The Price We Pay For Consumerism
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ต.ค. 2024
- We messed up...
If you would like to support my channel!: www.buymeacoff...
Mint Mobile (save on your cell phone): mint-mobile.58...
Here's what I'm reading:
Die With Zero: amzn.to/3Y3Zh30
Dopamine Nation: amzn.to/3UVfEMF
4000 Weeks: amzn.to/3fVeVwy
We live in a high consumerist, materialistic society where we spend a lot of money constantly buying material possessions. After so many years of progress and growth, we now have a society full of abundance. And we have perfected abundance in every area of our lives. Technology has been the main contributor to our lives of abundance.
In this video, I want to challenge you to think a bit differently about the topic of "abundance" that we have in our consumer driven society. Although, in terms of material possessions, we have everything we could ever dream of, there is a price we pay for our abundance in our highly materialistic way of life. In this video, I ask you, "Is abundance worth it?"
"The 8 Costs of Abundance"
1. An Envy Driven Mainstream
We have an abundance of content at our finger tips and the highest preforming content is often driven by "envy." There is the portrayal of luxurious lifestyles, beautiful people, and partying. After we consume so much of this content, we are influenced to buy into the lifestyle. This lifestyle, however, does not make us happy, it just consumes our money at an alarming rate and harms our mental health.
2. A Fictional Reality
We consume so much content nowadays that it is hard to separate the difference between fact and fiction. Since we have such an envy driven mainstream, our view of reality gets distorted and we begin to think that our normal, boring lives are wrong. This fictional reality convinces us to buy into this luxurious, materialistic lifestyle to "fit in," but we are really just buying into a fictional reality.
3. Two
The ironic thing about living in a society full of abundance is that despite having abundance, we have narrowed down everything to just two options. We live in a world of extremes where you either buy into one extreme or the other. And the reason we have two is because two is extremely profitable; however, two is very harmful to society and causes many problems to humanity.
4. A Life Full of Pain
Another ironic thing about living in a society full of abundance is that we are always seeking pleasure and trying to avoid pain at all costs. We spend our money always seeking the easy route; however, the ironic part about always seeking pleasure is that it leads to a life full of pain. When you seek pleasure, it is always followed by pain, but when you seek pain first, it is followed by pleasure. Always seeking pleasure and what is easy first will lead to a life full of pain.
5. A Complete Disrespect of Time
We work very hard to make money and when we receive the money, we spend it carelessly. We live these highly consumerist, materialistic lives and buy a bunch of material possessions that end up providing no value in our lives. It is important to remember that money represents time, and when you waste your money, you are wasting your time. When you disrespect your money, you are disrespecting your time.
6. A Non-Existent Community
In terms of abundance, we have everything that we could dream of. Life is becoming incredibly easy and luxurious; however, in our quest for abundance we have lost the very thing of what it means to be a human: community. Community makes you feel like you are a part of something bigger than yourself, but now that we have everything, we don't need community anymore.
7. A Distracted Life
Since we are faced with an abundance of options, it is very hard to focus nowadays. Everyone is constantly on their smartphones and never in the moment. Abundance has made us constantly distracted and wasting our short amount of time on this planet.
8. Hope
Despite all of the terrible things going on in the world and despite how dark abundance has made our society, we have one thing that we will never lose: hope. Hope keeps you going and makes you have faith that tomorrow will be better. Life is nothing without hope and we need hope that one day we will all ask ourselves, "Is abundance worth it?"
**I am not a financial advisor. The ideas presented in this video are for entertainment purposes only. You (and only you) are responsible for the financial decisions that you make. Links above are affiliate links where if you click and order, I will receive a commission at no cost to you. **
I’m 19 and realized consumerism was getting ahold of me. I noticed I wanted to work more and spend less time with others because I wanted things. One day I took a step back and asked why? For the life of me, the only reason I found was to impress others and that’s when it hit me. I don’t care what others think. I’ve been saving money for college and only spending when necessary
I think between 18-27 you establish your behaviors that will follow you for the rest of your life! If you're intentional at this phase of your life, your behaviors will become natural when you get older! I wish you luck and, as I say, don't take yourself too seriously (at 19) because no one is taking you seriously, haha!
Its great that you realized that still being 19. Life is better without caring for what others think.
