Pardon the cliche, but we really do live in a society of consumerism. I'm a victim to it to some degree. I've spent a lot of money of stuff that I regret on reflection, but that's what fuels my perspective and makes my lessons learned. If you have material stuff you love, and you don't regret it, kudos, you probably don't need my advice -- but don't think your advice is universal.
But guess what, a nice backdrop in my study didn't help my work. Focusing did. Locking my phone and removing distractions did. This weird culture of buying stuff that aims to magically provide a silver bullet to all problems. Okay, maybe one exception -- plants. They are great.
Protip, if you are a college student on a tight budget, guess what, you are automatically a minimalist :).
> There is a difference between clutter and having some decoration. Proponents of minimalism seem to conflate the two.
See that's what I disagree with, I find decoration in a workspace clutter. And I say to you I am not demoralized. I am happier, more focused and my wallet is heavier without random doodads in my eyeline. An empty workspace is a dream to me. Pure focus is the minds elation in my humble opinion.
> Also whenever someone complains about something being materialistic that automatically sets off my BS detector.
Well, shucks, you caught me! Because I am a here to sell you my minimalist blog, book and podcast!
...
Not really.
I promise I am not, but I can see why you BS detector is high. Fad peddlers and the mass media marketing discovered not owning stuff can be called minimalism and make youtube videos on why living in a van is the future, when in reality opponents just say it's just a coping mechanism for not having money.
