This article will discuss a principle, movement, theory, or whatever you want to call it, as the West calls it: the principle/concept of "minimalism." What does this concept mean, and what is its relationship to global politics? Why is this article placed within the context of Egypt's efforts for peace in the Middle East? Is there a connection between all of the above? This is what we will explore in this article.

The Minimalism is

owning fewer possessions.

The Minimalism is intentionally living with only the things I truly need—those that fulfill my purpose.

It's about eliminating distractions and excess possessions to focus more on what truly matters.

Aesthetically, minimalism conceals the chaos of societal realities.

Our love for poetry/lyrics varies from person to person; no two are alike. But it demands that we all delve deeper into our values ​​and passions.

It compels us to improve almost every aspect of our lives, and that's what minimalism does for us.

What caused the West to move towards minimalism and when did this happen?

The reason the West has turned to minimalism:

The West today considers it a counterculture. Counter to what, and what does this mean?

We live in a world that idolizes celebrities. Their pictures grace magazines, they give radio interviews, and their television programs are recorded. Their lives are considered the gold standard, and many envy them. The media doesn't defend those who live simple lives in the same way. They don't belong to the consumer culture promoted by corporations and politicians. Yet, they live attractive lives. While most people strive for success, glamour, and fame, minimalism calls to us with a less strident and quieter voice.

The West considers it a counterculture to materialism. But what is it about materialism that the West fears so much that it has developed a new theory or movement advocating minimalism? Simply put, what worries the West about materialism? Materialism is a philosophical view that sees matter as the only thing that can be said to exist, since all things are fundamentally composed of matter. Materialist philosophy holds that matter is primary and mind (consciousness) is secondary. That is, consciousness is a product of matter and not the other way around (according to the idealist philosophy).

Please don't close the article: I know you didn't understand anything, just like me, so I'll summarize it simply as I understand it;

Is modern culture, which encourages materialism, a lie? They claim that the good life lies in accumulating things—in owning as much as possible. They believe that more is better, and they have unwittingly adopted the idea that happiness can be bought from department stores. Materialism is a frenzied consumerist theory that encourages consumption from the moment you wake up in the morning until you close your eyes at night: buy, buy, buy, and whatever you own. For example, those who own luxury cars don't talk to those who drive cheaper cars, and they only hold the most expensive mobile phones and watches...etc. Who is behind materialism, and who benefits from it? Politicians and owners of brands (global brands) – you buy a mobile phone at an exorbitant price on Black Friday and stand in queues to be the first to get it. No more than two or six months pass before the new version of it comes out and you are carrying this phone (old fashion), so you are not keeping up with the times. So, from this perspective, we understand who controls materialism among politicians! (Capitalists), yes. On the other hand: Has the tendency towards materialism stopped at this point? No, rather it claimed that matter is the origin of things. And what does this mean? It means that there is no God - no messenger - no holy book, and pleasure and benefit are the basis and what is beyond that is not secondary, rather it is not even considered at all.

So, when did this trend (materialism) and its opposing culture (minimalism) emerge? And who were the proponents of this new trend? The origins of materialism are ancient, tracing their roots back to Greek philosophy.

However, the transformation of materialism into a philosophical movement appeared in modern times, beginning in the fifteenth century CE and continuing with the so-called Enlightenment, which celebrated reason and science and rejected the Church's dominance over reason and the course of life in Europe.

So, when did the counterculture, Minimalism, emerge?

It began as an art form called Minimalism. This is an artistic movement and lifestyle characterized by simplicity, reduction, and a focus on essential elements. It emerged in the mid-20th century as a reaction to the complexity of Abstract Expressionism, emphasizing the artwork itself and the viewer's experience with minimal artist intervention.

The Minimalist movement originated in the late 1960s in New York City

It was a reaction to the intensity of Abstract Expressionism. Influential artists such as Donald Judd, Agnes Martin, and Dan Flavin sought to create artworks devoid of personal expression and narrative, focusing instead on the materiality of the artwork and its spatial presence.

So, what happened to transform it from an artistic trend into one that permeated all aspects of life, from clothing and housing to decor and ownership?

The concept of minimalism as a lifestyle began to emerge in the mid-1970s

The following its initial success in the art world. It was founded by artists and designers influenced by the minimalist movement, who sought to apply its principles to everyday life. The movement's influence extended beyond art to include:

Design

Architecture

Even fashion

As individuals and organizations sought to create spaces and products that reflected simplicity and practicality

Let's now explore some of the reasons why you or we might choose to change our career shift, or as they say, we might change our lifestyle shift.