Same age man and I'm right there with you. My irl friends don't think or feel the same way I do even when I try talking to them about it. Seeing this comment really makes me feel less alone. Thanks brother
@@maxwellsandor1876 glad to bring you peace of mind, brother. Be safe and take care
Took a long time to hit me but I also didn't work for money for a lot of years I studied and tried stuff and failed to make money at them. But eventually I realized as well. I think at this point I even missed out on having a sports car, I hit a age of maturity before I got to enjoy one to where it's almost not a pursuit of mine. Aside from that sports car I have very little wants that are money based.
The older I’ve gotten the more I’ve come to this realization and I’ve cut down a ton on what I purchase. As long as your basic needs are met, that is more than enough
I agree, and ironically, overconsumption is what keeps us from being able to have enough money for our basic needs.
I wish ALL WOMEN were just like you!!!
Our basic needs met isn't more than enough, its _exactly_ enough.
Same here I hardly buy anything outside of the basics
It was greed that got us here. We didn't know when to take a step back and say 'I have enough'.
Couldn’t agree more
Well said!
One of the 7 deadly sins.
@@timetheory84 It doesn’t have to be a choice between “everyone for themselves” vs “government forced authoritarianism”.
We need a culture of collectivism. Look at a place like Japan. Their government is not much stricter than our own, and doesnt force people to act a certain way. But they have a mutual understanding of collective well being.
Thanks a lot, Reagan!
Such a Fight Club based message and I love it.
“Working jobs we hate to buy shit we don’t need”
"...to impress people we don't like"
@@thedativecase9733 😍 a book reader! Do you prefer the book or the movie. I’m a little mix of both… I prefer the ending of the book but things like how the narrator and Tyler “met”, I prefer the movie. The beach scene was just too silly for me. I think David fincher took some of the best parts of the book and left out some of the weaker ones. Plus I saw the movie before I read the book so I have a bit of bias.
It's funny people are bringing up Fight Club. This is actually an old fashioned message. It's the same as impressing the Joneses, etc.
Totally agree. I had enough money in retirement but continued working to buy more and better stuff. I realized that I was wasting precious time to buy stuff. I stopped working. I have enough stuff ! Time is more precious than stuff ! Thanks.
What do you do with your time now?
It is so strange to me to watch families grow apart and not even care about each other. Ruthless, really. IMO, the streaming, cable, and social media have replaced any last remaining part of being a family. It's just crazy to watch it happen. 😕
It's weird when you see internet company ads of a family all in one room on a bunch of different devices. Very dystopian.
@@ElAgustin in reality they're usually in different rooms...
@@TASwims everything was great till you brought up religious crap onto the mix
🥺
@@TASwims I'm religious and I know you're wrong. The power that controls what we see on the internet is the beast. I am thankful this video was recommended to me. Maybe inside of TH-cam someone is trying to do good and fix this. We can only hope the good overcomes this evil.
Thank you, Augustino, for your words! Today the most creepy thing for me was " We don't need community..." i can see every day how especially elderly people suffer from lonliness....
Yeah, it's sad.
My mom left right after I turned 18 (she moved to get married) & my very first thanksgiving/Xmas as a man was family-less & I realized at that moment holidays are hyper-consumerism
God how I pray for the young Adults to open there eyes and mind . This world is a mess . I saw a post that stated “to everyone in the laundromat on your iPhone 13 you could of had a washer and dryer for the same price “! Enough said !!!!!
That's short-sighted, considering most people pay for their phones $0 down and with a monthly fee on their phone bill. Most people nowadays are priced out of owning homes, so not many have access to hookups in their rentals anyway. In fact, my landlord charges extra to use his washer/dryer, so it's cheaper to use a laundromat. My co-worker once lived in a complex that had a bed bug issue, so to avoid contaminating her clothes, she went to a reputable laundromat that was clean. I know of people who use the laundromat for their large commercial machines in order to wash big items like blankets and curtains.
I remember a girl talking on her phone about her machine breaking down and having to use the laundromat until a new part was shipped in. I also remember as a kid when our pipes burst during the winter and the washing machine hose ripped in half flooding our house. We used a laundromat and my grandma's washing machine for months. There was another instance when our neighbor's water got shut off that forced them to use a laundromat until it was restored. Point is, we don't know people's situation. This tweet was judgmental and assumptive.
Mind you, the phone could've been a Xmas gift or bday gift. I buy my high-end electronics either used, refurbished, or replenished. Expecting young adults to open their eyes and mind is silly considering the youngest generations are the ones who made minimalism, thrifting, and anti-capitalism trendy. It's the old guard who have created the systemic structures and culture that promote consumerist traps. Don't mistake the victims of said traps and conflate them with the originators & perpetuators who profit from it.
