Donald Trump has been elected as the 47th President of the United States. In his victory speech, he prominently mentioned Elon Musk, acknowledging him as a key ally and supporter. Due to their strong professional rapport, Musk is currently residing at Trump's residence in Florida. Musk has repeatedly stated in the past that he does not own a permanent home, choosing instead to stay with friends or at the office. Many of the world's wealthiest individuals share this preference, avoiding the commitment of owning a permanent residence.
Sold All Real Estate About Five Years Ago
Initially, Musk wasn't a minimalist. Before 2020, he owned several luxurious homes and estates. That year, he announced selling all his real estate, including cars and various residences. Musk stated his intention was to use the funds for colonization projects on Mars. This wasn't the end of the story, however. In subsequent interviews, he frequently brought up the term 'minimalism,' referring to the practice of living with the bare essentials. Minimalism doesn't necessarily mean having no possessions—it means having the minimum necessary. Heavy furniture and large-screen TVs don't find a place in minimalist homes.
After selling his properties, Musk opted to stay between the homes of friends and at the office, changing locations frequently. Currently, for mutual convenience, he is staying at Trump's residence.
Source: aajtak
The Concept of Minimalism is Quite Old
In the 20th century, following wars, people exhibited the opposite behavior of minimalism. Initially, people accumulated only what was necessary, whether food or tangible assets. After wars, the mindset shifted towards hoarding as much as possible, be it food or valuable objects, preparing for the possibility of future conflicts. This hoarding habit grew so much that a movement called minimalism emerged to counter it. What started in New York art galleries began to reach people's homes, sparking a trend of simplistic design, seen first in door designs, and then spreading to all aspects of life.
What is Minimalism
Minimalism means surviving with the minimum essentials for a long time. There is no fixed rule that defines someone as a minimalist. Some live with just enough, while others leave homes and jobs to lead a nomadic lifestyle. However, it's different from poverty. Minimalists choose this lifestyle on their own terms.
Many minimalists adhere to a certain number of possessions. For instance, owning only 100 items—including clothing and essentials like a toothbrush—can categorize one as a minimalist. However, even then, the goal is to reduce the count further over time.
Source: aajtak
Many Billionaires Own Only a Modest Home and Possessions.
- Warren Buffett, one of the world's largest investors, has lived in a modest Nebraska home since the 1950s. - John Paul Jones, an American businessman, does not own any permanent property and is always traveling. - Jeff Bezos, an American businessman, is famously known as a staunch minimalist.
The Psychology of Minimalism
People who embrace this lifestyle believe that staying in one place permanently can drain one's energy. Additionally, maintaining tangible assets requires considerable effort. Instead of purchasing a permanent home, individuals like Musk invest that money into projects. This is a mentality shared by many business tycoons. For those practicing minimalism, travel is more feasible with fewer possessions, and studies have shown that having less clutter can positively affect brain function.
