Or, we are because we possess.
There certainly is an element in our American society that our worth -- our self-worth as much if not more than out social worth-- derives from our ability to buy something, to possess something, to have. In lists of essential social goods from philosophers like John Rawls or Martha Nussbaum, we find included the need for wealth or money. Why?
Becuase we need money to buy things.
Again, that we must buy stuff -- food and clothing, health insurance, etc -- is a truth. But what is it that we really spend our money on? And how often do we go to the mall and buy a new shirt or skirt because we're depressed?
The human being of the 21st century is the consumer. We are looking for things to fulfill us, which means that we must be things too.
Of course, everything I just wrote is hogwash. It's just propaganda that doesn't really mean anything. We talk about religion or ethics or the value of human beings, but what really matters is that I can head down to Starbucks and get my double latte. I know that, you know that. Nothing else matters. I'm just wasting time.
Drink one for me.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
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6 comments:
People matter. Conversation matters. Relationships matter. Sharing, caring, laughing, crying, etc...all matter.
Some may feel that material goods are substitutes for human interaction. When we own lots of things, the impression is given that we have a "good" life. We worry about outward appearances and how others will view us. When we possess lots of "stuff", we exhibit outwardly the clutter we allow into our mind.
That's the critical value of religion, philosophy and ethics. To value human life and individual dignity is important. We need to take the time to reflect, think and talk to others, and not be so "self-focused". A time to "clean-up" our thought process.
The great thing about enjoying a nice cup of coffee, cookie, or any item that gives a human time for a pause in our life is the chance to stop and think.
What matters most is what we think about during those moments.
I agree that the conversations and other interactions we have with other people are very important. If we do not have them, being the healthy leisure that they are, then we consumed into thinking about material goods and the comfort we find in them.
One interesting aspect of our purchasing habits is that they often provide a clear view into one's soul. What we buy or choose to use our money for, is often a clear indication of the things we care most about in life. So by "buying" you are using your free will to express your preferences in life. So perhaps our ability to make decisions about our purchases is something that we can use to separate ourselves from the rest of the animal kingdom. With all the examples that Midgley gives to show how humans are similar to animals in our development, I have yet to see her mention an animal that developed the concepts of money and that highest example of pure rationality, CREDIT.
"The human being of the 21st century is the consumer. We are looking for things to fulfill us, which means that we must be things too."--- I don't think the human being of the 21st century is any different the human being of the 1st century.
As creatures of our senses, made up of BODY and soul, we will battle the desire for "things" until the end of time. I think the question is what are these "things" fulfilling?
What did the fruit represent to Eve? Ultimately it's a spiritual desire that is being fulfilled, after all the angels fell and they didn't have bodies? What is this desire? What is is about freewill, the choice between God and ourselves, that led to even the angels choosing themselves over God?
It is true that in our american society that our self worth "derives from our ability to buy something. When a person wants something it strives to obtain. TO possess gives a feeling of power because we have ability to own something. Money Is power, money talks. Sadly most of society really sale themselves to money. A green piece of paper changes lives sometimes in positive way and when not used correctly it causes self destruction. To know you own something for many people makes them feelthey are someone. Someone who has athority over what they possess. IT is true "The human being is the consumer." People want to fulfill themselves with as many things as possible to not feel the pain and suffering like people in the past centuries. The double latte tastes good.
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