Most apartments don’t allow you to install your own washer & dryer.
@@YourMajesty143 not to mention smart phones are literally required for many jobs.
People don't need to have the expensive iPhones. There are alternatives. But it is much easier to feel like a victim and not in control of your life. Young people also tend to think they know everything, so... I usually just let them be. Hardships are life lessons that are good to have.
@@CampingforCool41 There are plently of $200 smartphones that are just as capable as a $1400 iPhone.
Gotta love how Fight Club remains relevant. The surrounding fan base angst aside, there’s a lot to observe from the book and film.
“We work jobs we hate, to buy shit we don’t need…We have no ‘Great Depression’, our Great War is a spiritual war, our depression is our lives.”
I give you this one
Choose life. Choose a job. Choose a career. Choose a family. Choose a fucking big television, choose washing machines, cars, compact disc players and electrical tin openers. Choose good health, low cholesterol, and dental insurance. Choose fixed interest mortgage repayments. Choose a starter home. Choose your friends. Choose leisurewear and matching luggage. Choose a three-piece suit on hire purchase in a range of fucking fabrics.
Choose DIY and wondering who the fuck you are on Sunday morning. Choose sitting on that couch watching mind-numbing, spirit-crushing game shows, stuffing fucking junk food into your mouth. Choose rotting away at the end of it all, pissing your last in a miserable home, nothing more than an embarrassment to the selfish, fucked up brats you spawned to replace yourselves. Choose your future. Choose life … But why would I want to do a thing like that
I’m guilty of Consumerism. It makes us ignore the needs of others.
So true! Very addicting:(
My sister's friend needs only about $1.500 for a life saving surgery and no one we know who can donate wants to donate it. I guess saving for a vacation is more important than saving a life. Unfortunately I don't have this amount nor does my sister. I guess ppl who are more cold hearted and selfish make more money. Sorry for sounding negative, I really needed to vent.
True! I watched this single mother spend every day off she had going shopping for stuff she didn't need! Meanwhile, her kids barely ate any real food and had only 1 pair of shoes, and she had her closet full of shoes.
Or the need for others, I’m guilty of trying to replace things for people. Both are hard work.
I don't agree that the road we are on was paved with good intentions. The intention was to make money at all cost. We eat, drink and breathe poisonous chemicals but that doesn't matter. What matters is that corporations made billions in profit. I don't consider profit-making a good intention. The rest of your talk was pretty good, Austin. You are a wise, young chap.
We have made a lot of progress in technology and the medical field. The standard of living has gotten better. We even went to space. While I understand your point, I think there's a tiny positive side to it as well.
My mother taught me quality of life. This means sports, playing the music, going to trips, going to restaurants. None of these involves buying all the time. You can spend a quality lifetime with a $300 guitar.
Yes, you are spot on. Amazon made life incredibly easy but it also makes you spend a huge amount on nonsense.
Before Amazon, we used to go to the store - so it was quite a conscious decision to buy something. With Amazon, it's
a click of a button.
And Instagram makes us feel shit which is also a distorted reality. I used to date a influencer model and what's so crazy about
their business is that often they fly to Dubai, shoot a huge amount of Insta Stories, Reels and pictures in like 3 days and post them
over a month. And everyone is like - oh, they are always on holiday. Fun fact: They are not :O) There are way fewer people living the
perfect life than we think.
So many nuggets of wisdom! I think it's no coincidence that many internet creators are called "influencers" as their primary purpose seems to be to influence us to spend money to be something/buy something. I have found my life is much more peaceful the less I engage in media and spend time reading , meditating, and helping others.
The point about tik-tok is so spot on- Its crazy watching a bunch of a folk completely lose themselves in an attempt to be "the new viral". It's easily the most dangerous social media platform. Great video dude.
I swim a lot and it’s the only thing that gives me real pleasure,, chills me out and lifts my spirits .
I’m just totally overwhelmed by the world I live in now
Avril Lavigne represent 😃 i think a lot of our problems are a consequence of the fall of the family and traditional religion, and the rise of big government and corporations. I saw an interesting clip earlier where a host made fun of an Indian woman for living at home as an adult. And the Indian woman replied: “Well in my country we don’t have to make an appointment to see our parents..”
So I think it all comes back to no. 7 - community.
Destroying the traditional family and traditional religion is part of the divide and conquer strategy of the government
The Indian woman made good sense. The way society is today, people are so caught up on Me, myself, and I. No time for anyone else. Especially our parents...Sad
That indian woman was Aishwarya Rai Bachchan... She is one of the most popular actresses of her time in India.
