"Less is more" has become the mantra of today's minimalist gurus, who promise that getting rid of excess stuff is the key to solving most problems. Minimalism has gained immense popularity. An entire industry has emerged that offers trendy interior designs, minimalist clothing brands, gadgets, books, podcasts dedicated to this trend. Kyle Chaika, a well-known cultural commentator, critic, art historian, has been studying minimalist trends for many years. He believes that the reasons for our desire for liberation from excess are much deeper than we think. The search leads the author to the philosophical and spiritual origins of minimalism, as well as to the stories of true minimalists - artists, architects, musicians. Seagull explores their extraordinary lives, their ups and downs, the places they worked - from the lofts of Manhattan to the Texas desert to the alleys of Kyoto - and comes to the conclusion that getting rid of things and listening to themed podcasts can't instantly make you happier. Minimalism is not a disease or a cure, it is another attempt to live this life consciously and correctly.