I just returned from a teacher seminar at Mt. Vernon, where we lived on the estate for the weekend, learning about George Washington's amazing life. As we were touring around, I was on the lookout for any evidence of clutter in his life. (I mostly paid attention to the guides, but my mind wandered this direction just a tad.)
When he returned home to Mt. Vernon after his two term presidency, some of his home storage rooms contained many packed trunks full of congress papers. The guide rolled her eyes. Clutter!!! Of course, his clutter was very valuable. I commented to some of my colleagues that I'm afraid there will be little trace of me if I ever become famous because of my de-cluttering goals. Ah well.
Anyhow, clutter has been around for centuries, and historians are thankful to those who have held on to certain letters, diaries, etc. Obviously, we should keep some momentos, written and otherwise, of ourselves and others to pass along. However, much can be disposed of.
I found a French Horn music book in my collection of music. No one has played French Horn in my family for four years. It is going in the give-away bin.
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