As always, don't blindly listen to what I'm saying like a monkey. Everyone's situation is individual and unique. Use my words as guidance for your own contemplation and self-reflection.

Most people out there are not worth your time. Being happy with oneself is most important.

I love my solitude. I don't compare myself with anyone. I LOATHE anything that's meant to be 'social'. One or two friends not out in a public place is ok for me. I go to work (my own business, I work alone) then I come home and hide from the world and I'm ok with that. I'm 55 and can actually say I'm content. I don't own my own home, I'm forever single, I don't have a pet, or kids, I can't drive, I don't have a Garden, I don't eat out, I don't go on vacation, and I'm absolutely fine. What I do have I feel is enough.

I started extreme minimalism and living simply a few years back. I own little, I have never left my city to travel, I have no money, no fame, no looks. I'm so happy!!!

100% agree with you! I'm 62 and life kind of "forced" me to learn these lessons. Once I relaxed into them and was comfortable that my life was going to look different, then happiness and satisfaction have been more my norm. I'm nearing retirement and have been told by financial planners that I have a 99% chance of financial success in retirement because I have lived below my income, thus have saved every month and have acquired no debt. For me, this minimalist lifestyle has paid off with financial independence and peace of mind.

Once did 50 day silence with zero human contact or internet /phone in nature....can't recommend it enough. Game changer.

You’re lucky to know this at your age Evan. It’s taken me almost 50 years to see it. I only hope your message reaches very many people and more importantly, is understood and accepted. It’s a helpful reminder to me as well. Big thanks.

You are so right. We live in a world where people are supposed to be 'busy' all the time as a badge of honor. Rushing around, never settling down, always focused on the next thing they 'have' to do. Life just passes them by. Solitude is essential for some of us, and knowing when we have "enough". I have friends, and I need them, but being alone much of the time is a natural state for some of us.

Comparing yourself to others is a thief of joy.

Beautifully laid out argument. Balance, no FOMO, reflective, simplicity. Living your life, not society’s definition. So well done.

Dude you sound so much like me. A few years ago I was also lonely and miserable after being in a 5 year relationship and went to live on myself for the first time. Now 2 years later I’m 95% of my time alone and I love it. It’s true what you said, your mindset is key. I feel like a completely other dude now 2 years later.

Why is this suddenly en vogue? I have always liked quiet living. Sleeping, reading, doing whatever I want to do, peacefully with my cat. Never understood going to where everyone is rowdy and noisy like sports events and drinking places like clubs and bars.

My brother calls me a "shut in." I call myself HAPPY!

When I turned about 65, I realized that people don't care about what you have accomplished or what goals you have achieved. I read a book by a rabbi that stated "people will NEVER like you for how much money you have or what you own!"

Born in 62 turning 62 not meant to be conventional changed my whole life this year My 2 cats n I are happy being minimalist hippies.

Loneliness is a stare of MIND, aloneness is a state of BEING.

64 been living this way for a long time. Simpler is healthier, living it

"The best company is the one we give ourselves." [OSCAR WILDE]

I'm finally at an age where when I tell people I just want to live a simple, peaceful life, they leave me alone. I've always felt this way. People stigmatize what they perceive as a lack of ambition. Don't you want to go conquer the world? Is the energy I would get. So many are trying to conquer the world and just add more fussy noise to the mix. Ambition and psychopathy often walk side by side. People destroy lives with their ambition. I empathize with striving, but within reason.

The hardest part for me is staying strong mentally in this capitalistic world. It’s so counter-culture to strive to want less and do less and live a simple, quiet life.

We trade our humanity for consumerism and eventually we will realise that it’s a choice. Getting back to self and source is the key 🙏🏼🕊️

The wonderful thing about living this way is you tend to attract the likeminded people. Stopping to enjoy a cool breeze or just watching ducks go by in the park or getting excited about a raining day, might get me crazy looks but there is often that one person who gets it and that connected, no matter how brief is priceless❤

You sir are correct. I stopped the nonsense two years ago. No social media, and mainly enjoy hobbies from home. I do still work an occupation but no longer climbing the corporate ladder nonsense. I had an awakening when I divorced two years ago. I paid off all debt, and now live a simple life in a small house I rent. I enjoy my movies, video games, and knife collection. I have turned over the hamster wheel running to everyone else lol. It is a release! Simple is better.

