>While I appreciate the Stoic-style appraisal of what really brings happiness, economically, this analysis seems precisely backward
Well, economic theory is not exactly what makes for a meaningful life.
>It amounts to saying that in an age of industrialization and globalism, when material goods are cheaper than ever, we should avoid partaking of this abundance.
Yes, we better. For our own mental health, for the sake of our relationships with people, for the environment, and even out of spite to the billions of dollars spend to infuence us to buy BS.
>But what this rationalization ignores is the extent to which tools and possessions enable new experiences. A well-appointed kitchen allows you to cook healthy meals for yourself rather than ordering delivery night after night.
You'd be surprised about how little of an "well appointed" kitchen you need to cook healthy meals.
>A toolbox lets you fix things around the house and in the process learn to appreciate how our modern world was made. A spacious living room makes it easy for your friends to come over and catch up on one another’s lives.
Not if you work all day to be able to afford that "spacious living room" and its furnishings, and has no live as a result.
Real friends can come over and catch up on one another's lives without "spacious living rooms" involved...
The example of a big room to allow for friends to sleep over is rather bad. Just keep few thick mattress toppers that one can put to the floor in case of overnight visit. If someone needs more comfort, just stack 2 of them.
Compared with normal mattresses they can be rolled and do not take much space. Plus it is faster to prepare a bed on the floor with them than even with guest sleeping sofa.
Well, economic theory is not exactly what makes for a meaningful life.
>It amounts to saying that in an age of industrialization and globalism, when material goods are cheaper than ever, we should avoid partaking of this abundance.
Yes, we better. For our own mental health, for the sake of our relationships with people, for the environment, and even out of spite to the billions of dollars spend to infuence us to buy BS.
>But what this rationalization ignores is the extent to which tools and possessions enable new experiences. A well-appointed kitchen allows you to cook healthy meals for yourself rather than ordering delivery night after night.
You'd be surprised about how little of an "well appointed" kitchen you need to cook healthy meals.
>A toolbox lets you fix things around the house and in the process learn to appreciate how our modern world was made. A spacious living room makes it easy for your friends to come over and catch up on one another’s lives.
Not if you work all day to be able to afford that "spacious living room" and its furnishings, and has no live as a result.
Real friends can come over and catch up on one another's lives without "spacious living rooms" involved...