In India, we don't have " living separately from parents " concept... Our parents upbring us with their hearts, it's not fair to leave them alone in their old days when they need to be looked after. In India, if it's not a must to leave, adults don't leave their parents and live with them under the same roof.
I disagree, I left my religion a decade ago and have been free of the toxic, patriarchal & misogynistic expectations that were formerly placed on me. I lived in peace, free of gender role expectations and the consumptive habits of my culture which included parties, events, and other expensive traditions. COVID forced me to live back with my family, which meant reuniting with a mother who had allowed our grandfather to abuse us as children and a bipolar brother who doesn't believe in vaccinations or medicine. My life has been non-stop chaos ever since my return, their conservative religion is being forced down my throat, I'm constantly fighting with a narcissist who tries to nitpick and control me, I'm forced to engage in stupid old customs that I can't afford bc "tradition is important", etc.
My mental health has gotten worse. There are many of you who are privileged enough to have healthy families, but most people are choosing to find family in their friends and spiritual circles. Family isn't the only community that exists. And blood is not thicker than water. Some families are too toxic to salvage. Religion is also toxic. Non-religious countries have the lowest crime-rates, highest education, highest financial stability, lowest divorce rates, lowest domestic abuse and child abuse rates, etc. On the other hand, religious countries have the highest crimes, lowest financial stability and education, and also harbor the most abusive family structures.
Religious people account for majority of incarcerated individuals, while Atheists and Agnostics make up less than 0.2%! Most of the wars in human history were driven by religion. So I wholeheartedly disagree that the modern problems stem from family disconnection and religious apostasy. It's the religious conservatives and libertarians who have done everything in their power to ensure privatization, decentralized capitalism, and corporatism are upheld. These people who hold traditional family values and religiosity are the main gatekeepers and voters of pro-corporate leaders. They're the ones most likely to mock POC. Majority of Millenials and Gen Z who are priced out of the housing market live with their parents.
Btw David Letterman wasn't making fun of Aishwarya Rai. He asked curiosly "Do you live with your parents, is that true? Is that common for older children to live with their parents in India?" and she gave him a sassy response, to which he replied "Oh I think we learned something here tonight" and then proceeded with the rest of his questions.
Watching your videos is like going to financial church..we all need that good word sometimes.
haha, thanks!
It is refreshing to be able to watch a video that we can learn from yet doesn't try to sell us on the latest "IT" THING. LOVE that about your channel.
Trying to keep the ads out (while still keeping the lights on)!
Lol he sold himself and you bought it with a click, comment and interaction.
i love love your videos. you are spot on i am a caregiver and was gettint very depressed w my life but now im busy purging and decluttering and minimalizing and enjoying my hubby who is having health issues and is getting close to end o f his life and im appreciating him more. thank you
Thanks!!
There comes a point in everyone’s life when they must answer what is the point to life? Is it to just continually acquire material and status that just end up filling the illusions of our waking moments. Or is it quality of life to know you and those around you are actually achieving a higher purpose in life, not fixed to the pointless items of our day, but to live it in the service of humanity and our mental well-being.
I wish more young people like you would have the intelligence and wisdom you possess. Thank you for this content.
Thanks!
Lots of young people do...
The young are the ones leading a lot of this. The old adopted consumerism, but the young are reevaluating this considering we're the ones that can't buy homes under the current model created by previous generations.
@@UkSapyy You are so right that it is the "young ones" (some of us early millennials now lat 30s early 40s +/-) becoming minimalist, letting go of consumption and living simpler lives. Our parents and grandparents keep buying and pressuring us to buy, have babies, buy more etc. It is hard to explain that we economicly cant do so and lack social support. Asking a babyboomer parent to watch a kid when all the daycares are closed ia like asking them to cut off an arm. Another thought i wanted to share is that the younger generations now becomeing early adults are railing against the idea of work. I asked the teens in my life why and they said all they see is me stressing at a computer for seemingly intangible production (paraphrasing because my niece used the word "fake" in her long explanation). She isnt wrong. I work hard, get paid less than my mother did in the 90s doing the same job, and i never see the fruits of the 99% of productivity, but ill hear about it if i make a mistake.
