A Short History of Minimalism (And Why It’s Not Just a Trend)

Minimalism may feel like a modern buzzword, but the idea of choosing less to live more?
It’s been around for thousands of years.

From the early teachings of Stoicism, which valued clarity over clutter…
To Buddhist philosophy, which embraced detachment from excess…
To quiet monastic traditions across cultures that used simplicity as a path to peace…

The roots of minimalism go deep.

Even in recent history, movements like voluntary simplicity (popular in the 1970s) and essentialism (still gaining ground today) reflect the same desire:
To live intentionally, with less noise and more meaning.

So no—minimalism isn’t a passing trend.
It’s a timeless human instinct: when life gets too loud, we pull inward.
We clear the space. We breathe. We listen.

What does this have to do with you?

Because whether you’re decluttering a playroom or rethinking your weekly rhythm, you’re tapping into something ancient. Something wise. Something healing.

Modern minimalism might look like clear counters and capsule wardrobes.
But at its heart? It’s about freedom, peace, and presence—especially when you’re raising the next generation.

Simplicity isn’t new. But it is newly needed.

✨ In my own work, I often invite families to connect with their cultural values around “enough.” Because your roots matter—and so does your version of simplicity.