Goodbye, Things

The New Japanese Minimalism

By: Fumio Sasaki, Eriko Sugita - translator

Narrated by: Keith Szarabajka

The bestselling phenomenon from Japan, with irresistible appeal to fans of Marie Kondo, that argues there is happiness in a minimalist life

Fumio Sasaki is not an enlightened minimalism expert or organizing guru like Marie Kondo―he’s just a regular guy who was stressed out and constantly comparing himself to others, until one day he decided to change his life by saying goodbye to everything he didn’t absolutely need. The effects were remarkable: Sasaki gained true freedom, new focus, and a real sense of gratitude for everything around him.

In Goodbye, Things, Sasaki modestly shares his personal minimalist experience, offering specific tips on the minimizing process and revealing how the new minimalist movement can not only transform your space but truly enrich your life. The benefits of a minimalist life can be realized by anyone, and Sasaki’s humble vision of true happiness will open your eyes to minimalism’s potential.

©2017 Fumio Sasaki (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

anyone curious about Minimalism MUST READ

ME: always organized/clean no problem discarding incredible success with konmari curious since about full blown minimalism

This guy really breaks minimalism down. I like "the minimalists" from the Netflix documentary but they can be a little preachy and a little too philosophical for some. Fumio of course gives some minimalist philosophy but its from a logical practical place.

I think what makes this book stand out is that its incredibly well formed and clear yet I think you could open any random page and get some good advice . This book is no chore to get through I was hanging on every word, as a minimalist I suppose everything he writes has a clear purpose. It seems like he has an answer for everything its almost like he is reading the readers mind answering their questions, providing solutions to their excuses before they are even formed. This book contained so many lightbulb moments.

I really liked what some may see as the self deprecating nature of this book ( something kondo does as well) I just see it as honest. He speaks a lot about his former self all the mistakes he made all the failures and unhappiness, even now at one point saying "she since dumped me" haha.

The theme of this book is basically: I was unhappy, minimizing my things made me happy I believe it can make you happy too here's how.

My story

This book really hit home as many of his experiences have been mine as well. It's a bit repetitive as though each chapter might have been a separate column. However, I will be reading this one again and repetition for my mind is not too bad to help me learn.

Great

Not just about getting rid of extra stuff, also about what we want more than we need and why we get bored with what we have. Inspirational.

ok, worthwhile reading, but not transformative

it is definitely worthwhile reading to understand the philosophy of minimalism. however, do not expect a transformative experience or much practical advice. this style probably works better a single introverts, but the idea is definitely worthwhile thinking about even if you have a large family.

Just In Time On My Way To Life Of Minimalism

Few months ago, i was living in an apartment where I owned things I considered too much for a person who lives alone. I used to hoard and keep even things I really dont need. Until one day, I quit my job and forced to re-think my way of life.
I then started selling all my stuffs one-fourth of the original buying prices and also realized that I am just fine without them.
At the moment, i am now on my “reset” phase in life and also stopped buying and acquiring things I really don,t need in my daily life. Before I spend money on something, i always ask myself, “Do I need it. Can I live without it?” If my answer is a yes, then i don,t get it.
This book is my confirmation I am on the right track and it inspires me to continue being a minimalist.

Loved this

This book was concise and useful. The author was honest about his insecurities and how they adversely affected his life and how minimalism positively impacted his worldview. Really enjoyed this!

Really makes you think

This really makes you think about the things you say you need in life. Makes me want to start going through my stuff and taking a serious look at them.

life changing book

This book will change your life. If you follow the principles inside you'll be a happier person.

I Loved This Book

Fumio really nails it. This book goes beyond the basics of minimalism and into the realm of human nature in what it means to actually possess something; what it means to truly live without the constant need to acquire more things, and how we become happy almost spontaneously when we start getting rid of our possessions and live with only the essentials. I'm listening to it for the fourth times in about 3 months. The narrator has a great voice and it often reads like his is simply chatting over a cup of tea.

Good

I have a tiny problem of wanting to keep things that I really don’t need, so this is helping me with that. I think the most useful ideas from this are, if I didn’t have an item, but I was able to buy it, would I buy it now? And the fact that we barely ever regret getting rid of something. And if we are selling something to someone, then most items don’t really go away, if you go into a depression because you don’t have an item you can beg the current owner for it back. And items are tools, if they don’t work for their use, or you have never used them, you probably don’t need them.

But it does have some bad ideas. Like even if an item sparks joy, you should still get rid of it. Or don’t think, discard. Or if you have considered throwing something away, more then 5 times, you should. I have thought of throwing my phone out of a car window countless time. I don’t think that’s a good idea though. I think if something doesn’t mean anything to you and it has no use for you, then you can consider getting rid of it.

Overall though, it’s a pretty good book. I think almost all hoarders or people that might become one should read this (not that I am one lol.) I still don’t believe in full minimalism, but I do believe in honing down the amount of stuff you own is a good idea. I recommend this book to anyone who has trouble getting rid of things, or is a flat out hoarder.