This is truly such a beautiful way of living. The simple life that others might call “boring” but in that quietness is where peace that is found. As you mentioned, it’s still healthy to have human interactions, but my goodness I’ve found so much more happiness when I’m just one with the moment and nature ~ we never really need anything, the ego needs it. But when we’re grateful for what we have in the now, that is what brings more fulfillment. 🤍 Wonderful video, Evan!

I like the way you explain the importance of a simple and peaceful life. You're a good example of what it means to be a modern day stoic.

There is a lot of truth in what you say. Frantic chasing of experiences doesn't produce lasting peace of mind.

Like someone commented below: People are not worthy of my time. They have nothing to say but repeat what they heard or start competing with you for no apparent reason.

Am older than you and can say by blocking out the noise and distractions in your life, you will find fulfillment in just Being. My favourite expression is ...Freedom is an internal achievement rather than an external adjustment. Enjoy.

I feel this so much. I always think I'm "supposed" to start a business and travel as much as possible. That I need to meet hundreds of interesting people and join clubs, social gatherings, network, etc. But then all I remember from the past 4 years is how great my alone time felt. Talking to myself in my room, doing yoga, going on runs, writing in my journal, crocheting, doing art, etc. has felt more fulfilling and intimate than anything else. Obviously the trips I've gone on and the jobs I've had, and the gatherings I've gone to have brought tremendous value, but truly all the deep soulful fulfillment has come from solitude.

I'm a homebody too and it just gets worse as I get older. I like getting out of the house to go for a walk, bike ride, the gym, farmer's market, or the library. I do the obligatory family gatherings during the holidays and sometimes it's absolutely excruciating. The noise level is just insane...talking so loud it's like yelling across a sports field...exaggerated laughter just for show. A TV blaring in another room. I love my relatives, but it's just so over the top. After an hour I'm already looking at my watch waiting to leave. Thank goodness my two adult children are not like that and they dread it as well. At least if they choose to have children and I become a grandparent there is some hope that we can cultivate some calm gatherings.

Read the book The Power of Now. This book changed how I see life. You are poor or you are a multi time millionaire it doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is the Now. Don’t think about the past nor about the future. Try to be present, watch everything around you, and be grateful. There is not emptiness in the Now only peace, love, and happiness.

The algorithm brought me this video at the EXACT time I needed it. Thank you.

I am 65. You are smart!

Well done! My quote is: There is nothing to gain There is nothing to achive Just be in the present moment,calm, confident and relaxed All the best for you, and keep it simple!

“No need to hurry. No need to sparkle. No need to be anybody but oneself.”- Virginia Woolf

I love reading good books, cooking, gardening, or painting at home in the weekend. But I also like traveling, which makes me really live in the present moment. That's for me is a simple and quiet life.

I read deeply for intellectual fulfillment. That, and great music that is hardly listened to by the masses. The only downside to this way of being is that the vast majority of the world doesn’t know shit, and that can be depressingly off putting the instances where you’re interacting socially.

There is so much freedom in what you are doing and saying. I want more of this content. Greedy people are not allowed 🚫

Jumped off the rat race 5 years ago and I’ve never felt happier. I do what makes me happy and being alone is for me.after years of depression I’m now in a great place.

Thank you for sharing this wisdom. My husband of six years left me for another, more "exciting" woman earlier this year (exactly what he said he would never do, smh) and these insecurities have been eating away at me, with cruel justifications ever since... this is a wonderful breath of reassurance. Thank you for the reminder.