Yes so do I. I am middle aged but have friends who are part of a younger generation and their families just consume at an enormous rate. I pointed this out and just copped abuse back. For every intelligent, aware person like yourself their seems to b e a tribe that simply either don't understand or worse they choose not too. So much easier to put your head in the sand. Good for you as often I think a person needs both a kind soul as well as perceptive intelligence. Both are require to recognise societal issues that run rampant on a grand scale and stand up against it or at least not buy into it. Cheers.
@Ded Hampster I agree, I'm in my middle 20s. The mentality of I'll do my best to buy to keep and not buy to consume is coming about, not for eco reasons but because if we restlessly consume, we'll be in our 30s moving to our 40s renting. And on the topic of work, I remind my managers they have bullshit jobs. The older generations love sticking to a middle management system of bullshit working & over administration, I.e. middle management. This system comes with a hierarchy of social status, which discriminates against people because we all know the person who is most liked gets the job because the competency part has been watered down. It is disgusting that we first look to cut the lower social status jobs that, in reality, output the most value. Instead, we should be pushing management down and closer to where the value is. The younger generations, those in the 20s, 30s, and early 40s, need to become more political. We need to enact change and not switch off. We should fight against what we dislike to adopt management styles colleges and universities teach, fund socail services to reduce the amount private companies leach of our need to survive, make more socail projects to secure the future, that stoic idea of we start something not to reap the reward but to find meaning in doing and we should make it easier to setup small private businesses for those that have the ambition.
The era of empires came to an end, and it is about time we did the same for big corporations, they say they're to big to fail, but these are just private empires are the same as other empires, I'm sure they thought the same about Rome. We build it so we can change it, 1848 was in the era of exploitation, but was the year of labour movements. In 2023, we've got so much history and recorded knowledge that we shouldn't be in the position we are, I hope in the history books we are the ones that learned and did something positive 🙏
On point again!
History teaches all of us so much yet we fail to remember community and it’s importance in life.
"We learn from history that we do not learn from history."
@@ElAgustin yes, we only learnt what happened in the past but only few people get the lessons from the past.
Community is a coin with to sides, to be a part of one means not only to benefit from it, but also to contribute to it.
#6 is powerful as hell. Lovin' this video. Thank you sir.
I’m going to take time to process this video😉these are all excellent points. Once again, the information is good and beneficial. The problem is we jump to another video before actually processing the one we just watched and not really applying it to our lives. Abundance is good when used for good and not simply for ourselves.
Dont use we, its you.
You made some really great points here. I thought I was already pretty informed about things like these, but you made me realize there's more to it than I thought. What you brought up are definitely things I will try to keep in mind moving forward!
Your level of analysis is very mature, and accurate.
71 precious videos!!! This one made me realize that smartphones ( although we can't live without ) are as evil as consumerism because the family structure has totally been destroyed because of them. In the past the family used to eat and talk together, now each member is busy enough on their phones. So sad to see people wasting dear moments that won't come back.
Pure wisdom! Cost 5 - A Complete Disrespect of Time is the most tragic and sad one. Here in the US we are being so brainwashed on daily basis that it's almost 100% impossible to escape this. On personal level, I really need to move back to Europe before I waste what's left of my life. It's no paradise there either. But at least you stand a chance...
Was a soldier for 10 years. Mostly posted in the middle of freakin nowehere. It was bliss. Travelled the world on the terms of the military and saw the duality of humanity. Was not bombarded by advertisements everywhere in shop windows, billboards, and only really used the internet for world news and staying connected with friends and family. Had my social media locked down for security and still only have people that I know personally linked with my social accounts. What I've found since leaving the military four years ago is that the world is pretty damn miserable and at some point I've started slipping down the same slope. For months I've been trying to think outside the box to protect myself from so much negative influence. Question everything, assess and decide what is needed and prioritise needs over wants. Use money wisely and in a way that it will work for you and not against. Do we really need as much as the influence of fantasy is telling us? Seen thousands of people in the world who do not live in the consumerism of the highly developed world with only what they need with which they make their own high quality happiness.
Thanks for sharing your insight! Incidentally "High Quality Happiness" is a great band name.
Super interesting take, thanks for that. I actually thought this is something people miss.
Let's say you come from the US, which is this glamourized bling-bling world of abundance
where you can get a pizza at 3am in the night at every corner. And you get send to Iraq where
all in a sudden you are encapsulated in just a military base that I guess you can leave, but it's
dangerous so you don't do it for private and fun purpose.
@@heavenstibetsee5716 Hey that's pretty cool. Create your own money can never buy.
