Francine Jay: The Joy of Less

Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.

William Morris(quoted)

Since my house burnt down, I now own a better view of the rising moon.

Matsuo Basho(quoted)

He who knows he has enough is rich.

Lao Tzu(quoted)

In 99 percent of the stuff we do, perfection is superfluous. It’s not necessary, not expected, and likely won’t be noticed or appreciated.

When your space is clear, your mind is clear - you can work without distraction, and be more productive.

The most difficult aspect of any task is knowing where to start.

How many times have you heard that "more is better, " "fake it ‘til you make it, " or "clothes make the man?" They tell us that more stuff means more happiness, when in fact, more stuff often means more headaches and more debt.

Contrary to what marketers would have you believe, you are not what you own. You are you, and things are things; no physical or mathematical alchemy can alter these boundaries, despite what that full-page magazine ad or clever commercial tries to tell you.