Stimulate the Economy Like a Minimalist

Stimulate the Economy Like a Minimalist If everyone immediately stopped spending their money, our  economy would crash. This goes without saying. Consequently, one of the biggest (supposed) arguments many people have against minimalism is that if everyone became a minimalist, then wed all be doomed: the financial system  as it stands today would collapse, and no longer would we have the wealth necessary to purchase cheap plastic shit from Walmart. There are several problems with this  point of view, some obvious, some a bit more  abstruse. First, no informed  person would argue  that we should stop spending money or that we must stop consuming. Consumption is not the problem; consumerism is the problem. Consumerism is compulsory, vapid, pernicious, impulsive, unfocused, misguided. Worst of all, it is  seductive: consumerisms shiny facade promises more than it can possibly deliver, because love, happiness, contentment, and satisfaction are all internal feelings that cannot be commodified, and the truth is that once our basic needs are met, the acquisition of trinkets does little for our lifelong well-being. Using consumerism to stimulate the economy is like fixing a cracked mirror with a hammer. It only worsens the problem. Yes,  trade is an important part of any society. Circumventing consumerism, however, doesnt imply  that minimalists sidestep commerce. Rather, minimalism is predicated on intentionality, which means we spend our money more deliberately. Minimalists  invest in experiences over possessions. Travel, indie concerts, vacations, community theater, etc.: we  can all spend money without acquiring new material things. Minimalists  buy new possessions carefully. To do so we must ask better questions, like, Will this thing add value to my life? Minimalists  support local  businesses. Local, indie shops  tend to be less motivated by profit. Sure, they need to make money to keep the lights on, and theres nothing wrong with that, but earning a buck usually isnt the primary concern of the local  bookstore, restauranteur,  or bike shop. They are in business because they are passionate about their product or service, and they want to share that passion with their patrons. Passion begets greater quality and better service, which makes the money they earn well deserved. Ultimately, minimalists arent interested in stimulating the economy. Stimulation is ephemeral. Wed rather improve our  economys long-term health by making  better individual decisions about consumption, getting involved in our  community, and supporting local businesses who care. If more people do this,  well build a stronger economy, one thats predicated on personal responsibility and community interaction, not a false sense of urgency and the mindless stockpiling of junk we never needed in the first place. Read this essay and 150 others in our new book, Essential.