Gertrude Stein: 'Oh, I wish I were a miser; being a miser must be so occupying.'

Oh, I wish I were a miser; being a miser must be so occupying.

The quote by Gertrude Stein, "Oh, I wish I were a miser; being a miser must be so occupying," explores the intriguing idea of the nature of occupation and its connection to the concept of being a miser. In a straightforward interpretation, Stein expresses the desire to engage in the occupation of being a miser due to the all-encompassing nature she perceives it to have. To delve deeper into the meaning behind this quote, let us introduce the philosophical concept of minimalism, which offers an interesting contrast to the idea of being a miser.At its core, Stein's quote suggests that being a miser is an all-consuming occupation, implying that the act of hoarding and preserving wealth occupies one's thoughts and actions entirely. This statement raises questions about the nature of occupation itself and what it means to be occupied. Are we truly occupied when our thoughts and actions are solely focused on a singular pursuit, even if it may seem monotonous or repetitive to others? Stein's wish to be a miser indicates a desire for immersion in a purpose, regardless of the perceived triviality or negative connotations attached to it.In contrast to the idea of being a miser, the concept of minimalism offers an unexpected philosophical viewpoint. Minimalism, as a lifestyle choice, advocates for reducing material possessions and emphasizing experiences and personal growth over material accumulation. It challenges the notion that occupation must be tied to the acquisition and preservation of wealth. Instead, minimalism suggests that occupying oneself with simplicity and mindfulness can lead to a more fulfilling and focused existence.While being a miser and practicing minimalism appear to be contradictory, they both explore the idea of occupation at a fundamental level. Being a miser occupies one's thoughts and actions through the lens of material wealth, while minimalism occupies one's mind with introspection, intention, and the pursuit of a clutter-free life. Though seemingly different, both concepts share a common thread of dedicating oneself fully to a chosen path or goal.Taking a step back, these ideas prompt us to consider our own occupation and the activities that occupy our lives. Do we find ourselves consumed by pursuits that may seem mundane or obsessive to others? Are we investing our time and energy into endeavors that align with our values and bring us purpose? Reflecting on these questions allows us to evaluate and realign our occupations with our personal philosophies and aspirations.In the end, Gertrude Stein's quote instigates a philosophical exploration of occupation and the nature of being occupied. It challenges us to contemplate the all-encompassing power of our pursuits, whether they align with societal norms or appear unconventional. By introducing the concept of minimalism, we have seen how contrasting perspectives can shed light on the diverse ways occupation can manifest in our lives. So, let us examine our own occupations and strive to find fulfillment, whether by immersing ourselves in the pursuit of wealth or embracing simplicity and mindfulness. Only then can we truly appreciate the occupying power of our chosen paths.