our lives should mirror flawless images and luxurious lifestyles that
often bear little resemblance to reality. That is to say, the unrealistic
standards promoted by modern media make people delirious. Endless streams of
curated photographs, glamorous lifestyles, and targeted advertisements create
the false impression that fulfillment can be purchased or displayed. Rather
than inspiring contentment, these images foster comparison, dissatisfaction,
and an unrelenting desire for more.
"blinders" suggests that people become so captivated by society's expectations that they lose sight of what genuinely matters. They chase status, possessions, and external approval without questioning whether these pursuits align with their own values or bring lasting happiness.
(Joshua
Fields Millburn, the corporate guy who became a minimalist): “There’s a
template out there, and you can call it the American dream or keeping up with
the Joneses or whatever. That’s just “a” template, it not “the” template. And
once we realize that, we can create our own template that works just for us.”
ð
Joshua
had been an ordinary corporate employee who used to buy and possess many things
from books, clothes, film DVD, VHSs and you name it. He challenges one of
society's most deeply rooted assumptions that there is only one accepted path
to happiness and success. He points out that the lifestyle often marketed as
the "American Dream"—defined by material wealth, social status, and
endless consumption—is not a universal destination but merely one possible
blueprint among countless others.
Since the awakening moment
of realizing minimal life, he started to oppose conformity. Modern culture
encourages people to keep up with ever-rising standards of success, persuading
them to accumulate larger homes, newer cars, and more possessions in pursuit of
happiness. Yet this carefully constructed ideal often comes at the cost of
financial stress, constant comparison, and a sense of never having enough.
The quote also exposes the illusion of "the" template—the belief that society's prescribed lifestyle is the only legitimate way to live. By replacing the template with “a” template, it reveals a powerful truth: the conventional path is simply one option, not an obligation. Recognizing this distinction empowers individuals to break free from external expectations and redefine success on their own terms.
** Jean’s Small Thoughts:
I never
considered myself someone who lived a lavish life surrounded by a sprawling
mansion, an expensive classic car, designer handbags, or luxury clothing. If
those are the usual measures of wealth, I certainly would not classify myself
as materially extravagant. In fact, I have often thought of myself as leaning
toward minimalism because I have never felt compelled to acquire things simply
to satisfy other people's expectations. I rarely replace furniture unless it is
beyond repair, buy a new car unless the old one no longer runs reliably, or
remodel my home simply to keep up with changing trends.
Yet this
documentary gently challenged that self-perception. As I reflected on my own
life, I realized how many unnecessary possessions I have accumulated over the
years—more workout clothes than I need, countless pairs of compression socks,
more than enough pairs of running shoes to rotate in my training, lipsticks in
nearly identical shades, multiple pairs of sunglasses, and drawers overflowing
with kitchen utensils. I had assumed I was living simply, but the film made me
realize that I, too, had gradually absorbed the consumer culture surrounding
me. Without even noticing, years of living in America's highly commercialized
environment had quietly shaped my habits and desires.
The film
reminds us that the relentless pursuit of a manufactured dream often obscures
life's deepest sources of joy. By letting go of society's carefully constructed
illusions and embracing simplicity, authenticity, and meaningful human
connections, we can rediscover a richer and more enduring sense of fulfillment.
Rather than accepting a prepackaged formula for happiness, it encourages us to
create our own blueprint—one rooted in personal values, purposeful experiences,
and inner peace rather than material possessions. We are not obligated to live
the life society has designed for us. Genuine success is not measured by
cultural expectations but by the conscious choices that reflect who we truly
are.
Perhaps that
is why we can find profound peace on a small yoga mat, in a quiet reading
corner, or while sitting silently with our thoughts, regardless of how large or
luxurious our homes may be. When we make time each day to meet our most
authentic, unguarded selves, we discover that fulfillment requires neither
abundance nor extravagance. In the end, very little is needed to make a day
meaningful and make sense to us —only the presence to appreciate what already
is.
Will I never
buy another pair of running shoes again? That, I honestly don't know. Perhaps
minimalism isn't about never purchasing something new; it's about being mindful
of why we buy it in the first place. If a new pair genuinely serves a purpose
rather than simply satisfying an impulse, maybe that's enough.
For now, I'll
keep practicing—not perfection, but awareness.
Namaste.
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