The less you own, the more you have | Angela Horn | TEDxCapeTown 

This talk means a lot to me. My father spent his whole life saving for retirement, and financing things or ideals rather than experiences. He retired last year on July 1st. On August 23, he found out he had cancer. He lived for 8 months from the time he was diagnosed. He never got to enjoy all of what life has to offer, because he had always believed that his time would come "later." He had less than 2 months of enjoyable retirement before his life as he knew it was pulled out from under him. I promised my dad I would "be okay" when he was dying in hospice. I know now that "being okay" will never be dependent on unnecessary possessions. I hope others will realize that as well...before it's too late.

9:54 "Happiness is the state of being, but not the state of having" the best quote i have ever heard in my life.

I suggest everyone save for a vacation each year. Instead of buying junk you don't need, save for an experience. Adventure to a new country each year. You will not regret it.

I went from a 4 bedroom home to a 1 bedroom home sold and gave away 80 percent of everything. Couldn't be happier. Less is more.

Agree with every word of this talk. Every time I downsize I feel very liberated indeed...

I imagine a future where economic growth is not required, and nobody works in marketing. The things you need or will enjoy will be available to you, but nobody will be trying to manipulate you into acquiring them. The way we organize our economy now will be recognized as _crazy_ by people who aren't breathing the poisoned air of the currently dominant ideologies.

Christmas has been hijacked by retailers, as have birthdays, anniversaries, etc. This last year, my wife and I stopped the buying, and it was the most no stress, peaceful Christmas I can ever remember. The Christmas songs had more meaning, more reflection, and all was calm, all was bright....

Awesome. I just got rid of 40% of my clothes, shoes and junk and I feel so pleased.

It feels so deliciously free and wrong, growing up in America, to live the minimalist lifestyle. I love it :D And this talk was great!!

We have just downsized and decluttered at least 80% of our possessions and I can tell you that it is so so freeing. It has changed our life.

In college I was super broke, always wanting things I couldn't afford. After college I started making money but realized that I got on just fine without any of it for all those years. Now I feel any other tangible item I purchase is just another item that'll anchor me down to one spot. Instead I started traveling the world, going to more concerts/events, and don't regret one dollar spent.

It makes me happy when I see such positive comments to such a talk. It makes me happy because I feel like we're moving towards a happier, more human society. Materialism robs us of our humanity, our nature, to be like brothers and sisters - how we were born.

I have children and we live in an apartment. I only know of one other family that lives in an apartment. We do get judged for it or asked when we are getting a house or told about houses for sale in the area. I can't believe how fixated people are on home-owning! I'd like to own a house one day, but I don't need a house to make me happy. There's a difference. Besides, I'm not ready to be a homeowner. Many families we know have two cars and cell phones and tablets for all of their kids. We have one car and our kids share our two cell phones with us. I told them they can have cell phones when they have jobs to pay for them. I'm not "putting them on our plan" to make our bill higher. I grew up in the '80's and '90's when there were no cell phones and we all didn't die because there were no cell phones. I still have one credit card left to pay off. I am student loan debt free. Mine and my husband's bed is on pallets. I own 7 pairs of shoes and 40 items of clothes, not including outerwear and underwear. I have so much less stress than I had when I owned more! I have also passed down owning less to my kids. Our hampers are never overflowing and going into extra bags like they used to and yet my kids still look pulled together because they all have mix and match capsule wardrobes. Capsule wardrobes are not just for adults. My kids go to public school, they are not homeschooled, and they all have gotten compliments on their clothes. Not one person has said why do you wear the same things? People don't pay attention to things the way we think they do.

Everything in this talk is absolutely true. In 2010 I moved to the island of Hawaii. I got rid of most of my things (I didn't have much to begin with). In 2012, I moved from Hawaii to Maui. I got rid of more things. In 2014, I moved from Maui back to California. I got rid of more things. Everything I owned fit into a large suitcase and a shipping palette 4'x4'x5'. Upon my return to Calif., I put most of my stuff in a storage locker and started house sitting, something I thought would be temporary until I got settled. I really enjoyed being a nomad and the freedom of it. I lived from boxes of essential things that I moved with me from house sit to house sit. I house sat almost continually for 2 years, but there were times when I really wanted a home again. Recently, I rented a room so I'd have a regular place to go between sits and I'd have access to my things again. I'm now in the process of unpacking the things that have been in storage almost 2 years, kind of surprising to see what I moved after not unpacking it since 2014. I'm happy to see many of those familiar things that are touchstones to the life I once had, but the experience of being a nomad for 5 years (if you count the time in Hawaii) has been the absolute best part of my life. It has stripped me of so many limiting attitudes and beliefs about how things "should" be, and has taught me invaluable lessons about grace, acceptance, gratitude and humility. It's also given me confidence that no matter what happens, everything is really OK. It's not the stuff that matters, it's how we live that does. When we die, the stuff is of no consequence. Learning to understand that in life, stuff is of no consequence is a form of incomprehensible exquisite freedom. This talk attempts to convey this lesson. Thank you.

