Stuff
by Paul Graham · paulgraham.com
Paul Graham's 2007 essay on why, once goods became cheap, accumulating possessions turned from building wealth into a drain on attention, space and freedom, and how he learned to stop buying things he did not need.
More resources on Minimalism & Intentional Living
Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals
Oliver Burkeman argues that a finite lifespan of about four thousand weeks makes doing everything impossible, and draws on philosophers from Seneca to Heidegger to explain why accepting limits and choosing deliberately leads to a more meaningful life. Supplies the modern philosophical 'why' of intentional living (limits, choice, meaning).
Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World
Georgetown computer scientist Cal Newport defines digital minimalism as a philosophy of technology use and sets out a 30-day digital declutter, followed by practices for solitude, high-quality leisure and deliberate use of social media. Only resource needed for the digital half of the topic; gives a concrete, testable protocol rather than tips.
Walden
Thoreau's 1854 account of two years living in a cabin at Walden Pond. The opening chapter, Economy, reckons the true cost of possessions in hours of life and remains the founding text of simple living. Free Gutenberg edition.