Quote Originally Posted by UltraliteAngler View Post
Regarding points 1 and 2: How can someone be consumed by downsizing if they don't have much of anything left but the things they need? I could probably get rid of half the 150 things I have and still be okay. But it would mean I would not do as much fishing, for instance.

Regarding point 3: I think living simply is one of the "be-all-end-alls" of good behavior. I think it has massive social and personal and financial benefits. I don't think that is elitist any more than saying "People should eat a 5 servings of fresh veggies a day!"
If you are spending your days consumed with the idea of how you can cut your 150 things down to 125, and the 150 things fit in the space you have to put them and cause you no distress other than the fact that they exist in your world, my opinion is that you are obsessed in a way that is not rational. If you are at peace with your 150 things, then you're not obsessed, and minimalism is simply a way of life, not a disease.

There is a difference is between living simply (which I do agree is a good way to live), and telling everyone else that 1. they should, 2. it is easy, and 3. a minimalist (like the author of the article, presumably) is a better person because they live this lifestyle they wish to apply to everyone else. That is proselytizing.