After listening to this video I took out my beautiful cutlery set that I never used and began using it.

i've been actively downsizing for years. i love owning less.

I have watched this video numerous times and it is still as powerful as the first time I watched it. Definitely one of my fave Ted Talks!

"Happiness is a state of being, it's not a state of having." Love this.

Love your plain speaking 👊👊👊 I am 65 and downsizing and excited about dramatically reducing our things - thank you 🙏

I fully understand. My parents' home is very much the reason I am in the process of eliminating the excess stuff that I have as well as simplifying the rest of my life. When my life is over, I do not want my children to have to do what I should have done long before I died.

I am just beginning this process now, I heard someone say "I felt like my soul's only purpose was to further the journey of my stuff" That hit me like a ton of bricks. That was my call to really look at how I had been living my life. I am selling my house right now and looking forward to living a real life.

You got it in one Angie. If people stopped desiring so much junk they wouldn't spend lots of money, they wouldn't get into debt and they then wouldn't be so stressed. I've always been a minimalist so this talk just verbalises everything I've been saying along. Life is actually very simple but we just make it complicated.

Did a major clean out in all of the rooms of my home and storage about a month ago all was donated. It, felt so refreshing and freeing.

The easiest way to stop shopping is to stop watching TV All the decorating, food , how the super rich live shows, make us want more and more. Its 'a program, the don't call a television PROGRAM for nothing!

It's not just about getting rid of material possessions you don't use but also about getting rid of people and situations that rob you of your tranquility. I think mental clutter is more important and I'm disappointed she didn't touch on that.

I felt the love and care in her voice as she gave this ted talk. That was the part that really struck me about this talk, and all of the truth she was teaching.

We've decided to accelerate the payments on the mortgage so we can get out of the only debt we have. Having such a goal really helps me to remember not to overspend.

I love her accent!!

your beginning made me cry..... the missed opportunities... I clearly understood what you were saying. My husband and I have started our downsizing now. I don't want to leave that crap for our kids. Great Talk!

Brst talk I have heard in a while, with very doable advice, promising very probable results! To say I am inspried and changed by this is an understatement. Thank you Angela Horn. I already have three bags in the trunk that are on their way to consignment, and that was before hearing this talk. My inner voice has for a long time now been telling me to give, give, give but I did not know how to really get the pieces moving. This talk provided that plan. Thank you again! Well done, by the way, for swapping a load of debt for a load of rewarding experiences.

I find that the old adage which helps me keep impulsive buying and collecting of stuff down to a dull roar is: "If you own it, you have to clean it." Being lazy pays off in less clutter and more money in my retirement account.

The disappointment after the first feeling of happiness after a purchase is why I am trying to only buy according to my needs, not my wants. i write a list. If after a few months some things remain they are more likely a need and that is what I invest in, because the contentment with those things almost never go away.

good talk..alot of people will benefit from this. Life is made up from experiences..not stuff you buy at the mall..people start living and break free

Thank you, you tube.We learn so much in your "public school"

Angela Horn I love you. Excellent advice.

Inspirational stuff! Thank you! I am going to start this process by getting rid of the clutter on my phone. All those apps that I think I need that I've installed and just sit there. I am getting rid of them today. Tomorrow I am going to start with that big, ugly, rusty bunk bed I have that is taking up space in my room, a bed I don't even sleep on. That TV that hasn't been on in months because I stream all my stuff is going too. That's just a start. Thank you so much Angela.

I have a 14 yr old dog that can swim across the mountain lakes and hike the long trails. I have a pair of old hiking boots and a mountain bike. I desire one beer a week and eat healthy food every day. My dog is happy and so am I. I got rid of my crap and negative people. I lived on the dark side of life. Most of the things in life are free. You just have to live positive.

I just returned from a trip to Cuba. I discovered a few things during that trip. 1. I loved the adventure so I want to spend more time traveling and learning about other cultures. 2. I over-packed by half. So clearly I can live with less. 3. Since I want to be able to adventure more and take care of 'stuff' less, I need to gut the house. Literally, gut the house. It is time. So, thank you for this TEDx talk. So enjoyable and so much to take away!

