Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less

“In this example is the basic value proposition of Essentialism: only once you give yourself permission to stop trying to do it all, to stop saying yes to everyone, can you make your highest contribution towards the things that really matter.”

This passage uses antithesis, a contrast or opposition between two things: The statements “stop saying yes to everyone” and “make your highest contribution toward the things that really matter” show the cause and effect between these two actions. This contrast highlights the transformative potential of essentialism, suggesting that by declining nonessential tasks, one can focus on and excel at the important ones. The repeated use of the word “stop” emphasizes the idea of active rejection or elimination, a key tenet of essentialism. A form of anaphora, it reinforces the importance of actively refusing to take on nonessential tasks to focus on those that truly align with one’s goals.

“The ability to choose cannot be taken away or even given away—it can only be forgotten.”

This use of paradox—a statement that appears self-contradictory yet holds a possible truth—underscores a poignant truth about human behavior and self-efficacy. Although most individuals inherently possess the power to choose, they can become so overwhelmed by external influences and pressures that they forget their ability to exercise this power. Furthermore, this quote illustrates the use of parallelism—the use of components in a sentence that are grammatically the same or similar in their construction. The repeated structure in “cannot be taken away or even given away” enhances the rhythm of the sentence and emphasizes the point that the ability to choose is inherent and unassailable.

“The overwhelming reality is: individuals live in a world where almost everything is worthless and a very few things are exceptionally valuable.”

This statement is an example of hyperbole, an exaggerated claim not meant to be taken literally. The device is not to communicate that most things in the world are truly without value, but rather to drive home the essentialist perspective that many pursuits or tasks may not align with an individual’s core values or goals, and are hence “worthless” in the scope of their contribution to one’s personal fulfillment or productivity. The juxtaposition between the “worthless many” and the “valuable few” echoes the core philosophy of essentialism: the disciplined pursuit of less is better.

“Individuals can try to avoid the reality of trade-offs, but individuals can’t escape them.”

The device of antithesis, where contrasting ideas are expressed in a grammatically balanced way, is used to create a stark contrast between “avoiding” and “escaping” trade-offs. Despite these actions being similar in meaning, their juxtaposition underlines the core message that although one might strive to deny or ignore the existence of trade-offs, they remain an inescapable part of decision-making. Structuring the sentence in this manner points out the illusion and futility of trying to do everything at once without making any sacrifices. Moreover, the entire statement acts as a metaphor, whereby the “reality of trade-offs” represents the essentialist concept of prioritizing and focusing on what truly matters.

“To discern what is truly essential individuals need space to think, time to look and listen, permission to play, wisdom to sleep, and the discipline to apply highly selective criteria to the choices individuals make.”

Parallelism, the use of similar grammatical structures to convey related ideas, is present in this list of necessary conditions. Each suggestion starts with a noun (“space,” “time,” “permission,” “wisdom,” “discipline”), followed by an infinitive verb (“to think,” “to look and listen,” “to play,” “to sleep,” “to apply”). This pattern not only enhances the readability and flow of the sentence but also highlights the various aspects of life one needs to pay attention to in order to live more “essentialistically.” Alliteration, the repetition of the same initial consonant sound in a series, can be seen in “time to look and listen” and “permission to play.” This creates a rhythmic cadence that makes the text more engaging and memorable.

“In order to have focus individuals need to escape to focus.”

The statement is inherently paradoxical, a literary device that unites two contrasting ideas to reveal a deeper truth. On the surface, the idea of needing to escape to achieve focus seems contradictory. However, this paradox unfolds the underlying message of the quote: To gain genuine focus, one must disengage or “escape” from immediate distractions or nonessential tasks. Repetition, a device typically used for emphasis, is central to this quote. McKeown repeats the word “focus,” underscoring its significance to the essentialist philosophy. The recurrence of this word enhances its impact, and by placing it at both the beginning and end of the sentence, McKeown creates a cyclical effect that echoes the ongoing process of continually seeking focus in one’s life.

“Play doesn’t just help us to explore what is essential. It is essential in and of itself.”

The first sentence uses antithesis to contrast the commonly held view of play with the alternative concept McKeown is about to introduce. This sets up an expectation in the reader’s mind that is then subverted in the second sentence. Play isn’t merely a means to an end; it has its own inherent value. Repetition of the word “essential” underlines the core idea of the book. By repeating this term, McKeown emphasizes the word’s significance in the context of his philosophy of essentialism.

“Their highest priority is to protect their ability to prioritize.”

The repetition of the term “priority” serves to enhance its significance, echoing the book’s overall emphasis on the importance of focusing on the vital few rather than the trivial many. This deliberate repetition also adds rhythm and balance to the sentence, making it more memorable and impactful. Meanwhile, the use of paradox––prioritizing the ability to prioritize––creates a contradiction that invites further contemplation. It might initially appear redundant, but upon closer reflection, it conveys a truth about essentialism. This seemingly circular logic emphasizes that the very act of prioritizing is itself an important task that should be guarded vigilantly.

