The quote “If you own more than seven things, your things own you” has fascinated me for a long time. When I recently sold my car, I realized just how relevant this quote was to my own life. The car, once a necessity, had become a burden rather than a resource as my needs changed. It made me reflect on how material possessions can end up controlling us instead of the other way around. The quote, often attributed to Lao Tzu, has shaped not only my personal philosophy but also my professional mindset—long before I even knew there was a quote that perfectly captured the feeling of being owned by your things.
In this article, I explore how the principles behind minimalism can be applied in various business contexts, and how they can lead to greater efficiency and better outcomes.
Background
The quote “If you own more than seven things, your things own you” is often associated with the Chinese philosopher and founder of Taoism, Lao Tzu. It reflects a profound understanding of how material possessions can come to control us rather than support us, and emphasizes how an excessive focus on things can lead to a loss of personal freedom and inner peace.
Although Lao Tzu lived around 600 BC—long before modern technology and an abundance of material goods—his reflections on simplicity and the spiritual over the material feel more relevant than ever in today’s hectic, consumer-driven world. In an age marked by climate change and resource scarcity, minimalism offers a path toward a more sustainable and meaningful existence. By reducing our consumption and focusing on what truly matters, we not only help protect the planet but also experience a greater sense of freedom and well-being.
Positive Effects
A minimalist lifestyle can improve quality of life by reducing stress and freeing up time for what truly matters. I could continue writing about going with or against the current in life, or how desire and impermanence relate to the quote, or how many others besides Lao Tzu share similar ideas—but I won’t dive into that here.
The point of this article is to show how I transfer knowledge from one area to another by highlighting how the benefits of a minimalist approach extend far beyond our personal lives.
Have You Considered How This Quote Applies to Business?
The quote “If you own more than seven things, your things own you” can also be applied to the disadvantages of carrying excessive inventory. Just as too many personal possessions can take over your life, too much stock can control and limit a retail business.
The quote can be a reminder for the marketing team to always strive to simplify the message—by removing all unnecessary text and sharpening the core communication.
For the development team, it serves as a prompt to reduce technical debt and improve user experience by automating or removing unnecessary features.
For salespeople, minimalism is a reminder that juggling too many prospects at once can backfire. By focusing on fewer prospects, they can give each customer more attention—and increase their chances of closing the deal.
As a Product Manager, I had a valuable experience that taught me how focusing on fewer but more important tasks accelerated progress. Employees reported feeling less stressed and more in control—yet they had never worked harder or delivered better results than during the year I introduced a roadmap focused on doing nothing new.
