In the midst of preparing to de-clutter and downsize, I have begun to regret having collected so many “treasures” over the decades — some with great sentimental value, representing special occasions, gifts from family and friends, my years of travel, etc.; but many that were bought just because they were pretty, or I thought they might be useful, or I might need an extra one some day. And now most of them are just “stuff,” collecting dust on tabletops and bookshelves, or packed away in boxes because I don’t know what to do with them.

And I find myself wishing I had become familiar with the writings of the ancient Roman philosopher Seneca much sooner — before I began amassing the books, and dishes, and tchotchkes. Even in that long-ago age before online shopping, he was wise to the inherent dangers of acquisitiveness, saying this:

“Until we have begun to go without them, we fail to realize how unnecessary many things are. We’ve been using them not because we needed them but because we had them.”

– Seneca, “Letters from a Stoic”

It turns out that there is much to be said for simplicity and minimalism. If only I had realized it sooner.

Oh, well . . . Anyone need a good set of china?

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
5/9/26