“If it isn’t a clear yes, then it’s a clear no.”

This statement exemplifies binary opposition, a structuralist theory in which human thought is classified into two opposing categories. In this case, McKeown applies it to the process of making decisions, which strengthens his argument for the necessity of making deliberate choices in accordance with one’s priorities.

“Tom Friel, the former CEO of Heidrick & Struggles, once said to me, ‘Individuals need to learn the slow ‘yes’ and the quick ‘no.’”

Indirect discourse introduces Tom Friel’s advice, lending credibility and authority to the statement due to Friel’s status as a successful CEO. This device helps McKeown deliver his point by showing that essentialism is not just his perspective but also embraced by high achievers in the professional world. Furthermore, the sentence uses juxtaposition in the phrases “slow ‘yes’” and “quick ‘no.’” This contrast portrays the importance of taking the time to consider if a commitment aligns with one’s essential goals before agreeing (slow yes) while being swift in declining nonessential activities (quick no).

“The Latin root of the word decision—cis or cid—literally means ‘to cut’ or ‘to kill.’”

Highlighting the etymology of the word “decision” enhances an understanding of the term beyond its usual connotations. It emphasizes that the process of decision-making involves a strong, definite action—similar to the violent finality of “cutting” or “killing.” This isn’t merely a casual or light-hearted choice but a firm commitment that actively eliminates other potential paths. The “cutting” or “killing” symbolism also illustrates the concept of essentialism. Decisions, in this light, require individuals to “cut off” or “kill” non-essential options to pursue what’s truly vital. In essence, this quote reframes the act of decision-making from being an act of selection to an act of elimination—a key principle in McKeown’s philosophy of essentialism.

“In other words, once you’ve figured out which activities and efforts to keep in your life, you have to have a system for executing them. You can’t wait until that closet is bursting at the seams and then take superhuman efforts to purge it. You have to have a system in place so that keeping it neat becomes routine and effortless.”

The analogy of the closet conveys the idea of clutter accumulating in one’s life due to a lack of systematic management, which can be readily relatable to many readers who have experienced overflowing wardrobes or storage spaces. This analogy mirrors the concept of life becoming cluttered with non-essential tasks and responsibilities, which can only be effectively managed by preemptive and systematic action rather than sporadic, reactive efforts. The image of the closet “bursting at the seams” underscores the idea of overwhelm, a common occurrence in modern life. Here, hyperbole emphasizes the point that waiting for a situation to become untenable before acting is both stressful and unnecessary. Instead, having a system in place can transform the potentially overwhelming task of prioritization into something “routine and effortless.”

“The only thing individuals can expect (with any great certainty) is the unexpected. Therefore, individuals can either wait for the moment and react to it or individuals can prepare. Individuals can create a buffer.”

The paradox presented in the opening sentence: “The only thing individuals can expect (with any great certainty) is the unexpected,” turns the concept of expectation on its head. This play on words illustrates the inherent uncertainty of life, underlining the necessity for flexibility and preparedness in their planning and prioritizing. The latter part of the quote juxtaposes two contrasting options: “wait for the moment and react to it or individuals can prepare.” By presenting these two alternative responses side by side, McKeown not only emphasizes the inherent choice in how one approaches the unexpected but also favors the latter option, reinforcing the philosophy of essentialism.

“An Essentialist produces more—brings forth more—by removing more instead of doing more.”

By setting the phrase “removing more instead of doing more” against the premise that an essentialist produces more, McKeown creates a contrast using parallel structures, challenging the conventional wisdom that productivity and output are directly tied to the quantity of actions performed. This antithesis reassesses ingrained beliefs about productivity, driving the message of essentialism home in an impactful way. The use of repetition, with the phrase “brings forth more” adding emphasis to the term “produces more,” further highlights this counterintuitive concept.

“Instead of their consciously pursuing the essential, it will happen without their having to think about it. Individuals won’t have to expend precious energy every day prioritizing everything. Individuals must simply expend a small amount of initial energy to create the routine, and then all that is left to do is follow it.”

The cause-and-effect structure of the passage suggests that the conscious act of creating a routine (cause) will result in the automatic prioritization of the essential (effect), reducing the necessity for daily decision-making and thus conserving energy. The comparison of mental energy to a finite resource underscores the need for efficiency and judicious use, underscoring the principle of focusing on what is truly important and eliminating the nonessential. Moreover, the passage employs a progression of thought, moving from the initial hard work of establishing a routine to the ease of simply following it, embodying a sense of movement and growth. This progression mirrors the ideal trajectory of essentialism itself, starting with the difficult task of discernment and moving toward a more effortless execution of priorities.

“To some, routine can sound like where creativity and innovation go to die—the ultimate exercise in boredom. Individuals even use the word as a synonym for pallid and bland, as in “It has just become routine for me.” And routines can indeed become this—the wrong routines. But the right routines can actually enhance innovation and creativity by giving us the equivalent of an energy rebate.”

