Essentialism is a book which aims to teach the reader the differences between the way of the Essentialist and the way of the Nonessentialist. The author, Greg, gives many detailed examples on why it is important for us to start considering limitations in any situation, and using that knowledge to make decisions that will benefit us in the long run.

Greg illustrates each chapter with a few examples comparing the differences in mindset between the Essentialists and Nonessentialists. I recommend this book if you’re looking to reduce clutter in all aspects of your life. Greg introduces the essentialist mindset very well and will help set you on the path of essentialism.

Below are a few quotes I really enjoyed from the book:

“If you don’t prioritize your life, some else will.”

Greg Mckeown

“We have lost our ability to filter what is important and what isn’t. Psychologists call this “decision fatigue”: the more choices we are forced to make, the more the quality of our decisions deteriorates.”

Shai Danziger

“The ability to choose cannot be taken away or even given away – it can only be forgotten.”

Greg Mckeown

“Certain types of effort yield higher rewards than others.”

Greg Mckeown

“An essentialist thinks almost everything is nonessential”

Greg Mckeown