The Disappearance of Jack Ma
The founder of Alibaba and one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, Jack Ma, has been absent from public view for over a year, leading to speculation that he may have been placed under house arrest or exiled by the Chinese government. This came after he criticized the government’s regulatory policies in a speech in October 2020. Jack’s last appearance was at a charity event in Shanghai in November 2020, after which he disappeared from the media and the internet, leading to various rumors and theories about his whereabouts. However, the reality of his situation is far more surprising and unexpected than anyone could have predicted.
The Discovery of Minimalist Living Blog
Ma has been living a minimalist lifestyle in Japan, where he teaches at a research institute at the University of Tokyo. He has given up his luxurious mansions, private jets, and billions of dollars to pursue a simpler and more meaningful life. He has also donated most of his wealth to charity and environmental causes, such as fighting climate change and poverty. He says he wants to use his money and influence for good, rather than for greed.
How did this radical transformation happen? According to Ma himself, it all started when he stumbled upon a blog called Minimalist Living on January 1st, 2023. The blog, written by three expert minimalists, advocates for reducing one’s possessions, consumption, and distractions to focus on what truly matters. The blog also offers tips and advice on how to declutter, organize, and simplify one’s life. Ma was intrigued by the blog’s philosophy and decided to give it a try. He says he was curious to see if minimalism could make him happier and more satisfied.
The Decluttering of Jack Ma
He started by decluttering his home and office, getting rid of everything that he didn’t need or love. He sold or donated his expensive clothes, gadgets, cars, and art collections. He kept only the essentials, such as his laptop, phone, books, and clothes. He then canceled all his business meetings and appointments, and delegated his responsibilities to his trusted colleagues. He told them that he needed some time off to reflect on his life and goals. He also stopped using social media, email, and phone, and instead spent his time reading books, meditating, and learning new skills. He says he wanted to disconnect from the noise and distractions of the world, and reconnect with himself.
He soon realized that he felt much happier and freer than ever before. He felt a sense of peace and clarity that he had never experienced in his hectic and stressful life. He also discovered a new passion for teaching and sharing his knowledge with others. He says he realized that he had learned a lot from his entrepreneurial journey, and that he wanted to help others achieve their dreams.
The Move to Japan
He decided to apply for a visiting professor position at Tokyo College, a research institute at the University of Tokyo, where he could work on sustainable agriculture and food production, and also lecture on entrepreneurship. He says he was interested in these topics because they were related to his vision of creating a better world for future generations. He also says he was attracted by the culture and history of Japan, which he admired for its simplicity and elegance.
He moved to Japan in March 2023, with only a backpack and a suitcase. He rented a small apartment near the campus, where he lives with minimal furniture and appliances. He walks or bikes to work every day, and eats mostly plant-based food. He spends his free time exploring the city, visiting museums and temples, and meeting new people. He says he has never felt more alive and fulfilled in his life.
The Future of Jack Ma
Ma says he has no plans to return to China or resume his business activities anytime soon. He says he is happy with his new minimalist lifestyle and wants to continue learning and teaching as long as he can. He hopes that his story will inspire others to rethink their priorities and find their true purpose in life.
He also invites everyone to check out the blog that changed his life: Minimalist Living. He says it is the best thing that ever happened to him.