Someone once told me that your house and your mind are closely related in terms of space/clutter. So true. Proved this to myself. Just try it.

I was introduced to TedX during orientation at work and I've been inspired every since. Thank you Sir!

This talk helped me more then any talk I have listened to. Thank you so much for your talent to teach and making each of us look deep into ones life. BRILLIANT BRILLIANT! David Jenson

I've started the process myself. I have donated about 40% of my clothes. I still have a bit more to go. It is a difficult process at first, but after getting rid of stuff; especially clothing that has been only taking up space, you wont miss it. I would find myself looking for what to wear in the morning. The sad part is, I would constantly wear the same clothing over and over. That is when I realized, man, I have way too much.

Wow! That was a mind-blowing speech!

Excellent talk and a very good speaker. Living below our means is one of the secrets of happiness. Teaching that to our children is a wonderful gift.

"Happiness is a state of being; it's not a state of having." Awesome talk Ang! Congrats :)

I love and 100% agree with everything said! Bravo!

This is so right, so true, very wise words!

Angela Angela Angela!!!! You are so right. I also wanted to add, you're a wonderful public speaker. I have been living this way for some time now. It truly is the best life to live.

This is so true. I keep buying containers to contain the things I own, so I'm constantly buying more crap that I don't need because in my mind, I have space for it. I've since donated a dozen XL bags to charity and I've still heaps more to go. I've got 60 pairs of shoes after donating 50 pairs, and more bags, clothes and accessories that I can remember. It's so true about retail therapy. I'm a shopaholic through and through! My bank account however, is constantly shrinking while my wardrobe is ever expanding. I will clear out more stuff in the coming weeks, I promise ;)

so inspiring. i started my minimalism journey 1st september 2015. currently still keeping 30% of the stuff i used to own. the other 70% i've donated or its in the bin. Almost 2 months now and the 2 things that i found so hard to get rid of are 1 box of my university notes and 2 box of various hijabs!

Today is May 8rh ; I could try getting rid of one item a day from today. ...Saturday May 13th is a garage sale day at my Local church! thanks a Lot Speaker....wonderful ideas.

I am happy I have been in this status for many many years. I am excited to see an even more mature me in the future!

I'm glad there are talks on this topic that hopefully helps others find a happier life. The biggest debt I ever got sucked into was when I was 21 and bought an expensive 4wd. I paid it off and I am glad I have it...but I am fortunate enough at my age now (37) to have realised years ago that I have everything I need already, and I don't crave to buy anything just for the want but only for the need. I won't even spend $1 on something if I don't need it. I like living this way, I'm still not 100% sure why, but I am happy only living by what I need. I find comfort in simple things mostly, just doing most things because I enjoy them, not focusing on making money but enjoying life. I hope others find this peace too if they haven't already

Thank you, Angela!

Excellent!! Soo inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story.

Words of wisdom, indeed. 'Vanity of vanity, all is vanity' as per Ecclesiastes 1 says it all.

"Happiness is the state of being, not the state of having" great talk

OUTSTANDING advice!! You really helped me see the value of experiences versus JUNK!!!

One of the BEST talks on minimalism. Thumbs up! 👍

My wife and I cleaned out our storage space in our apartment builing and 95% if the stuff we donated/threw away. Going to do the same thing with the stuff in our apartment when we move, I'm expecting to be rid of maybe 50% of the stuff. Books and souveniers from our travels we're keeping, though. I'm mostly resfing digital books now so might donate my 200+ books to a library one day.

Love to listen and apply.

Beautiful 100% PERFECTLY SAID.

Beautiful talk Angela. V inspiring. I've been overcome with a need to declutter. I love love love my gorgeous things, but started to feel weighed down by them ... total shock, can't believe I'm saying this. My soul craves adventure, in a warm climate, pref close to the sea. Wonder how soon I'll get there!! Love to Everyone xxxxx

ok i hate to have to say it but as much as i love this talk (it gets a like from me) let this be a lesson to anyone doing audio for these sort of events. those mics MUST sit about an inch behind the mouth or you will get breath pops. i know exactly how difficult it can be to ensure this particularly with TED events as you're changing presenters at least every 20 minutes but if you can't ensure this, just toss on the wind screens PLEASE! :D

I have always been a de-clutterer. I only hold onto stuff that I may need within the next 5 years so that I won't have to buy again and waste money. Now I am going to challenge myself further to get rid of ONE THING a day. Thank you for your message. :)

I don't have a car but getting a car would make me happy in a sense that it will transport me to beautiful places and be my travel companion but unless I needed to replace it I would have no intention of getting a different one as it's the experiences that that car is allowing me to have which is what brings happiness. It's very right Angela talks about how having experiences are what we will value more with our money instead of stuff we do not need. I do have stuff but it's all used and I still like it, if not it goes out of the house.

