Living with less / garroting vapid consumerism

Exactly. Totally a comfort purchase. *sniff*

 

I have long since ceased trying to achieve happiness as a goal. I seek peace, as in mental calm, peace of mind, peace with my surroundings. Sometimes this can go too far, into active pain avoidance, but I know that I am at my best when I am unafraid to live and engage in the world, and at the same time do so without getting caught up in a need to control and maintain a status quo. Go with peace, go without fear, accept change.

 

There is some great philosophy of a real and practical nature in the last few posts from Im4der, Jeb, MoatsArt (apologies if I forgot anyone).

Somehow, of late, the audio-acquisitive thing seems to have left me. I don't know of I am only in remission here, or maybe you might even see me fading away from audio forums at some time. It does not mean I am less materialistic: I still love my clutter, and I still enjoy shopping.

I am in the process of buying a new car. Well, a new 2nd-hand car. I have had to settle with myself, my wife and my bank balance, as to what was realistic to buy: a two-year-old of the car I really wanted, which makes it just affordable, rather than frustratingly just out of reach. It comes with far fewer desirable bells and whistles than the current model, but, by doing without them I am able to drive a car that I am comfortable with and feel safe in.

I have made myself aware that I actually do not need a car at all: it is pure luxury. So, for all my justification, and talk of being sensible on this purchase, I guess it is still vapid consumerism.

 

I've been going through a whittling down process in audio, books, and clothes lately, and it feels good to get down to essentials. It's also a necessity in a NYC apartment.

On a related note: the focus here on value-for-money gear is a very refreshing balance to the race-to-the-top that seems to be the norm elsewhere.

 

I have been having a harder and harder time justifying my consumer behavior to myself. I like to buy nice things, but I try to ensure they serve a purpose. I want my enjoyment of my stuff to go beyond the excitement of buying them. It is easy to search for happiness through consumerism, but I find greater happiness from learning.

For example, the happiness I get from buying a new guitar is fleeting compared to the satisfaction I get from learning how to play it. I would choose to buy a guitar that offer's high quality, yet good value to facilitate my ability to learn. I will spend a little extra money to ensure that the guitar is made well to avoid the frustration of a lower quality good. I have found a well designed item will tend to reduce the frustrations of learning and provide better value for money in the long run. Sometimes I will buy things that are cool just because they are cool, but I still try to have them serve a purpose.

This strategy doesn't completely alleviate the stress that consumerism can cause, but I find it allows me to concentrate on the moment, enjoy/appreciate the things I have, and not get so caught up in the search for the next best thing.

 

Regarding this topic and the capitalist society most of us live in there is one thing that often comes back.

The "best things" on the market come at a price. "Best" meaning most meeting "current" demand. In niche markets for very specific gear this means that for that one good thing you save up to buy it the moment you can. Recently I bought the Olympus EM5 and I am already making lists for lenses to scoop up when the cash is available. M43 and pancakes, glorious.

In the Netherlands there is a saying: "voor een dubbeltje eerste rang zitten." In English "to sit first class for a dime" and it simply means that you cannot expect much if you are paying too little. For some things you simply must pay or get lucky.

@Im4der, agreed. Happiness is the ultimate sensation that lingers in my memories. A peace of mind is an acceptable compromise for me.