@@Si-mc6dl Totally agree with that sentiment! For me, I find it to be an on-the-nose critique of capitalism 'buying happiness' because ultimately that's what these companies pretend to be selling. Replace 'happiness' with a synonym like 'fulfillment' (centers) and you have Amazon, selling high quality happiness every day.
Amazingly deep and thoughtful! Everyone can benefit and take action with this inspiration.
It all boils down to narcissism. We are living in a world where either we are working for the benefit of someone's narcissism or we are imposing ours on others.
It permeates politics, ideologies, art, fashion, relationships and the search for happiness.
This is so great. I'm so glad your videos showed up in the algorithm on my feed
Awesome! Thanks for watching!
I agree with everything you said, but I would adjust one detail : I think communities is not only what makes us human but also what makes us "feel alive". No wonder people feel more and more hopeless and lifeless.
I have studied myself and society for a long time and I have come to one conclusion I see hurting everyone in almost any facet of society. Choices lol. The best ones rarely make it to the front and people are wasting so much time trying to decide on things. What to eat, what to watch, what to wear, which model to buy, what to do for fun, it’s endless. It pushed me towards minimalism and healthier choices. I cook for myself and stick to foods that keep me feeling the best and channel all my efforts at just a few hobbies. People are spreading themselves thin putting their eggs in too many baskets. I say what can you get rid of to clear your head instead of adding more. 💯 on the dopamine. Quit chasing it and you’ll be at peace more all the time with little or less. If you can’t tame choice your life will always be chaotic.
This is a very good video and highlights the way modern society is now working. What saddens me is that whilst hope does exist, I'm pessimistic about the tides turning anytime soon. People are currently so hooked on their phones, and they don't even realise it. All the while the likes of TikTok, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram are lapping up the profits whilst knowingly enabling addictive behaviours in consumers. It all runs like a slot machine and they (the websites) know it. I'm fully aware of the situation, but that's like a tiddler in a vast ocean of humanity.
Thankfully, my nephew, who at the age of 12, is conscious of what's going on with him, and has considered turning his phone off when going to bed at night, rather than scrolling through the abundance that is TikTok. There may be a light at the end of the tunnel.
Austin, I'm watching your channel grow. This kind of video is "the why"....fantastic job. I wish you nothing but continued success. Cheers.
Thanks! I'm in the fight of my life. If I go down, I'm going down swingin!
Love this! I just discovered your channel...very interesting/inspiring 🤩 It's nice to hear someone put what's actually going on into words. I can definitely relate and understand where you're coming from. Thank you for your content!
I used to think before that in order to be successful in life you must go to college. But after watching a couple of videos on life and education as a whole I’ve changed my mind📌
I think going to college is still a good idea, but I've no freaking idea why higher education in the United States is so damn expensive. It's super cheap to do your post graduation where I live, (if it's a non-technical course).
Austin, I just started watching your channel, so good. We spent 3 weeks in an Austrian city this summer (Dornbirn), I was having trouble describing why I loved it so much. I think it was the slowness. We could walk to the market, restaurants, shops. Coffeeshops were sit down…. You had to ask for the check, no rushing. The surrounding nature was incredible. They have life figured out ❤.
Most people are really happy until happiness suddenly becomes a goal
Your content was very helpful and has opened my eyes on so many things. Thank you. I appreciate your efforts ❤
I read a proverb one time that said "it is not the one that has everything that is wealthy; it is the one who needs the least that is truly wealthy."
This is why I'm gonna mostly buy things I need over things I want.
The more important question is, does this help bring value to society? Wants are normal, it's the delusional form of life that creates consumers.
This is the first time I have ever commented on a TH-cam but I just wanted to tell you I think this is the best video you have done. Everything you said was spot on and I really enjoyed it. Thank you. Good luck with your journey 😊
Thanks!!! I appreciate it!
Thank you for reminding us we are human😊
Claro que no vale la pena el precio que pagamos por tantas opciones. La vida era más real antes de la tecnología. Fue padrísimo crecer en los 70's y vivir la juventud en los 80's. Era un mundo con menos opciones y más alegría. Xo Agustín.
