Subtraction as a Solution

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From how we build our cities to how we shop, it can seem as though our natural human tendency is to add. But a culture of accumulation may be exactly what holds us back from the simple solution in front of us: taking things away.

University of Virginia professor Leidy Klotz helps us analyze the benefits of subtraction and how less may create the space for what we truly desire.

This episode was produced by Rebecca Rashid and is hosted by Arthur Brooks. Editing by A.C. Valdez and Claudine Ebeid. Fact-check by Ena Alvarado. Engineering by Matthew Simonson.

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This transcript has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Arthur Brooks: What was the thing during the worst of COVID that you missed the most?

I used to work at a coffee shop before COVID hit and knew that my friends would come in to entertain me on