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Questions and Answers
Which minimalist famous personality was known for his simple dress code of a black shirt, blue jeans, and white sneakers?
Which minimalist famous personality is associated with the Theory of Relativity and owned only a few items of clothing?
Among the listed minimalist famous personalities, who enjoys charitable works over clubbing and partying?
Which minimalist famous personality is a Canadian singer and songwriter known for owning only two luggage of clothes?
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Who among the listed minimalist famous personalities prefers giving away old clothes, toys, and books rather than destroying them?
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Which minimalist famous personality gives out most of his money to charity and is famous for being an Apple co-founder?
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What is the main criticism of consumerist societies according to the text?
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According to Dr. Jorge Majfad, what analogy is made between reducing environmental pollution and consumerism?
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What is the primary focus of the given text?
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Which industry is NOT listed as a promoter of consumerism in the text?
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What is one of the effects mentioned in the text that result from consumerism?
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Which of the following statements is true?
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What does the text suggest about the relationship between acquisition and happiness?
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What does minimalism prioritize according to the text?
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How does minimalism relate to living with less according to the text?
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Based on the information provided, how many Earths would be needed to sustain the global population if everyone consumed resources at the same rate as the average US citizen?
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What percentage of the world's resources is consumed by the wealthiest 10% of the population, according to the text?
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Which of the following statements best summarizes the main argument presented in the text?
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Study Notes
Characteristic of Minimalist Lifestyle
- Less desire to upscale lifestyle norms
- More generous
- Less care for possessions
- Less environmental impact (reduced pollution)
Famous Minimalists
- Steve Jobs: Apple co-founder, dresses in simple attire, and believes in simplicity
- Albert Einstein: Famous physicist, owned few clothes, gave away most of his money to charity
- Jane Siberry: Canadian singer and songwriter, owns only two luggage of clothes, a guitar, and a laptop
- Robert Pattinson: British actor, enjoys charitable works over clubbing and partying
- Michael Bloomberg: Former New York mayor, owns only six pairs of shoes, gives away 50% of annual income
Criticisms of Consumerism
- Consumerist societies contribute to global warming and use resources at a higher rate
- Reducing environmental pollution without reducing consumerism is like combating drug trafficking without reducing drug addiction
Factors That Encourage Consumerism
- Lack of self-control (self-discipline/contentment)
- More places to shop (e.g. eBay, Jumia, Asos, Konga, Jiji)
- Advertisement (newspaper, magazines, posters, commercials)
Industries That Promote Consumerism
- Auto Industry
- Meat Industry
- Fashion Industry
- Electronic Industry
- Cosmetic Industry
Effects of Being a Consumerist
- Obesity (overweight)
- Pollution (water, air, and land)
- Exploitation of natural resources
- Waste generation
- Global inequality
Minimalism
- Minimalism is about living with less, including less financial burdens
- It refers to a lifestyle that is all about living with less
- Minimalism is about controlling desires for getting unworthy things that have no benefit
- Minimalism is anti-consumerism
- A minimalist considers quality over quantity
- The philosophy is about getting rid of excess stuff and living life based on experiences rather than worldly possessions
Benefits of Being a Minimalist
- Saves cost (less debt)
Consumerism
- Consumerism is the tendency of people to identify strongly with products or services they consume, especially those with commercial brand names and perceived status-symbolism appeal
- Advertisement subtly reshapes our desires around material possession
- Consumption is necessary, but excessive consumption (Consumerism) is not necessary
- Excessive consumption leads to bigger houses, more cars, trendier clothes, and fancier technology
- Acquisition doesn’t guarantee happiness, it only results in more
- We are already consuming resources at an alarming rate and quicker than our planet is able to replenish
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Description
Test your knowledge on consumerism, material possessions, and the impact of advertisements on our desires. Learn about the tendencies of people to strongly identify with commercial brand names and status-symbolism appeal.