McKeown starts with a counterintuitive assertion, juxtaposing the commonly negative connotation of “routine” with its potential for fostering creativity and innovation. He does this through metonymy, using “routine” as a stand-in for a systematic, disciplined lifestyle, while “creativity and innovation” represent spontaneity and freedom. This initial positioning sets up the tension that gradually resolves throughout the passage. McKeown uses irony to highlight the misconceptions surrounding routines. By calling attention to the tendency to view routines as “pallid and bland,” he leverages the unexpected nature of irony to challenge this perception. He then introduces the concept of “wrong routines” versus “right routines,” employing antithesis to further emphasize the contrast and highlight the potential value inherent in well-designed routines.

“The way of the Essentialist is to tune into the present. To experience life in kairos, not just chronos. To focus on the things that are truly important—not yesterday or tomorrow, but right now.”

Here, metaphors help clarify abstract concepts. “Tune into the present” is like tuning a radio or musical instrument to invoke the idea of adjusting one’s focus to become more attuned to the present moment. The concept of “tuning” suggests an active, intentional process, much like how an essentialist consciously determines where to invest their time and energy. The progression from “yesterday” to “tomorrow” to “right now” reflects the journey from being mired in the past or future to becoming fully present. This, along with the emphatic repetition of “not,” stresses the importance of focusing on the present moment, which lies at the heart of the essentialist philosophy.

“[Thich Nhat Hanh] has written: ‘Mindfulness helps you go home to the present. And every time you go there and recognize a condition of happiness that you have, happiness comes.’”

This passage uses the metaphor of “home” to represent the present moment. This comparison positions the present as a familiar, comforting, and grounding space—a place where one truly belongs. It reinforces the idea that being mindful is a return to one’s most authentic self, much like coming home after a long journey.

“As these ideas become emotionally true, they take on the power to change you.”

The phrase “emotionally true” is figurative language, as truth is typically associated with facts or logic rather than emotions. Stating that ideas can be emotionally true implies that when ideas resonate deeply on an emotional level, they are internalized in a meaningful way. This concept is an example of metonymy, where “emotionally true” is used to represent the broader idea of internalizing or accepting ideas on a profound, personal level. The second half of the sentence, “they take on the power to change you,” employs personification by attributing human-like ability to ideas. The use of “power” in relation to ideas personifies them as active agents capable of initiating change, rather than passive pieces of information.

“Beware the barrenness of a busy life. —Socrates”

The alliteration of the repeated “b” sound in “Beware the barrenness of a busy life” gives the phrase a rhythmic quality that makes it both memorable and impactful. Alliteration, a device often used in poetry, can make language more engaging and emotive, and it certainly serves that purpose here. Secondly, the quote utilizes paradox. The concept of a “busy life” is conventionally associated with productivity and fruitfulness, while “barrenness” implies the lack of results or achievements. By describing a busy life as “barren,” Socrates is saying that a life filled with indiscriminate activity can be devoid of true value or purpose.

“The Greeks had a word, metanoia, that refers to a transformation of the heart. Individuals tend to think of transformations as happening only in the mind. But as the proverb goes, ‘As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he’ (italics added). Once the essence of Essentialism enters their hearts, the way of the Essentialist becomes who individuals are. Individuals become a different, better version of ourselves.”

This allusion to metanoia is a hook, grounding the argument in ancient wisdom and suggesting a depth of contemplation that transcends mere fads or trends. This reference to the Greek language is not just a linguistic point, but a cultural one, aligning the concept of essentialism with the philosophical depth and introspection for which ancient Greek culture is known. The passage moves to an analogy, referencing a proverb that affirms the importance of the heart in determining identity. Drawing on this proverb connects the concept of essentialism to a broader philosophical and cultural framework.

“The life of an Essentialist is a life of meaning. It is a life that really matters.”

McKeown utilizes a form of repetition and parallelism in this quote to emphasize the significance and impact of an essentialist lifestyle. By repeating the phrase “a life of,” McKeown creates a rhythm in the sentence that underscores his point and provides a clear image of the potential rewards of essentialism.

“As the Dalai Lama, another true Essentialist, has said: “If one’s life is simple, contentment has to come. Simplicity is extremely important for happiness.”

McKeown uses an appeal to authority, a common rhetorical device, by quoting the Dalai Lama, a widely respected spiritual figure. McKeown also employs antithesis—the contrast or opposition between two things—in the Dalai Lama’s quote. The juxtaposition of “simplicity” and “happiness,” two concepts often seen as unrelated or even contradictory, challenges conventional thinking. Additionally, the use of the word “true” before “Essentialist” is a subtly persuasive technique. By attributing the label of a “true Essentialist” to the Dalai Lama, McKeown implies that the principles of essentialism are universally applicable and valued, even by those as esteemed as the Dalai Lama.