Video: "Consumerism Crash" (Patreon)

Patreon Exclusive. Joshua and Ryan discuss the perniciousness of materialism in all aspects of our lives, and they answer the following questions:

What is an ‘oversolicitous’ person? (07:52)

What is ‘Object A’? (10:27)

What is the folly of chasing happiness all the time? (12:43)

Why are we so focused on the outcome instead of the process? (14:20)

What is the problem with goals? (18:43)

What is the history of materialism? (23:37)

How do you define ‘consumerism’? (27:43)

What is our language problem? (28:39)

Does it make sense to invest in higher quality, more durable items to replace cheaper items since it means more consumption initially? (38:07)

How much are aesthetics a consideration with new items? (41:32)

Are we actually contributing more to materialism by encouraging building of more technological infrastructure through our digital and online consumption? (46:04)

When did ‘retail therapy’ become an acceptable prescription to remedy negative thoughts and feelings? (50:21)

What is the math behind materialism? (51:42)

What is the opportunity cost of materialism? (53:14)

How do I convince my spouse to get rid of their just-in-case items? (54:46)

How do you define ‘compassion’? (55:44)

What is the line between acquiring quality products and focusing too much on trying to earn enough to afford those products? (59:04)

What is the difference between cost and quality? (59:19)

How do you address the claim that practicing minimalism is a ‘privilege’? (1:02:27)

How do you combat boredom when there’s nothing left to minimize? (1:05:10)

How do we find quality items that bring us value when we’re currently drowning in a sea of junk? (1:08:07)

LINKS

Book: Civilized to Death

Book: Debt

Book: Minimalism: Live a Meaningful Life

Book: Minimalist Rulebook

Book: Sapiens

Book: The High Price of Materialism

Charity: GiveWell

Essay: 100 Days with No Goals

Essay: Packing Party

Essay: Play the 30-Day Minimalism Game

Essay: Your Five Most Precious Resources

Instagram: Jordan Moore

Instagram: Podcast Shawn

Instagram: Jess Williams

Podcast: Rob Bell

Podcast: Materialism

Podcast: Peter Rollins

Resources: The Minimalists

Subscribe: The Minimalists

Text: 937-202-4654

Tour: The Minimalists

MAXIMS

“We don’t value the right things because we opt, instead, for anything.” —Joshua Fields Millburn

“If you’re not paying for the product, you’re likely the product.” —Joshua Fields Millburn

“Love people and use things because the opposite never works.” —The Minimalists

“There’s no such thing as toxic love.” —Ryan Nicodemus

“You don’t have to get into a car crash to start wearing your seatbelt.” —Joshua Fields Millburn

“The ultimate opportunity cost is community.” —Joshua Fields Millburn

This Maximal episode corresponds with Minimal episode 262.