Si estoy de acuerdo. Lo mas que tenemos lo peor sentimos 😂
We seldom ask ourselves what is truly valuable to us. When you intentionally evaluate the important aspects of your life, 'more stuff' ranks very low. When you see that the dopamine hit of 'the get' has a stronger pull than 'the have', it becomes clear that we tend to fill our lives with superfluous junk as we chase the dragon through the act of consumption. Sit in any room of your home and look at every item and ask "does this provide value?" You'll be surprised at how much of what you own does nothing to increase happiness in your life.
it feels like we now have the choice to create as many realities as we like which is why mental health may be so bad
I agree, Its a ‘need nothing but want everything’ society
Our cell phones and social media have taken us out of the present moment. Going anywhere we should observe, socialize with who’s in our presence, feel in the current moment. Instead we’re constantly distracted by the alternate reality of our cell phones with hundreds of notifications being sent a day disturbing our sense of being in the present moment.
Social media is always colossally messing with our dopamine response as we spend so much time wanting more. When we get a lot of likes we feel good, but when we don’t we feel like we’re not good enough. It’s all an illusion that wasn’t here when I was growing up in the early 2000s .
Christmas is coming and we are creating a generations of the young to love stuff by giving them tons of gifts, more than they need. Then, another big event of Birthday, party and more gifts. Then you wonder why the consumerism is out of control. When I don’t do it to my kids, it’s an uphill battle, especially with a American husband who loves things. I want to raise my kids to love people and use things but it’s hard when hubby is the other way.
Very interesting, with some startling insights.
I think it’s extremely important to be very, very strict about the thoughts & motivations we let into our mind.
We need to ration them.
So, for instance, I stopped watching TV years and years ago.
And use adblockers elsewhere.
With social media, and the massive mental overload it brings, used very sparingly.
Ditto all the superficial consumerist garbage too.
A much simpler, but more fulfilling life.
That has to be the aim…
Okay I get what you're saying, but also I wanted to point out that part of our reason for consuming so much is that as a society we are overworked, and overworked people tend to consume more, and this is by design. Abundance in the form of more automation should make our lives easier, but it seems to have done the opposite. Do not mistake the pitfalls of a burned out population for "too much abundance"
This is why I left car sales . Felt good making good money to buy more things and go out but at what cost. Time and suffering
Bravo Augustine for another wonderful video…..wish I had your videos years go…still working on “ignoring” amazon😂.
Thanks!!
Out of all my friends I make the least money, joe average wage (if not below average). I can confidently say I am the happiest. Could I try harder, make more, work more, buy more, have more? Yes. For sure. But why? What a waste. I have what I need, and I have who I need. I spend enough to have a little fun, and live within my means and try to be smart with what money I have to maintain value of my assets and savings.
You know what people call that? Boring. Being smart, reliable, efficient. It's boring. But rather boring that brain dead.
Lov that raw real point of view, if i only could save money myself man 😂
Speaking the holy truths out here bro 👀
Just recently found your channel and I've been binge watching your content. I'm obsessed! Thank you for spreading the word ❤
Thanks for watching!
One more cost to add, the biggest part of humanity is being forced into producing this abundance but have no access to it, only the consequences.
Always need to live below your means and save/invest for the future.
One of the best videos I’ve watched in awhile that sums up/validates how I’ve been feeling. Thank you
I appreciate you. And I love the way you say “ladies and gentlemen” like some old fashioned huckster. Yet speak the truth
You legends are blessed with abundance
We've sold our souls for products.
Omg spot on! I feel so much of what you said. I think we are becoming very insular it’s an absolute tragedy. I kept thinking I felt this because I’m getting older and kept wondering if anyone else noticed. I feel relieved it’s not just me, but also sad that it isn’t. Such great content. Thank you. Here’s hoping….
Thats why I don't believe in a 9-5 job for the rest of your life or until you retire
Facts!!! Preach bro!
The old saying: we buy things that we don’t need in order to impress people that we don’t like, with money that we do not have.
I've never cared about the stuff they advertise to us, I am more envious of people with genuine connections than people with a bunch of things. I can't even afford to get what they advertise, just pay bills. I'm working to fund the lives of everyone else, not myself.
Wow this is an amazingly spot on commentary on 21st century society. Austin keep up creating and the critical thinking. This is the equivalent to philosophy of and in the modern world.
Vanity, all is vanity. Chasing after the wind.
Tour of houseplants someday? :)
Awesome podcast! It perfectly summarized the issues with the modern lifestyle.
Everything you said resonated with me. We live in a fractured world where our phones take priority. New subscriber and slight adoring crush 😍).
"Hope is killing me Jerry!"
----George Costanza
Thank you so much🙏
Personally I feel that all social media and television platforms should be shut down for atleast 3 days per month world wide.
As people today we are so distracted and don't appreciate calmness and silence. We are dompamined out and attached to our smart phones.
