Simplifying and unsimplifying, is all part of the growth cycle for me. I'm a minimalist at heart, but am often in flux, accumulating when in an explorative/ experimental phase, later rationalising/ trimming back on those things that are no longer needed. Some things have a habit of building up, books are definitely one of those for me, and I need to be aware of my tendencies in that regard.
I've always liked smaller, intimate spaces, so rationalising and trimming belongings has always been an important aspect in the background for me. I think it pays to be aware of those things you need, and will need to re-acquire, when it comes to well intentioned minimalistic purges though. Right now, for example, I'm shooting mostly with an older dslr and a wide angle zoom lens, which feeds into the explorative explorer in me. Other times I will shoot only with a normal prime on a camera for long periods. At these times, I often need to be very wary of the minimalist dreamer within, that will tell me all I need is one camera and a simple normal prime lens. Such thoughts have prompted big camera purges before, with the end result I find myself re-acquiring cameras and lenses I should really not have sold.
Finding our own personal balance is important, I think.