Great stuff, Cork. I find this article deeply resonates with what I've observed as a lifelong NYC resident -- the constant temptation that many feel to live beyond their means, mainly because they see what others have and fall under the illusion that they must keep pace. Your mention of pop-up ads is perfectly apt, as well; just yesterday I Google searched the words 'angle grinder', and the very first result was not a page of information about them, but, instead, an ad to buy one. So, at least according to Google's search engine "optimization" (what is it optimizing FOR?), selling me an angle grinder was a lot more important than information about an angle grinder.
Same! I often wonder if algorithms prevent a deeper knowing of one's self and true motivations because they seize upon aspects of your personality that make you susceptible to commerce, not happiness and/or fulfillment necessarily. If you offload all of your decision-making to an algorithm, where does that leave the day-to-day building of one's character?
So true. I’ve noticed a marked uptick in the number and frequency of ads as well as more manipulative, non-customizable feeds and algorithms just in the past few years. The youngest tech users won’t notice—they’ll assume it’s always been that way.
We’re a thrift family at heart. It mostly started out of principle, and that more times than not the price of something new is not worth it and you could still achieve the same end goal using something used at half or even quarter of the price.
It’s funny that in a time where climate and therefore waste is at a all time awareness, the majority of people still want what’s new rather than buying something that already exist.
The majority of our ‘shopping’ happens on Craigslist and if I absolutely have to have it new I make sure to get the best quality I can afford, even if it means a few extra bucks upfront.
It’s interesting because my baby boomer mother is, in my opinion, a bit wasteful. She throws out food and other products before the bottle or container is empty or throws out food on the expiration date even though it’s still perfectly fine. She and my dad frequently upgrade and change things that don’t need to be upgraded or changed, all the while complaining about being on a fixed income.
Me, I hate waste. I use up food and products to the bitter end. We recycle religiously, keep our moderately priced cars for years, and live within our means. However, I’m seduced by bargains and will buy things I don’t need because they’re priced well. I can’t resist a beautiful teapot at a thrift store even though I own five or six teapots.
I’m often surprised at how wasteful Gen Z is when they are supposed to be the ones who are so terrified of climate change. Everything goes in the trash (can’t even be bothered to donate stuff). Everything is eaten in plastic and styrofoam containers and young baristas seem puzzled when I ask for my coffee in a ceramic cup. I’m sure they just don’t want to have dirty dishes to clean. I live near a university full of wealthy students and the dumpsters are full of barely used tv sets and furniture at the end of the semester.
Sorry for the ramble that isn’t even entirely related to your article. Just wanted to share my observations. Oh, in grad school, I read a book called Waste Not, Want Not: A History of Trash (or something like that). I have so much respect for early baby boomers and their parents for their thriftiness.
Thank you for your input on this topic, Kimberly. You have the right perspective.Thankfully, all five of our Kids picked up on being resourceful and being good money managers.
Love it. One of my favorites yet. I started Isaacson’s biography of Benjamin Franklin the other day. There is much wisdom in his early days as an apprentice and his “Plan of Conduct” written at 20. Thanks for sharing!
Great stuff, Cork. I find this article deeply resonates with what I've observed as a lifelong NYC resident -- the constant temptation that many feel to live beyond their means, mainly because they see what others have and fall under the illusion that they must keep pace. Your mention of pop-up ads is perfectly apt, as well; just yesterday I Google searched the words 'angle grinder', and the very first result was not a page of information about them, but, instead, an ad to buy one. So, at least according to Google's search engine "optimization" (what is it optimizing FOR?), selling me an angle grinder was a lot more important than information about an angle grinder.
Appreciate your input on this, Devin. Envy is responsible for the ruin of so many individuals and families.
I’ve had just about enough of ads and algorithms.
Same! I often wonder if algorithms prevent a deeper knowing of one's self and true motivations because they seize upon aspects of your personality that make you susceptible to commerce, not happiness and/or fulfillment necessarily. If you offload all of your decision-making to an algorithm, where does that leave the day-to-day building of one's character?
So true. I’ve noticed a marked uptick in the number and frequency of ads as well as more manipulative, non-customizable feeds and algorithms just in the past few years. The youngest tech users won’t notice—they’ll assume it’s always been that way.
"The youngest tech users won’t notice—they’ll assume it’s always been that way." - The truly sad part of this. And A/I will only exacerbate it.
Thank you Cork so much for your sharing great article ❗️💖
Glad you enjoyed it, Eva.
We’re a thrift family at heart. It mostly started out of principle, and that more times than not the price of something new is not worth it and you could still achieve the same end goal using something used at half or even quarter of the price.
It’s funny that in a time where climate and therefore waste is at a all time awareness, the majority of people still want what’s new rather than buying something that already exist.
The majority of our ‘shopping’ happens on Craigslist and if I absolutely have to have it new I make sure to get the best quality I can afford, even if it means a few extra bucks upfront.
Glad this piece resonated with you. Thanks for sharing your experience with Thrift.
It’s interesting because my baby boomer mother is, in my opinion, a bit wasteful. She throws out food and other products before the bottle or container is empty or throws out food on the expiration date even though it’s still perfectly fine. She and my dad frequently upgrade and change things that don’t need to be upgraded or changed, all the while complaining about being on a fixed income.
Me, I hate waste. I use up food and products to the bitter end. We recycle religiously, keep our moderately priced cars for years, and live within our means. However, I’m seduced by bargains and will buy things I don’t need because they’re priced well. I can’t resist a beautiful teapot at a thrift store even though I own five or six teapots.
I’m often surprised at how wasteful Gen Z is when they are supposed to be the ones who are so terrified of climate change. Everything goes in the trash (can’t even be bothered to donate stuff). Everything is eaten in plastic and styrofoam containers and young baristas seem puzzled when I ask for my coffee in a ceramic cup. I’m sure they just don’t want to have dirty dishes to clean. I live near a university full of wealthy students and the dumpsters are full of barely used tv sets and furniture at the end of the semester.
Sorry for the ramble that isn’t even entirely related to your article. Just wanted to share my observations. Oh, in grad school, I read a book called Waste Not, Want Not: A History of Trash (or something like that). I have so much respect for early baby boomers and their parents for their thriftiness.
Thank you for your input on this topic, Kimberly. You have the right perspective.Thankfully, all five of our Kids picked up on being resourceful and being good money managers.
Love it. One of my favorites yet. I started Isaacson’s biography of Benjamin Franklin the other day. There is much wisdom in his early days as an apprentice and his “Plan of Conduct” written at 20. Thanks for sharing!
Yes - we (society) could do well by reacquainting ourselves with Ben's wisdom ...