Over the past couple of years I have become very minimalistic. I got rid of lots of my stuff, stuff I don't use any more. This is very liberating. My problem is my wife (and 12 year old daughter) have gone the opposite way. Buying and hoarding stuff they don't need and this drives me mad. Easy being on your own or with a partner who shares the same thought but when opposites live together this is very stressful!

i really enjoyed this talk and the best quote " happiness is the state of being not the state of having.

The happiness comes from inside out...

My wife always tells me there is no body like you so stingy in the entire world. Here i found a gentle lady similar to my ideology. Thank you so much.

Looks like I'll be going on holiday this summer instead of getting a Galaxy S8 to replace the still working iPhone I have. Very good point about enjoyment of experiences lasting longer than that of material things.

I really enjoyed Angela's storytelling style. Seems like a really special person. Thanks for the inspiring talk.

I've been doing more than that. This last week I got rid of a couple dozen items but prior to that I had been getting rid of hundreds of items per week for about a month.

one of the best I've ever heard. Going thru the house then garage to free self from family of origin aquired traits. Truly was aiming at this prior, now an acellerant is lighting the way. thanks....

The real stregnth in this talk is using EVIDENCE I went in search of more by her sources and it helped so much!

i agree......i would rather spend my money on memorable experiences than possessions i soon get bored with!

i am prepping to have estate sale to let go of so much to LIVE life, and to have room in a room again. being an artist = i have way to much to create... and now trying to let go of vintage 70 clothing i love the material; so i am going to learn to sew to make a quilt or bedspread of shirts i love but not wear. wonderful. good video to help me purge, and to have fun now, not just work all the time.

Been living like that in NYC for 15 years and I love it.

I need to stop buying STUFF from Costco!!

She's absolutely right.

So inspirational. Makes me want to downsize my house and chuck 90% of my possessions.

Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge in a valid attempt to make us all happier. ;)

Wow! Powerful words!

Wow! I needed to hear this. Thank you!

This is so right on. Thank you!

Yessss, I downsized many times. Love it. Good message.

This is such a profound talk. Thank you.

agree with every single word! or years, I've been living with the ''buy/get sth in house ONLY when/ if necessary'' credo Nevertheless ,I've also noticed I have much more stuff than I thought This year I started to be more objective about ''my stuff'' My biggest challenge is the fact I don't like just trowing stuff , and making more '' garbage '' (enough pollution as it is) I don't need to get money for it, I'd like to see / know that there are ppl who could re-use them. I donate to charity, hoping ppl will actually re-use them and not be thrown away ( as some stuff eventually gets thrown away, due to lack of space) I see much more ppl getting the minimalism vibe, esp ''the young'' ( and let's say me ,as a 30+ I regard myself still in the category ;) ) each and every time, it's so cool to meet like-minded ppl; One of the best , was meeting my neighbor, 4 y ago, when I was moving to my apartment. She's a true minimalist, meaning: NO boxes in her storage box! Just a surf board! - a hero of minimalism! When I grow up , i want to be like her :) (although she's a year younger)... BC , at the end, experiences count , not stuff! I hope that , day by day , the world will become richer with more and more experience-alists :)

Right on the spirit!

Love the 30 day plan, even I can manage that. Many thanks

So, so TRUE!

Brilliant was the fire that started me on a new path . A very grateful thanks. David jenson. chicago

Awesome testimony.

Excellent talk!!!!

Nice advice. How right she is. Thanks.

People need to realize that real wealth is IN Precious metals . Takes up no space !

Thank you!

This is exactly what I have done. But, I've taken it up a few notches. I retired early 10 years ago, I have all my stuff (and it's not much) in storage, have a personal mailing box address and I live my life like PAY AS YOU GO. Wherever I want to go or whatever I want to do, I pay for it then anywhere in the world. I make sure I get regular dental and doctor checkups about every 6 months, but other than that I'm free to do what I want. I was a fulltime RVer before this and now I feel even more freedom.

Fabulous information!!

This is very touching