We may never become true minimalists, and we may continue to purchase items that we don't really need. And yet, there are lessons from minimalism that can benefit each and every one of us.

Here are two books and one TV drama and one documentary that might give people some inspiration about the new lifestyle: two books, a TV drama and a documentary.

Walden. [Photo/amazon.cn]

Books:

Walden (Life in the Woods), by Henry David Thoreau

People call the book the "Bible" of the minimalism. I finished the book in three months and was deeply moved by the simple life the author had in the woods. His thinking and contemplation on people's pursuit of materials are very impressive. The book gives readers a glimpse of the essense of life and provides guidance to lead a simple life.