Consumerism

#politics #culture

Note: I've put off writing this for long enough that I've decided to put down very very rough thoughts. I may return to this and flesh it out.

Consumerism is buying things just to own them, forgetting that when you die you can't take it with you.

It's better to spend your money on experiences than things. Especially since (see Hedonic Treadmill), we adjust to things and no longer take joy in them.

Don't tie your happiness and well-being to the purchase of goods, to having more stuff than the other guy.

It's hard, I get it. But material possessions and consumer goods quickly become clutter. It feels good to get rid of things, it feels good to have a space that is empty and easy to use.

Items stress me out.

George Carlin once said that your stuff is stuff, other people's stuff is things or shit. A house is just a place for your stuff.

I like to keep items that facilitate experiences. Board games, books, the like. Even then, I have more than I need.

Paring down. Borrow and lend. Not mine, ours.

Libraries are grand.

See Also