"We’re moving from a conspicuous consumption — which is ‘buy without regard’ — to a calculated consumption"
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By now, you’ve probably all ready the NYTimes article about consumer spending, and how decreased consumption seems to correlate with increased happiness. I usually find the Times frustrating, short-sighted, and poorly thought out (which I’ve complained about here), but I’m commenting this time to say that I 100% agree.
It’s simple but it’s true, owning less makes me happy. I have 6 cups and that’s enough. I have just enough tupperware containers to get me through a week. I’ve stopped buying version after version of the same 5 favorite clothing pieces!
There’s a certain freedom that comes from bowing out of the acquisition rat race: the freedom to relax, the freedom to savor the experience of wanting, and the freedom to turn your attention elsewhere without fear of missing something important. I find that consuming with intent makes the experience of shopping (which I will always love) a pure joy instead of an urgent need.
Sure, our decreased spending may bring the United States economy screeching to a halt, but isn’t ”the pursuit of happiness” supposed to be our birthright?
