Definition
If minimalism is, “less is more,” then essentialism is “less but better.” Anything less than the disciplined pursuit of the essential will lead to the undisciplined pursuit of the non-essential.
Examples
[Sam] knew in the core of his heart that he was not large enough to bear such a burden, even if such visions were not a mere cheat to betray him. The one small garden of a free gardener was all his need and due, not a garden swollen to a realm; his own hands to use, not the hands of others to command.
- J. R. R. Tolkein - The Return of the King
Sam knows his essential nature which is why he’s able to refuse the ring.