As consumers, or perhaps even humans, are we ever completely happy with what we have? Are we ever content with our current situation, abilities, or material possessions? Whenever something exists that is considered top of the line, such as computers, cars, and even clothing, there are always a handful of people that immediately purchase these items and even a greater number who long for it. There are always people who want the best of something, who are never satisfied. It is perhaps human nature to be discontent. This type of dissatisfaction or ‘wanting more’ or trying to ‘improve’ or find ‘something better’ is not uncommon as it is been shared between people of greatness. Thomas Edison once said “show me a thoroughly satisfied man — and I will show you a failure”. Einstein was never satisfied by what he perceived to be quantum theory's intrinsically incomplete description of nature. In an example used from a previous post, Michelangelo refused to show his work to anyone until he was satisfied with it. In a modern day example, Chef Gordan Ramsay from FOX’s Hell’s Kitchen once said in the show that it is important as a chef to never be satisfied. Being discontent and unsatisfied appear to resonate with success and greatness. This mindset of wanting to be the best, or have the best has influenced consumers and producers as well. Inventors and producers/manufacturers continuously create newer, bigger, faster, and better things in order to earn a greater profit. In order to do so, companies try to cut costs, and sometimes even use ‘unethical’ methods such as sweatshop labor. Consumers purchase these things because they wish to have the best and latest in technology. By having a nice car, consumers feel dignified and esteemed. By following the latest fashioned trends, some feel informed, stylish, and hip. As this cycle continues, consumers will continue wanting to purchase things they don't really need. The type of dissatisfaction that leads to improvement turns into insatiable greed to consumers. Sure, being content has been seen negatively in people of greatness, however it is quite the opposite for consumers. Being dissatisfied with one's material wealth leads to greed, and a lack of appreciation for one's possessions. While the market will continue to produce newer and more appealing commodities that attract consumers, it is ultimately the consumer's job to decide what's important to them and whether or not they need to buy new things. Material wealth will not bring happiness, as studies have shown that after a year, lottery winners are about as happy as before winning the lottery. After all, money can't buy happiness and the best things in life are free.
Let's try this again
13 years ago
1 comment:
Can we at least tentatively equate the states of being 'content' and being 'happy'? If so, then this country prides itself on the pursuit of contentedness, right? And yet, you very astutely point out "It is perhaps human nature to be discontent."—in which case, where does this leave Americans? Pursuing something they can never ever actually achieve? This would seem to be a terrible fate. You are right to point out that in our culture (American consumer culture, that is), people tend to somewhat strangely privilege dissatisfaction, and this is reflected by the mediating presence of money, I think, but then I wonder how this lets us understand your final sentence: "money can't buy happiness and the best things in life are free." Do we really believe this? How would we act differently if we did believe this? Do we even *want* to 'buy' happiness with our money? Aren't you in fact saying that we want to buy discontent, and that IT WORKS?!? If the best thing in life is dissatisfaction, it is precisely NOT free, but costs, and costs, and costs, ad infinitum, right?? This is a provocative post, but your last sentence tries to tie things neatly together right at the moment that your should complicate things even further. Do you see what I mean?
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