I've really enjoyed this video, there are plenty of truths in it. Those of us who have been living this very way of life since we were 0 years old and have never had any stage of life characterized by any sort of even mild excitement or thrill, well, we have it undoubtably way easier than those who due to life circumstances have to forcefully adapt to a simple and quiet life devoid of any hecticness, but it pays to be absolutely absent from any social media whatsoever. Currently looking forward to a trip to a Buddhist monastery located in the middle of a secluded natural reserve, with no other company than 2-3 monks. Those 2 weeks of total solitude and utter disconnectedness (no internet, no phone, nothing whatsoever) will most likely be the 2 most fruitful weeks of the whole life. Highly recommended to anyone feeling sick of the world and the current state of affairs.

Simplicity and quiet. Simplicity produces quiet within and without. And thinking. As Pascal said: "All of humanity's problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone.” Our individual personal problems come from the same.

Glad to hear someone that shares the same philosophy of life. I love my own company, following my calling, wisely selecting people & places and always learning and growing! Living simply & meaningfully = Happy life. 🌿🕊️✨

I agree with you. I left the rat race and feel way better. But being introvert and minimalist, people and possessions aren't my priority. Peace of mind is. 😊

I came off facebook……rarely watch instagram………make sure I make silent retreats AWAY FROM HOME. I love solitude and simplicity and prayer. Thank you for this……….when people ask me what’s new - I can’t think of anything……….and I often say “I’m not really busy”…….and people respond with silence or “ohhhhhh”

Yes! I totally resonate with this message. When you get sick and tired of being sick and tired you have to make change.🙏🏻 Blessings to you brother 🙏🏻

I can appreciate so much of what was shared here. I'm hella ambitious, and at the same time, "taking up" meditation at the end of 2018 legit changed my life. It's impacted me personally, professionally, all of it-who would've thought. And this is coming from a gal who ran 18km in the snow to test out a windbreaker a few years ago 😂 so if I can find stillness, fr anyone can, haha. It's the duality between striving and contentment in our modern times, cultivating that sense of significance while at the same time, being grateful for all that is, now... an ongoing practice 🙏

I worked hard , invested ~ all my life ~ from teenage to mid 50s. I retired (mid 50s) with enough ~ absolutely no regrets. “Watching the wheels” 🎶 🇬🇧 John Lennon

I've been living quiet for a long time and that's best for me. Never accepted the terms of society. Now I'm on a different journey with God.

Comparison is most definitely the thief of joy. It’s amazing how much you can accomplish, and with such contentment, if you only compete with yourself.

I'm the same, but I still work. However, I forage for my food and love my isolated time. I can spend the whole weekend without human interaction. Women I'm physically attracted to due to my animal instinct, but I've no desire for them otherwise. I'm glad you made this video. I just feel I'm in this world, but not of it as Kanue Reeves stated.

Thanks for putting this out there Evan. I’m 43, living in London in the UK and your words resonate so much with me at this point in my life. My thoughts exactly. Word for word. ❤

The best company, is having a dog. loyal, no judging just happy to see you.. Nothing beats it..🐶😍

Excellent video…I am 68 years old…I’ve have worked for 46 years as an engineer in nuclear power/weapons position…I’ve been in both leadership…and senior leadership positions…and 2 weeks ago…it all ended…no more…my wife and I are both like minded quiet people…both of us abhor loud noises…music…horns..phones ..etc…we both like to read…and haven’t watched network TV in 7 years…we don’t own a TV…and we only have I pads…we have completely downsized over the past few years…getting ready for the day…the day that is now with us….we’re moving to a small 1100;sq. Foot home we bought in the desert…low population density…no street lights…etc…all we really want is solitude…to learn new things…to watch and be part of nature…I hate parties…a waste of time…don’t like rude people…and can’t stand fake people…more fun to walk around in the desert, with a magnifying glass..and get down on my knees to look at things upclose. In closing…there is one thing that is hard for me….namely…if you can’t change it…then why let it bother you…the serenity prayer..so important…I am not religious at all..and with few exceptions (Buddhism) I have zero tolerance for religion and politics…I am working very hard to divorce my reality from that fake and violent reality….pura Vida!…..

Very helpful and practical advice. Thanks a lot !

