How Socrates, Jesus, and Buddha Changed My Life

Summary

The author of the article describes a transformative personal journey from materialism to a more minimalist lifestyle inspired by the teachings of Socrates, Jesus, and Buddha.

Abstract

The article narrates the author's revelation about the pitfalls of materialism after a stressful week of dealing with an abundance of possessions. Prompted by the wisdom of Socrates, Jesus, and Buddha, the author embarks on a journey of self-examination and decluttering. By donating unused items and prioritizing experiences over things, the author finds a new sense of liberation and happiness, discovering that true treasure lies in living fully and not in accumulating possessions.

Opinions

The author initially believed they were not materialistic but came to realize the burden of their possessions.
Socrates' quote about an unexamined life led the author to critically assess their attachment to material things.
Jesus' teachings about earthly treasures made the author reconsider the value of their belongings and appreciate the peace in simplicity.
Buddha's perspective on desire prompted the author to distinguish between genuine needs and transient desires.
The act of decluttering resulted in a profound sense of relief and increased appreciation for meaningful experiences and relationships.
The author now equates true happiness with the freedom from material burdens, personal growth, and living a reflective life.

About Owning Things and How You Can Get Rid of This

Photo by Aamir Suhail on Unsplash

I never considered myself a materialistic person. Sure, I had my things – a nice apartment, some cool clothes, the latest gadgets. But stuff wasn’t everything, right? Wrong. At least, that’s what I realized after a particularly stressful week spent organizing and cleaning.

Surrounded by piles of "things" I barely used, a quote from Socrates popped into my head: "The unexamined life is not worth living." Examine my life? Here I was, drowning in possessions, feeling utterly unexamined. So, I started examining.

Jesus' words about not storing up treasures on earth echoed in my ears. Was all this stuff really a treasure, or just a burden? I envisioned the simplicity of his life, and a strange calm washed over me. Maybe I didn’t need quite so much "stuff" to be happy.

Then came Buddha’s teachings on desire. I looked around, realizing how much of what I owned stemmed from fleeting desires, not genuine needs. Did that limited edition coffee mug truly bring me joy, or just a momentary thrill of acquisition?

That week, my apartment transformed. Boxes piled high became donations, unused clothes found new homes in charity shops. With each item gone, a weight lifted. Suddenly, I had space to breathe, to think. Socrates would’ve been proud.

This wasn’t about deprivation; it was about liberation. The less I clung to possessions, the more I clung to experiences, to connections. Sunday brunches with friends replaced expensive dinners with mountains of dishes. Weekend hikes replaced the need for the latest hiking boots (turns out, my old ones worked just fine).

It wasn’t always easy. There were moments of "wanting" – a pang for that new smartphone, a fleeting envy of a friend’s new car. But then, I’d remember the lightness in my life, the freedom from clutter.

Socrates, Jesus, and Buddha may have lived millennia ago, but their wisdom feels more relevant than ever. They taught me that true happiness doesn’t come from things you own, but from the life you live, the experiences you share, and the freedom to examine, to grow, and to simply be. And that, my friends, is a treasure worth keeping.