“Less is more” gets more popular each day. The term “minimalism” can now be applied to goods, lifestyles, and even people’s beliefs. So what exactly is minimalism? Let’s learn its history and how it changed over the years.

Minimalism started in the 20th century, but its origins are believed to be about 2,500 years ago. Diogenes of Sinope traveled from Turkey to Athens, Greece with only three things: a cloak, a walking cane, and a leather pouch. Instead of living in a house, he lived in a rain barrel. He’s the first person to not live a “normal” life. In the 3rd century BC, the Hellenistic philosophy of Stoicism became well-known. It explains that minimalism is living a life without complaining. In other words, minimalism is feeling happy from living a simple life, and with what you have. Gretchen Rubin’s book “Outer Order, Inner Calm” reflects this philosophy. A simple act, according to Rubin, can have benefits on anyone.

So is minimalism destroying material things to save the Earth, like what British artist Michael Landy believes? Or is it Marie Kondo’s art of organizing to know which method “sparks joy” or not? Despite the differences, minimalism has one concept: happiness. What about you? What does minimalism mean to you?