King Solomon said it is all vanity. He was right. Glad I found your channel.

Keeping up with Jones, the hamster wheel of endless pursuits and distraction, The song Watching the wheels John Lennon comes to mind! Peace and clarity from Nova Scotia Canada

If only I had thought like this 50 years ago!! But, never too late to start 😊 However, solitude is something I've treasured all my life ❤

You are so correct, I am so like you . Thank you for your truly wise words!!....❤🧡❤🧡

Thanks so much for this Evan.

I am filled with complete joy and satisfaction reading a good book 📚 !

“Fall in love with This moment.” ❤️

You are very wise. Thank you for this video 🙏

I will be 65 in a few weeks . It has never occurred to me to care what anyone else thought about me , ever . Why would it ? I live alone . I spend an hour a month in public / in the world . I see a dear friend /assistant once a month who deals with other people , driving , I.t. Issues etcetera. I am in the world , not of it . I have always lived with cats . I am not overly fond of people . They strike me as a waste of time . I have gotten my doctorate . I am content. I am happy. I have a child-like sense of wonder & awe . I am always excited about learning . I do my own research . I will always want to know “why ?”

I live in the city the view from my living room window looks into Ladbrokes betting shop. I put some bird feeders on the wall outside the window, I love watching the little finches and sparrows comming to feel they sit on the bush chirping away, , a few squirrels come by to feed there too. This alone makes a big difference. Life can and does get very lonely.

So good to hear that. I like being alone. And i dont want to compete with other. Thank you for sharing your though

Agree with you. Wish you all the best.

I’m 52. In my 20’s & 30’s, I was chasing what I thought would bring me contentment; a new car, more clothes, more $. Guess what. None of those things made me happy. It was just $$$ & time wasted. I’m now 52. I have a handful of friends, true friends, people I’ve known for decades. I mostly go to work, workout, & come home. And I’m HAPPY.

Good content. This is inspiring and true. Thank you for showing up in this space in authenticity. 🙏❤️🙌

Thank you for your share Evan. You have an amazing soul and hope you find your peace along your journey. I know I know i don't know ypu but you have a beautiful soul and spirt. Love and lifht your way. Take care buddy.

❤love the video, great reminder.

Thank you for this enlightening video my brother. I resonate with this so much and hearing this, is an elixir. I've been struggling with rejection, lack of success in general as well as romantic loneliness. Now, I am learning to appreciate what I have and cutting out the things that don't deserve to be in my life. Life is too short.

Really well described and not prescribed! Funnily enough, my experience was the more ‘I had to do’ for example bringing up children the more I focused on the moment and there was so much to treasure in the simple routines so much so, whilst many of my cohort aka stressed mums felt either overwhelmed or demeaned, I felt very rich and privileged.

It is great to find someone who is in the same wavelength as oneself, and moreover teach one New things and approaches. I'm truly grateful of having found out your channel a couple of months ago, it is extremely clarifying and radiates plenty of peace and meaning, so to be brief. Thanks it is a pleasure consume all this content

💙 Hi … “Thanks” so much for sharing. Both cogent and so eloquently stated. Truly appreciate you sharing your insights. 🙏

Well said..I love you..❤

You are wise beyond your years sir. This is really important stuff.

For some, a lifetime is not enough to understand it... well done 👏👏👏

You are so refreshing! ❤

Nice video. Little cuppa, few chocolates, cosy fire, good book. Yay 😂

I’m done trying to compare my life to others. I simply love my solitude and peace

THIS IS CORRECT… peace of mind😍

Your content has been very helpful in a period of time where I felt very lost after college. I burned myself out by constantly running around trying to stay busy, going above and beyond in the office to prove my worth to others and in return I just burned myself out and felt very frantic and on edge. I left my job to work part time and spend more time with myself.Even this morning I made a long to-do list and I've already checked off so many things before Noon but I have to remind myself to slow down and just enjoy sitting and not doing anything. Currently at a cafe' enjoying a coffee and feeling content in my own presence. I'm not exactly where I want to be in life but I am content with where I am. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts & experiences with us.

