If science is an art, then it’s a minimalistic one (Occam’s razor).

The joy of geometry. This is how I would paraphrase minimalism. The joy of perceiving and experiencing geometrical shapes, patterns or forms. Or, in a slightly more refined phrasing, the joy of experiencing beauty in geometry.

It’s certainly not hard to argue for the aspect of geometricality in minimalism. So, what type of joy are we talking about here? Why do minimalism, and geometry, respectively, stimulate joy?

approximating a definition of minimalism

I advocate the following hypotheses.

1. Minimalism promotes creativity.
2. Minimalism is a relational concept.
3. Minimalism alludes to geometry.
4. Minimalism oscillates between immersion and reflection.

Minimalism counterbalances restlessness

Although we, as humans, seem to enjoy complexity and sophistication, we also enjoy simplicity and tranquility. Reduce complexity whenever possible, and in the right places. This gives more mental space to genuinely appreciate complexity, rather than being overwhelmed by it. Do not fear being idle. Idleness promotes creativity.

We, as humans, seem to have a disposition for aesthetics. Whether sensorical - visual, auditive, olfactoric - or intellectual, we possess a capacity for aesthetics. A capacity for experiencing beauty, whatever this may mean concretely and individually for each one of us.

“Geometrical” alludes to undistracted, clear and considerate. Geometry has a certain strictness to it. But this strictness is a sincere and upright one. Candid and serene.

In this regard, minimalism provides guiding principles, a vision and values. Try it, feel it, discard what isn’t right. Oscillate between immersion and reflection. Minimalism is an attitude towards life, one is minimalistic. In the same sense as one is in a relationship.

Minimalism has different qualities. It is honest, considerate, and respectful. Most often also aesthetically pleasing, as it displays geometrical clarity. It is determined and firm, but doesn’t impose. Continuous, but never rigid. It is void, but not empty. Its clarity allows to contemplate and realize that everything has its place and trajectory. Even in a contingent world.

What it is, and what it ism’t

Minimalism is not opportunism.

Minimalism is not pragmatism, although pragmatic considerations may inspire minimalist action.

Minimalism means knowing your objectives.

Minimalism embraces, both, conservatism and progressivism. Conserve your energy and progress with focus. Progress and advance the status quo, and conserve in time.

Minimalism is not monotony nor monochromy. Life is colourful and putting colours to our activities and thoughts is important. Minimalism helps us in our delibarate decisions which colours we want to cultivate.

Minimalism is simplicity and parsimony first, complexity and redundancy second.

Minimalism is relative, not absolute. Minimalism is about context. The same entity or action in different contexts may be minimalistic in one context, but not in another one.

Minimalism means cherishing experiences over possession. Possess only a few items, hold them dear. High-quality items.

A natural consequence of scarcity is a higher appreciation of existing resources. In the case of minimalism, the scarcity is due to a self-chosen reduction of form, or space, or materiality. “Self-chosen” means voluntary, intentional and properly motivated.

Minimalism is a voluntary and intrinsic act (as is the case with any virtue). Minimalism is never imposed or enforced, by no means. Incentives, yes, and a pinch of persuasion are fair and have their place. Nevertheless, incentives loose their legitimacy if they become manipulation. One becomes minimalistic by growing aware of it. Resonating with it. Not by being “incentivized” into it.

How do we implement minimalistic habits? Is there a road to minimalistic virtue?

focus

Prioritize. Remove distractions. More is less, less is more.

create meaning

Add value. Think of how you can help your team, your peers, your loved ones. Before how and when, ask why.

roll up your sleeves

Be ready for the hard work.

simplicity

Keep it simple. Simple is harder than complex. Keep it plain. Try to do it with as little indirection as possible. Be parsimonious. Parsimony requires a focus on what’s essential. Parsimony adds constraints. Constraints stimulate creativity.

fail, fail again, fail better.

Kill the baby. Don’t be afraid of starting all over again. Fail soon, learn fast. Failure is your best friend. Perfection is the enemy of learning. First do it, then do it right, then do it better.

know thyself

Every person is an artist (Ad Reinhardt). Every person is a mystic (David Steindl-Rast). We all digest, filtrate, ferment thoughts and moods. We all contribute. That’s why every individual counts. Know your potentials, know your limits.

march comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb

After all, we humans are connected to the world of instincts. As such, we share an instictive bond with nature and have a sense of its basic rhythms, and cycles. Ideally, we live in accordance with these cycles. The daily cycle, the cycle of vegetational loss and regeneration, the annual seasons, the weather cycle, the tidal cycle, the hydrologic cycle. And many more. Be open to change and change what you can. Know what you cannot. Living also means enduring. And moving on, if necessary.

Minimalism lets us reconnect with our instictive nature through immersion and reflection. It helps us experience these cycles where and how they ought to be experienced. In an integral way. And not on a substitute level. Like consumerism. Or construed relationships with brands, substances, objects, or ourselves and our bodies. Minimalism helps us to know what feels right.