# Don’t Collect All Four!

Source: https://www.theminimalists.com/four/
Published: 2024-12-14
Author: The Minimalists

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People sometimes ask why we wrote four books. “That’s not very minimalist!” Hehe. Well, when you’re a minimalist, everything you do is steeped in irony. In truth, each book communicates a unique perspective on simple living.

**[*Everything That Remains*](https://amzn.to/2btEsZp)** is the *why-to* book. Our personal story of letting go. This book documents our five-year journey into minimalism, and it answers these questions: *Why have I given so much meaning to material possessions? Why have I been so discontented? What if everything I ever wanted isn’t what I actually want?* Of everything we’ve written, this is our favorite. Perhaps that’s why it’s our #1 bestseller!

**[*Minimalism*](https://amzn.to/2btE0du)** is the *what-to* book. It highlights the five values we focus on to live a meaningful life, and it answers these questions: *What is a meaningful life? Who is the person I want to become? How will I define my success after letting go of the excess stuff?*

**[*Essential*](https://amzn.to/2bv5mCe)** is the *how-to* book. The “best of The Minimalists,” this collection of 150 essays focuses on twelve distinct areas of intentional living and answers this question: *How would every area of my life be better with less?*

**[*Love People, Use Things*](https://amzn.to/3Dbhqpv)** is the *who-to* book. It describes, in detail, the seven essential relationships that benefit from simplifying, and it elucidates The Minimalists’ core message: *love people and use things because the opposite never works.*

For the best experience, we recommend reading them in the above order: *why*, *what*, *how*, and *who*. Of course, you don’t need to *collect* any of our books; once you enjoy your copy, pass it on to someone who might find value in its words.

*–Joshua & Ryan*

P.S. Our books are also available in [these languages](https://www.theminimalists.com/foreign/). For a short list of books that have influenced us over the years, check out our [book recommendations](https://theminimalists.com/recommendations) .

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