If we work on being authentic and tune-in with our higher selves everything will fall into place. The outside is but a reflection of what’s on the inside, conscious and subconscious. Excellent video 👌

You chose the best life, this world has gone mad. The greatest beauty will come when you listen to your inner spirit.

It is so much of where I am today. Embracing the journey. Watching how much my cats love each other. For the last months hitting the gym I my building at 500 am. Always listening to my music…..admiring and not disturbing the bids in Union Square….then watching one of the. Soar away. Looking up Powell St. when the Cable Car tracks are empty….motivational videos on KZfaq…."finding new recipes. Don’t like texting…. I had a phone years before they saturated our lives so the thrill is long gone, reading ,biographies, history……my fixation on the Holocaust and man’s inhumanity to man. I’m an only child so being alone is not difficult and more than not, preferable. There are no coincidences in life….im glad I found your videos….or is it the algorithms…..I’m not sure but it’s perfect timing. Much gratitude….

I just discovered your page and I love it. I relate 100% to what you are saying and it's refreshing for me. I love my simple, peaceful, life. I cherish it. My life is very deep and purposeful. With gratitude.

Once again, your thought process resonates a lot with me. I actually feel like hearing you talking about this the way you do makes me more aware of similar thoughts I have had but only understood them intellectually, now I feel like understanding them more profoundly like a veil has been removed

Man, this is the most eloquent verbalization of MY life, progress from an extrovert to an introvert, and my lifestyle today: “I Am an Introvert” I’m an introvert and need hours of daily solitude. People often think it’s because I have a bad attitude. In reality, quiet aloneness is how I energize. But people aren’t able this simple truth to recognize. People actually demand that I admit being an extrovert. It’s because around others I’m usually curious and alert. I ask questions and listen to people’s life stories simply because I care. This makes people to conclude that I’m either a liar or I’m not self-aware. My friendliness and curiosity are an expression of kindness, not extroversion. The truth is that to most social activities I have a deeply-rooted aversion. I like being alone at home in silence reading a book in my bed. This is because I’m an introvert and not because I’m anti-social or bad. Crowds wear me out. I crave hours of peace, quiet, and solitude. It’s because alone I can reflect and recharge, not because of my attitude. Pandemics or solitary confinements do not scare me at all. Being completely alone for days and even weeks has helped heal my soul. 9/26/2020 © Anna Szabo, JD, MBA

Beuatiful, the balance is the absolute minimal you need to feel clean, healthy, secure, and with health insurance. THATS IT.

thank you for your insights.

I will amplify your algorithm...bro love you

Few things are better than being able to enjoy your own company. Good for you!

Falling in love with this moment. I like this spot on. An exercise in mindfulness ❤

So Happy for you ❤❤❤ and so important xxx

I reached contentment and calm when I walked away from a 20 year successful but very stressful career. I turned my life upside down finding a simple job, and no longer caring about a thankless career. I also find long haul travel one big tiring, expensive and overrated hassle these days. I put that money towards my retirement fund for my future instead of giving it to airlines and hotels. Great video thank you.

Really good post. I think for most people this comes with age. All of what you said is the Buddhist philosophy and you are bang on with all of it. If the post was a little slower I would of engaged even more but the fast pace heightened my senses. You are blessed to of found yourself so young in life, many people never get there. Well done you and thank you 🙏🌏🌱

I will agree with this 100%

Absolutely excellent video!! It is worth attaining the ability to look at others, whether we know them or not, see their successes and be happy for them. It has nothing to do with us. When we see others as our brothers and sisters in creation, we can see that our happiness for them is happiness for ourselves. We let go of the tendency to want to beat others in status, money, cars, homes, etc. When we can truly not care what others do or attain as it relates to us, then we are free. It becomes of absolutely no consequence to your own life path. You can then turn your attention to what brings you pleasure, and you can self-actualize for yourself, forgetting collecting worldly values.

Wow thanks this video made me to self reflect 🌀