In a world that glorifies hustle, simplicity now feels like I am rebelling and trying to move in a different direction than the rest of the world. And even though I generally have a good amount of courage supporting me, sometimes I, too, need a dose of simple lifestyle quotes that keep me from getting lost in the black hole.
I have found inspiration in the simplest places, books and the amazing internet to be precise, and understood that, rebel or not, living a simple life doesn't require choosing what truly matters even amidst the chaos.
If you are craving a little less chaos and a bit more clarity, these 10 simple lifestyle quotes (that I have collected through the years) will speak to your soul.
Bookmark this blog, breathe deep, and let each line gently nudge you back to what feels true.
1. "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." - Leonardo da Vinci
Sometimes, the most elegant solution is the simplest one. Whether in design, routine, or relationships, less can truly be more, and when you choose to understand its meaning, you start living the most classic (but simple) version of yourself.
2. "The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak." - Hans Hofmann
Decluttering isn't just for your closet or that overflowing dining table where you no longer dine, but also for dumping your "stuff". Simplifying your life helps you to create space for your true priorities to shine.
3. "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful." - William Morris
Honestly, this is one of my favourite simple lifestyle quotes because it helps me remain rooted to the basics. It is a timeless reminder that our environment reflects our mindset, and the fewer meaningless things we surround ourselves with, the better our energy is invested in what matters. The trick is to curate with care and purpose.
Download our Little E-book on Physical Minimalism to learn about how to let go of the unnecessary and embrace clarity.
4. "Slow down and everything you are chasing will come around and catch you." - John De Paola
Yes, there is a little Bollywood touch to this quote, but can you really deny its truth? When we stop rushing, we create space for magic, connection, and peace to enter, and everything begins to fall into place automatically.
5. "A simple life is not seeing how little we can get by with - that's poverty - but how efficiently we can put first things first." - Victoria Moran
We often confuse simplicity with sacrifice, but true simplicity is a quiet kind of wisdom. And to do that, you do not need to cut corners or live with less just for the sake of it, but rather honour what matters most and let go of the rest with grace.
6. "The more you have, the more you are occupied. The less you have, the more free you are." - Mother Teresa
This simple lifestyle quote is like a gentle reminder that with every possession, whether it's physical things, mental clutter, or social obligations, comes responsibility, distraction, and noise. So, sometimes ask yourself: What can I release today to feel a little more free?
Read me: 10 Things to Say 'No' to For a Simpler, Calmer Life
Sometimes, the simplest things lie in embracing the 'less is more' concept.
7. "Live simply so that others may simply live." - Mahatma Gandhi
Your simple choices are not just for you but for everyone else because they have the ability to impact the world and create a better place for not just yourself, but for everyone around you. And compassion often begins with conscious living and practicing mindfulness.
8. "Simplicity boils down to two steps: Identify the essential. Eliminate the rest." - Leo Babauta
Yes, simple living is simple, and a minimalist mantra to keep your mind, calendar, and space in check is to minimise everything non-essential from your life.
9. "Joy is not in things; it is in us." - Richard Wagner
We often look for joy in new purchases, perfect homes, or ticking off the next milestone. But real, lasting joy quietly lives within us - in how we show up, connect, and care for others. There is joy in the present moment, and even though "things" enhance our lives, they are not the source of joy.
Download our Little E-book on Emotional Minimalism to declutter all the emotional baggage weighing you down.
10. "Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated." - Confucius
We layer our lives with expectations, deadlines, comparisons, and 'shoulds.' But underneath all the noise, life quietly asks for very little. The truth is that life is really simple, and once we pause and try to understand this, every obligation and the rush to do more will slowly start to fade away.
Read me: Is Your Clutter Holding You Back? Here's What It Means
A gentle nudge for you
You don't have to change your whole life overnight. Maybe today, you light a candle and sip your tea slowly. Or say no to one more thing on your to-do list. Or sit in silence for 5 minutes. That's where simplicity begins - in the small, conscious choices.
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Let's keep it simple and soulful.
This blog is written by Ayesha Mollah, a professional blogger who has embraced minimalism since 2023. Being on the minimalist journey is helping her find her "focus" amidst the chaos.