Reduce & Remember
How could minimalism—a trend popular among hipsters, environmentalists, and millennials—have anything in common with conservatism—a worldview stereotypically held by old, grumpy, ‘get off my lawn’ shouting Republicans?
Back to Essentials is an exploration of this unlikely union.
From Whole Foods to cigar lounges, yoga studios to gun ranges, Americans have more in common than meets the eye.
Minimalists and conservatives share some surprisingly similar maxims:
“Less is more.”
“The smaller the government, the freer the people.”
“Eliminate clutter to focus to what matters.”
“Government must be reduced to make way for innovation.”
“Live within your means.”
“America cannot afford federal deficits forever.”
To dissect this paradox, the author weaves through many phenomena and philosophies—capitalism, consumerism, Marxism, the Protestant work ethic, postmodernism, Stoicism, Keynesian economics, environmentalism, laissez-faire economics, and notions of universal truth among them.
That minimalism and conservatism have commonalities does not mean that consensus between the modern Left and modern Right or environmentalists and the oil lobby is hiding in plain sight. Rather, a closer examination of beliefs and standards shared by millennials and “Boomers” alike may provide a template for enhancing mutual understanding, good-faith disagreements, civil discourse, and even political cooperation where possible.
Note: Back to Essentials is a work in progress. Updates will be posted here.