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January 28, 2008
Own Stuff, But Don't Let it Own You
I'll be honest. I like stuff. I like material goods that are completely unnecessary in my life. A new obscenely large TV. Pairs of shoes I have worn only once (or in some cases not at all). A car I am contemplating spending $5K more on for the sport version. All completely unnecessary, and it's debatable whether or not they will truly impact my standard of living and my ability to be happy. Sometimes I feel guilty about it. I think, but there are so many more worthy things to spend money on. For the price of that pair of shoes I have never worn, I could buy someone ten sandwiches. Ten nice sandwiches with pickles. I'm hoarding ten sandwiches in a box in my closet. And then I wonder, what are my values? As in, what do I *value*? I say that I value humanity's progress in the world, peace and justice, food and an opportunity for everyone. But I don't spend my money on those things. If you look at where I spend my money, you would say that I value looking good, eating rich foods and drinking fine alcohols, diverting myself with electronic entertainment, and decorating my house. Are these things I want to value? I am not normally one to feel bad or guilty about things that I want; if I really think it's wrong to want something, then I will stop wanting it. So I don't think it is *wrong* to want a gorgeous new TV. But I wonder what it says about my values. Posted by jane at January 28, 2008 09:53 AMComments
As my wife and I have been house-shopping for our move down to Portland, we've been having the same discussions. We're looking at buying in the city (better culture, better for environment, better 'walkscore', etc) but it means downsizing and curbing our material consumption. At the same time, the big house in the burbs with the 3 car garage and room for the giant tv looks pretty tempting... I think its important not to strive for unrealisic goals. Be aware of these things, aim to do better, but make some allowances. e.g. "I've used public transport all year, I shouldn't feel bad about the $300 shoes", etc. been thinking about this a ton too, but more in using time, attention, and output as the gauges for value. the last year has been super introspective at work and at home, and this year i'm working on actually making more stuff. also been thinking about danah's rule on donating 10% of her salary to charity - i'm up to 1% so far ;) Posted by: crankyuser on January 31, 2008 10:04 AMJane, I recently spent a lot of time around a person who lives off a trust fund. This person spent hundreds and hundreds of dollars shopping for shoes, handbags, watches, meals and sunglasses. I could go on and on regarding the stuff she bought with me in tow. I was really surprised at my level of disgust for her spending. She never once thought of sharing with me and that's fine but she never thought to share with anyone. I think it's fine to have stuff but I pay attention to my giving as well. You seem like a giving person so I wouldn't worry too much. Posted by: Liz on February 1, 2008 01:19 PMI don't believe that one is the opposite of the other. The purchase of goods gives us an immediate positive feel while helping the world seems like a daunting task that we often view as never "paying" out. I think if it was made easier to help people, everyone would want in on some of that action. Imagine every time you buy a video game 2% goes towards a fund that helps kids get into schools that design games or when you buy a TV, the company plants a tree. You'd probably spend a little more supporting that company than the one that doesn't. Posted by: phamtq on February 2, 2008 02:03 PMThe good life ... I am all for rich foods and fine alcohols. We also live in a cornucopia of charitable giving opportunities, no? I'm sure that everyone has a unique giving profile, not unlike a fingerprint, because there are so many options. Mine, for example, includes The SETI Institute, the SF Homeless Coalition, World Vision (even though I'm an atheist), and once in awhile NPR when they make me feel guilty enough with their frakking pledge drives. Posted by: JD Moyer on February 5, 2008 09:17 AM
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