This will be saved to my favourites list to come back to every now and then (not many on my list). Excellent points many of which no one has thought of before. Presented in a balanced way, with a touch of "hope". Greetings from the southern hemisphere. Ps heard this somewhere..."The malls are the new cathedrals", or something like that. Also... all this lack of community has real world costs. 3 years ago had a bad asthma attack and ended up in hospital for around 9 days. They asked me at around 5 days if I had anyone at home, I said no. So they kept me another 4 days. The nurse told me those with support at home only need to stay half the time of those living on their own for obvious reasons. So all single households cost more if that person becomes ill, thereby increasing health care costs for our countries.
indulgence is never enough! trying to avoid pain and boredom is costly
You're my new favorite content creator!
Awesome!!!!!!
Yea I remember being young and working out a lot and constantly looking at muscle magazines. I noticed that when I did I felt insecure about how I looked. I'd be constantly worried I was too small. And if I took a break it went away, I could see things more rationally. Learned a good lesson with that. Maybe just me tho, if I'd had stronger self esteem then maybe it wouldn't be an issue. I mean now days it doesn't seem to bother me much but I'm old lol.
Agustin. Rapidamente te estás convirtuemdo en uno de mis influencers favoritos. Me gusta tu trabajo que haces con estos videos
Never be desperate for anything. I don't give a damn what it is. You must have an inner knowing that you are the man or woman boy or girl. The minute you see yourself ad less you allow these greedy mofos to cause you to doubt your abilities. Be desperate for nothing. You will achieve just keep going.
Greed & envy are both features of Capitalism. Just thought I'd throw that out there. 👻
For twenty years I bought and bought and bought…once I had the thingI was after then when the next i proved or upgraded version was available I would buy that one. I was caught in a endless cycle of consumer dopamine addiction…buy, get rid of, buy again…each time I would get a high…
20 years later my habit came tumbling down…I filed for bankruptcy, and detoxed from my addiction.
Happy to report today I am clean, and happy and appreciate what I have, rather than what I don’t have
great video, thanks
Gracias Agustín por tu video, comparto plenamente lo que expusiste.
Saludos!
You are one of my favorite channels! Keep up the great ideas! You are on track. I appreciate some sanity in the madness.😊
I’m not a Christian but there’s a bible verse along the lines of “He who chases pleasure (wine, oil, fun) will never be rich”. In other words “Pleasure leads to poverty”.
Another quote I read in the book Hard Times by Stephen Aarnio is along the lines of “A man should never chase happiness, rather should chase fulfillment through his work and achievements”
Thanks for making this video, it resonated deeply with me
yup pleasure is expensive
Hi. 👋 Jacqueline Here....... You have A gift,,,,,very intelligent, you are !!!!!! Want to wish you a Merry Christmas 🎅 .......
Please check the the video "we want your soul" by Adam freeland , that music video was out in 2006, it's a résumé of our modern society, in deed they want your soul!!!
I'll check it out!
capitalism opened pandora's box for us: coronavirus, russian war, asthma crisis, climat change, natural ressources end, animals abuse and extinction.
Credit where credit is due- you have really put your mind to these huge issues that affect everyone's daily lives and come up with your own unique take on things.
Consumerism, materialism, envy are like the water in the fishbowl that the fish have no idea they are in (except when they are out of it!). We often spin our wheels (and our minds) every day on things that really ultimately fail to lead to a sense of happiness or personal satisfaction.
Keep up the good work!
Thanks! I'm trying to persevere over here, haha!
@@ElAgustin keep up the good fight!
“Live an intentional life.” Well said, Austin. 👍👍
What does that mean, an intentional life? I mean consuming is one man’s intention.
@@tonyhodgkinson4586 that is an unintentional life
@@RamAurelius none sense my life is full of abundant intention, I love life, I thank the lord god everyday for what I have all the blessings
Nobody wants to talk about this either, not my friends, not my girlfriend, yes, we often talk about being spiritual and not solely materialistic but when it comes to implementing it, nobody actually wants to give it up
There is abundance in somethings. But for things like affordable housing there is none. So we have less of somethings that are most important.
Separate yourself from consumerism, you are not what you buy. If you are buying for any self fulfilling purpose than what you actually bought it for you will be dissatisfied and buy more. You have to draw a line when buying things and examine yourself. When you get that impulse to buy something deeply examine why you would need it and what would happen if you didn’t have it.
The abundance of job applicants for employers makes it like winning the lottery for getting a job