How Joshua Fields Millburn Became a Minimalist

This article is an excerpt from the Shortform summary of "Minimalism" by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus. Shortform has the world's best summaries of books you should be reading.

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How did Joshua Fields Millburn, co-founder of theMinimalists.com, become a minimalist? What’s his life history and inspiration?

Joshua Fields Millburn: Striving for Unhappiness

Society tells us that working hard, climbing the corporate ladder, acquiring material things like a big house and fancy car, and taking expensive vacations is the American dream, and will make you happy.

Co-authors Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus achieved those things.

But they weren’t happy, fulfilled, or content — in fact, they felt empty and depressed. Together they examined their lives (they were longtime friends) to determine what was missing and how to achieve happiness and meaning.

Joshua Fields Millburn: An Unhappy Childhood

Joshua tried to cope with the disorder in his home life by becoming OCD, obsessing over small things, as well as losing weight.

After graduating from high school, Joshua Fields Millburn got a sales job with a telecommunications corporation. He realized his job had long-term growth possibilities, so he worked hard, taking little time off; he became a top salesman.

He got married, built a large house, and continued to work harder and longer. But he neglected his relationship and didn’t spend much time at home because he was always working. Because he still felt unfulfilled he bought things in order to achieve temporary highs.

Joshua Fields Millburn remained unhappy and his health suffered — so he worked harder and bought more stuff. Though unhappy, he took solace in the fact that at least he was making money, and his career gave him an identity.

How Joshua Fields Millburn Became a Minimalist