Monday, December 24, 2012

Something I Don't Think I Want to Understand.

Something that I don't understand, and yet I'm frequently exposed to; a particular view or approach people take to material possessions. They set out to buy a new item. The item is usually some sort of electronics. They buy it and they seem quite satisfied. They may even show it off because they think it's awesome and or they are so proud to have it. (Maybe they are fulfilling some deeper psychological need in doing this. Perhaps getting a sense of importance and self-worth by having and showing off this item. I'm not sure.) A newer model comes out a few months or maybe a year or so later. The new model may have a new feature. And suddenly the item they have is undesirable and unappreciated. The new model is everything because...well, it's new and it has that one or two new features! 

I don't understand deriving satisfaction from having the latest or greatest when it comes to gadgets. My approach is: I'm not rich. I don't have a lot of money that I don't know what  to do with. Anything that costs over $50 gets analyzed to its usefulness and how much I need or want said item. When considering buying electronics, I do a good deal of research so I know what it is I would like to get. Know what features are important to me and which are not. If there is a particular model  of an item that I want, I save for that model. I'd rather wait and save for the item that I really want then get something that isn't really what I wanted. Because I have solid reasons for getting a particular item, have probably saved for a while to have it, I find I'm usually satisfied with it for a long, long time. A new model comes out and it doesn't diminish the value I put on the item I already own. If an item breaks or it no longer serves the purpose for which I got it, then I look into replacing it. I read to see what options are out there and what is important to me. 

In general, I try to avoid talking to people about material possessions. I especially avoid it with people who have the attitude that I mentioned at the start of this post. I try to remain satisfied and appreciative with what I have. I can't understand when people are always dissatisfied with what they have materially. Especially when if they really thought about it, there are people who can't afford the old model and would be grateful just to have that, let alone the latest. 

Anyway, so this has been on my mind off and on for a long time. Thank you to those who read through it and let me rant. 

2 comments:

  1. This is something I remember you discussing with me in that past. I'm glad you were able to get some of this off your chest. :)

    I actually worked for almost two hours typing a REALLY long response to this where I tried to explain at least some of the reasons why you see this type of thing and with one accidental hitting the wrong button it all got wiped out. >_< If you're seriously interested in what I have to say I'll be happy to email you. Otherwise I'm going to walk away from my laptop right now before I drop kick it and I'm going to go eat some chocolate.

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  2. I'm sorry you spent so long on it for it only to get deleted. :(

    The reason I don't think I want to understand the view/attitude I described is because whatever the reasons someone may have this view/attitude or may come across as having it, that doesn't change the fact that it's not a refreshing or encouraging attitude to be around.

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