#Essentialism

Mastery Through Subtraction, Not Endless Addition

The quote reframes mastery as an act of selection rather than accumulation. Instead of measuring progress by how much you pack into a day, it argues that excellence comes from choosing what deserves your limited attention—and refusing what does not. This shift matters because time isn’t the only constraint; energy, clarity, and patience are finite too. As a result, mastery begins to look less like heroic productivity and more like disciplined priority: doing fewer things, but doing them with depth. [...]

Eliminating the Non-Essentials to Live Wisely

To live this wisdom, people often begin with small, concrete subtractions: fewer apps that hijack attention, fewer meetings without outcomes, fewer purchases that create storage problems later. Just as importantly, elimination can mean social and emotional boundaries—declining invitations that don’t fit, or stepping back from relationships built mainly on obligation. As these choices accumulate, focus tends to deepen. A useful rule of thumb is to ask whether something supports the life you say you want; if it doesn’t, it may be a non-essential regardless of how normal it seems. In that way, reduction becomes a form of self-respect. [...]

Clarity Often Arrives Through Thoughtful Subtraction

From cognition, the logic extends naturally into design. Dieter Rams’ modernist ethos—often summarized as “Less, but better”—treats subtraction not as austerity, but as respect for the user’s time and attention. A product becomes clearer when unnecessary steps, buttons, and features are removed. In practice, this is why many “improvements” feel like relief: a simplified interface, a shorter form, or a cleaner process. Subtraction reduces the need for explanation because the thing itself communicates more directly. [...]

The Art of Subtraction: Bruce Lee’s Philosophy of Simplicity

This philosophy is deeply rooted in Lee’s Jeet Kune Do, a martial art shaped by efficiency and directness. Lee believed that elegance in combat lies not in performing elaborate moves, but in executing the essentials with precision. By 'hacking away at the inessentials,' martial artists conserve energy and sharpen their effectiveness—a principle mirrored in his personal life and teachings. [...]

The Art of Living: Embracing Life’s Essentials

Lin Yutang’s observation invites us to reflect on the essence of wisdom: to discern and focus on what truly matters. By emphasizing the elimination of non-essentials, he suggests that a meaningful life arises not from accumulation, but from intentional selection. This perspective urges us to cultivate clarity, both in thought and action, echoing the minimalist ethos that simplicity brings fulfillment. [...]

Transformation Is Often More About Subtraction Than Addition — Marcus Buckingham

Subtraction is a foundational principle in minimalism, where removing excess leads to greater fulfillment and creativity. Fumio Sasaki, in *Goodbye, Things* (2015), recounts how his life improved not by buying more, but by letting go—creating space for experiences and relationships. [...]

The Ability to Simplify: Eliminating the Unnecessary So the Necessary May Speak - Hans Hofmann

The quote underscores the importance of identifying what is truly of value—whether in work, art, or life—and prioritizing those things while stripping away the nonessential. [...]