It’s not the daily increase but daily decrease. Hack away at the unessential.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: The quote conveys the importance of simplicity and focus in our lives. It suggests that instead of constantly adding more to our lives, we should strive to eliminate the unnecessary and focus on what truly matters. This quote advocates for decluttering our lives, letting go of distractions, and honing in on what is essential to achieve clarity and purpose. It encourages individuals to prioritize and streamline their efforts, recognizing that less can often be more in terms of achieving meaningful progress and fulfillment.
Who said the quote?
The quote "It's not the daily increase but daily decrease. Hack away at the unessential." was said by Bruce Lee (Bio / Quotes). Bruce Lee was a Hong Kong-American martial artist, actor, and philosopher who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of martial arts.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
One historical example that perfectly illustrates the quote, "It's not the daily increase but daily decrease. Hack away at the unessential," is the life and work of the renowned architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Mies van der Rohe was a pioneer of modern architecture and is best known for his minimalist approach to design. His philosophy was centered around the idea of "less is more," which aligns closely with the concept of focusing on reducing complexity to achieve clarity and purity in design.
In the early 20th century, as Mies van der Rohe was developing his architectural style, he sought to strip away unnecessary ornamentation and complexity. This was in stark contrast to the prevailing architectural trends of the time, which often embraced elaborate and intricate designs. Mies van der Rohe's approach was to reduce a building's form to its essential elements, emphasizing simplicity and functionality.
One of the most striking examples of this approach is the Seagram Building in New York City, designed by Mies van der Rohe and completed in 1958. The building is a prime example of his minimalist philosophy, featuring a sleek, glass facade and a rigidly geometric structure. By removing unnecessary elements and focusing solely on the essential aspects of the building’s design, Mies van der Rohe created a timeless and elegant skyscraper that has influenced countless architects and continues to be celebrated for its clarity and simplicity.
This example illustrates the message of the quote by demonstrating how Mies van der Rohe’s daily effort was not in adding more to his designs but in removing the non-essential elements. His dedication to reduction and refinement enabled him to create groundbreaking architectural works that stand as a testament to the power of focusing on what truly matters.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
Applying the quote, "It's not the daily increase but daily decrease. Hack away at the unessential," in a real-life scenario can be transformative, particularly in personal productivity and project management. The essence of the quote is about prioritizing simplicity and eliminating what is unnecessary to achieve greater focus and effectiveness.
Consider the example of a professional trying to manage their daily workload. Instead of continually adding more tasks and responsibilities in an attempt to be productive, the individual might benefit more from evaluating their current activities and removing tasks that do not contribute significantly to their goals. This could mean delegating or discarding tasks that are redundant or low-priority. By doing so, they can concentrate on the most critical aspects of their work, leading to improved efficiency and results.
Similarly, in the context of a creative project, such as writing a novel or designing a product, applying this quote involves stripping away superfluous elements and honing in on the core message or functionality. For instance, an author might revise their manuscript by removing unnecessary subplots or characters that do not advance the story. This reduction process helps in delivering a clearer, more impactful narrative.
In personal development, this approach can be seen in the pursuit of a minimalist lifestyle. By consciously reducing material possessions and simplifying one’s living environment, individuals often find greater satisfaction and less stress. This reduction helps them focus on what truly brings them joy and fulfillment.
Overall, the quote encourages a shift from an additive mindset to a subtractive one. It’s not about doing more, but about doing less—specifically, removing the non-essential—to make room for what truly matters. This principle can be applied in various areas of life to enhance clarity, efficiency, and overall satisfaction.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