The reasons to adopt a minimalist lifestyle: First, these statistics

Since the 2008 financial crisis, we've seen a massive boom in the luxury goods market. Collecting luxury items has always been an exclusive pursuit, and through it, "collectors" have been able to distinguish themselves from others. Perhaps this was further cemented by their rise in the world of reality television.

The American adults discard more than 27 kilograms of clothing annually (according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, citing the Environmental Protection Agency's Bureau of Solid Waste).

20-21% of working Americans say they don't save any money for retirement, and many of those who do save don't save more than 10% of their income.

The average American family owns 300,000 items of clothing (Los Angeles Times).

The average American family spends $1,700 annually on clothing (Forbes).

Second: The effect of minimalism on the individual

A new form of consumption, and therefore, it should be promoted globally.

The simplicity improves consumers' psychological well-being and gives them more time and freedom to pursue the activities and hobbies they care about.

As a consumption style, simplicity creates a new customer segment that is likely to grow in the future due to increasing environmental awareness among consumers.

Less time spent cleaning or tidying, and leaving the rest for family and friends.

A simple lifestyle gives meaning to what is important in our lives and ultimately guides our lives. It enables people to focus on their priorities, which in turn increases their concentration and productivity by reducing stress and maintaining a clutter-free environment.

Third: The impact of minimalism on society

An excellent way to break free from the constraints of consumer culture

Buy only what you need by not giving in to your desires

It's an eco-friendly lifestyle choice

Reduces waste and packaging requirements associated with transporting goods

Organizing your home helps reduce your carbon footprint, which is responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions

Fourth: Does there a tangible, realistic, global model of minimalism as a lifestyle?

Yes, we will take Japan as a model for minimalism

We will look at miniature models of the home, clothing, and transportation.

The Japanese Home

Features of the Japanese Home

Protection of privacy

Connecting with nature

Allowing natural light into the home

Traditional Japanese homes are supported by wooden poles.

Due to the climate, a sloping structure is the best solution for roof design, and the use of tatami, a type of mat made from rice straw, is recommended.

Japanese cushions for sitting are generally used when sitting on the floor and can also be used when sitting in a chair.

The Japanese House

The features of the Japanese House

Privacy Protection

Connecting with Nature

Allowing Natural Light into the Home

The traditional Japanese houses are supported by wooden poles.

Due to the climate, a sloping structure is the best solution for roof design, and the use of tatami, a type of mat made from rice straw, is recommended.

Japanese cushions for sitting are generally used on the floor but can also be used when sitting in a chair.

The Japanese Clothing

Conservative Clothing

Including Colors. Most of the clothing you see on the streets is monochromatic or in neutral colors, but Japanese street fashion rebels against this style, offering bright and bold colors.

Oversized Clothing

It's common to see many people wearing oversized clothing for a more relaxed and daring look. These clothes are often worn larger than usual to accentuate the style.

Prints and Graphics

This is one of the most common features of street fashion. Bold prints reflect self-expression and individuality. Designs can be printed or hand-drawn, and embroidery is also used to add a cultural touch.

Practical Clothing

Practice is just as important. Clothing is designed for comfort using practical and easy-to-move-in materials, with elements like pockets added to enhance practicality.

The Japanese Transportation

The transportation in Japan offers a unique experience thanks to its punctuality and speed, making getting around easy and comfortable via a sophisticated network of trains, subways, and buses, whether you're exploring major cities or traveling between regions.

But, what's most distinctive about using a bus is the presence of long stairs that you must climb or descend to reach the bus station or other public transportation. Why? So that people are forced to be in top physical condition well into their later years. They engage in mandatory, almost unconscious, exercise. It's no wonder, then, that they are among the longest-living and healthiest people on Earth. And it's also no surprise that their dietary habits, which we haven't discussed here for brevity, have resulted in them being (for the most part) considered among the thinnest people in the world.

Finally: What does this have to do with Egypt's efforts for peace in the Middle East (the category this article addresses)?

Do you remember the Egyptian dowry? Have you ever heard of women imprisoned in Egypt for debts incurred from their daughters' weddings? Have you heard of the rural woman who, by custom, cannot do without buying a dozen (12) items of a certain type—sheets, blankets, cups, towels, or even food (pigeons, ducks, and local chickens)—when the daughter is born, the very reason her mother is fined and imprisoned for debt, needing someone to release her soon, perhaps as a form of charity? Shouldn't we change our flawed social patterns? This is a misguided culture, not a civilizational heritage that presents history to us as a future...

Dear Enlightened Reader... May you remain well...