What is minimalism and what do words mean?

[Kestra]

Someone shared this post on another forum. I disagree with his perspective and conclusion, but it got me thinking about the subtext that different people read into different words.

http://www.thinksaveretire.com/2015/07/29/be-sensible-not-minimal-why-minimalism-sucks/

For me, "minimalism" doesn't remind me of deprivation at all. But I could see how others could think that. For me it feels like freedom and peace.

I was trying to think of other words that give me a feeling that is opposite of the mainstream, but I'm not thinking at my best today. So far I've thought of "shopping" - ugh, "Christmas" - no, "shoes" - I've always said that shoes combine my hatred of feet, clothes, and shopping. "White picket fences." - Not something I want. Maybe puppies, kittens, babies. Back when I worked in a big office if ladies started squealing you knew that someone had brought a puppy or a baby. Now, I'm not opposed to caring for babies (or puppies) when necessary. But I prefer to see them as humans, not as an object to squeal and fuss over. I'm very respectful of babies' rights to not be treated like an item for adult entertainment. Wow, this got off topic. Well, that's part of the fun of forums.

I'm sure there are better intangible word examples, but they're not coming to mind. What words give you the opposite reaction they do to other people?

[JaneV2.0]

I thought his commentary made perfect sense. In some ways, language is a highly personal medium, and for him the word conveys unpleasant self-denial. Minimalism doesn't have any negative connotations for me; it conjures up certain art forms, economy of line--something like Charley Harper's work. It's not the way I choose to live--yet--but it's one of many possibilities. A friend of mine calls tightwaddery "anorexic living," which is one way to look at it. I like the concept of "enough," and I have some paring down to do to get there.

I'll have to think of words that make me shudder..."Housewife," maybe.

[Alan]

it conjures up certain art forms, economy of line--something like Charley Harper's work.
Not to hijack the thread, but we have a dozen or so Charley Harper works (and a few of Edie Harper's as well), some of them signed. I don't think minimalism when I reflect on them, I see modernism and humor.

[Ultralight]

Think about the music of the band AC/DC. Truly simple, dare I say, minimalist rock.

Two guitars playing three chords with some blues scale melodies. Some guy screaming (in key!) along with it. And a little rhythm section in the back.

There is something magical in that simplicity. You are not distracted by an orchestral section. That weird cello music is not pulling your ear away from the guitars. There is no choir of background singers diluting the lead singer's voice.

Minimalism is taking that approach to whatever you do in life, even if you are not in a hard rock band.

I do it with my fishing, my relationships, my lifestyle experiments, and my intellectual pursuits.

[Ultralight]

Just in case you need to hear it... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAgnJDJN4VA