The More of Less

By: Joshua Becker

Narrated by: Joshua Becker

Length: 6 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's Summary

Most of us know we own too much stuff. We feel the weight and burden of our clutter, and we tire of cleaning and managing and organizing. While excess consumption leads to bigger houses, faster cars, fancier technology, and cluttered homes, it never brings happiness. Rather, it results in a desire for more. It redirects our greatest passions to things that can never fulfill, and it distracts us from the very lives we wish we were living. But it doesn't have to be this way.

In The More of Less, Joshua Becker helps you:

• Recognize the life-giving benefits of owning less
• Realize how all the stuff you own is keeping you from pursuing your dreams
• Craft a personal, practical approach to decluttering your home and life
• Experience the joys of generosity
• Learn why the best part of minimalism isn't a clean house; it's a full life

It's time to own your possessions instead of letting them own you. After all, the beauty of minimalism isn't in what it takes away. It's in what it gives.

©2016 Becoming Minimalist LLC (P)2016 Tantor

Critic Reviews

"I'm so inspired by this wise, timely book!" (Shauna Niequist, author of Bread & Wine)

Freedom - with less clutter.

Great listen. Don't be fooled by the few reviews that are bothered by references to Jesus. These are few and only highlight that important aspect of his life but do not influence the message of this book and how well it is presented. Also, don't be bothered by the few reviews that note frustration that Becker does not tell you "how". I believe he does. In fact, I sent to my father, who in his eighties does not like to throw anything away. Accumulating things for years. Not only did he listen to the entire book but he started throwing things out with energy and motivation. Amazing progress!

77 people found this helpful

Life Changer

I suffer from anxiety and ADHD. I took a week off on what turned out to be a cold dreary week that I normally would have had no energy to do anything but sleep through. So listening to a book or two fit in nicely into my no energy agenda. I listened to this book plus UnFu*k Yourself and I found myself cleaning out SO MUCH junk I had acquired! I honestly think that all my problems may have come from all the extra stuff I had, since I am now feeling a little bit better than I ever have with medications and realized I never even took my ADHD medication all week.

All this extra stuff I had was constantly requiring me to make decisions about how to better organize it or what to do with it. I kept a huge array of "just in case I ever need" items. I've now realized that in case I ever do need them, they will be right there on the the very organized shelf of a store. Plus it won't be an old expired version, and paying a few dollars to get it there instead of having to remember where I stored it at my house, is definitely worth the cost! That, and well... there is a 95% chance I actually will never need it. This is the most productive week I've had in as long as I can remember. I really want to thank the authors of these two books for making such a huge impact on my life going forward.

On a side note I want to say that the author of "The more of less" is religious and he does quote bible stories quite a bit. I am atheist and I don't want to hear someone's beliefs inserted into a book that's not supposed to be about religion at all. Having said that... it did not come across as if he was trying to get you to believe his ideas. The author seems like a legitimate good person and he just used bible stories as examples of people doing the right thing. So if you're put off with that like I am, just give it a chance. It really will be worth it.

109 people found this helpful

Helpful book about minimalism

I really enjoyed this book because it shares the author's philosophy around minimalism with some discussion of his personal path. I thought his reasoning was very inspiring. His narration wasn't great, but was good enough. It's a bit heavy in Christian parables, which wasn't my favorite part, but I am glad I listened to the book and would recommend it for others who are interested in this lifestyle.

69 people found this helpful

Lots of what not much how

Hundreds of great reasons to downsize, not much concrete advice on how to accomplish that. Maybe it is just as simple as "get rid of excess stuff." But if we knew how to do that we wouldn't be reading this book.

105 people found this helpful

Poor narration and overly religious themes

I was looking forward to another book that might help me get rid of all my 'stuff' - I'm working towards being a minimalist. But the fact that I was disappointed is an understatement. It's narrated by the author - which sometimes can be great - but he drops his voice at the end of sentences so I had to keep adjusting the volume. It was stressful to listen to! In addition, he kept referring to his religious beliefs - some of which had really nothing to do with reducing the amount of your "stuff.' I got through the first hour, but couldn't handle it anymore.

7 people found this helpful

Good Info, but Needs Different Narrator

the information offered in the book is good. however the authors should have chosen someone else to narrate this work. The author's narration is extremely aggravating because he tends to drop the last syllable of most sentences,

62 people found this helpful

A wholistic approach to minimalism

Mr. Becker does more than provide a simple checklist to become a "minimalist". In this book he shares a belief that minimalism looks different for everyone who chooses to pursue it. Minimalism, like money management and so many other areas of our lives are simple in premise yet difficult in practice in the beginning. This books defines the why before the how and addresses many of the behavioral barriers many will face on the road to a simpler and more intentional life. I have lived a version of this life for some time and can attest to its benefits. This book is well written and well worth the time.

27 people found this helpful

Please leave Christianity out of it

I should have listened to other reviewers - lots of "god" and Christianity talk, and I do not appreciate it. I do not recommend this book unless you are a believer. The writer is a pastor and yes, the writing is very preaching and condescending.

4 people found this helpful

Eye opening

This book had an interesting effect on me, I had already started working towards becoming a more minimalistic person, still working on it. Just this weekend, we gave away abt 4 large boxes of clothes, still have some that need to go to a different location to donate. But, this book whenever I listened, just constantly gave me ideas of things I could do to better my family's life, or help my community, or things I could volunteer on. I highly recommend it.

9 people found this helpful

Need a strong stomach for Christian faith to get through this one

I write this as an A-religious person who has listened thoughtfully to many many spiritual growth books that reference Jesus. Cerainly we can learn from all walks of life and many themes are universal. However, I just couldn't get past the intro and first chapter, which is heavy with reference to the author's church, sermonizing, and to Jesus himself. Wish I would've known this was the kind of crowd for this book...would've saved the credit for Marie Kondo or the Minimalists.

298 people found this helpful