Needing Little Is The Ultimate Leverage

This text explores the concept of **minimalism as a form of structural independence**, arguing that reducing one's needs creates **leverage against external control**. By minimizing material and emotional dependencies, individuals gain the **power to refuse unfair terms** and resist the subtle pressures of a consumerist culture. The author posits that **true freedom** is not found in having many choices, but in the **capacity to walk away** without fear. Excess requirements act as "handles" for others to grab, whereas **simplicity provides moral insulation** that protects one's personal values from being compromised. Ultimately, maintaining a lifestyle with fewer attachments ensures that **convictions remain sustainable**, allowing for a life defined by choice rather than necessity or social entrapment.