Absolutely the truth. And I and my family are prime examples of the Diderot Effect. We're at the point in our lives when we're struggling to find the means on which to retired, but the Amazon van appears at least once or twice a week. I just finished breaking down a mountain of Prime cardboard boxes to recycle ... at least there's that. I told my husband he is addicted to Amazon and Breck's Bulb flower catalogs. He agreed, but didn't look like he would curtail his habit anytime soon.
The feeling of needing more is innate to human beings. Obtaining new possessions generates gratification and some people seek gratification more in the act of obtaining something new than in enjoying what they already have.
It is something innate and we can only change it if we observe our behaviour and are aware of this psychological effect.
I think also in some cases, acquiring a lot of stuff is a reaction to poverty and a hedge against it. There's a long gone (thank God) racist expression in America which I won't resurrect here, but it applies to people who go nuts when they receive sudden and extreme wealth and buy a lot of expensive things just so they can show off.
Yes, it is an innate human instinct. When you acquire new things you do it because you feel that they will be useful at some point. Sometimes it's just that, in reality many of those things you may never use, but you feel that having more possessions makes you better prepared.
Hoo boy! Does this ever describe me! It’s not like I don’t know it. It’s like I forget. You have some great ideas, here. I’m going to give it another try. 🤔
Hi Sharon! It is true that we know many of these things, but without thinking, unconsciously, we often buy without real reasons. It is interesting to keep this effect in mind in order to avoid consumerism.
It's been only a few days, but I've already made some mindful progress. Just keeping in mind my limited space, before purchasing an item. Thanks for the encouragement!
Absolutely the truth. And I and my family are prime examples of the Diderot Effect. We're at the point in our lives when we're struggling to find the means on which to retired, but the Amazon van appears at least once or twice a week. I just finished breaking down a mountain of Prime cardboard boxes to recycle ... at least there's that. I told my husband he is addicted to Amazon and Breck's Bulb flower catalogs. He agreed, but didn't look like he would curtail his habit anytime soon.
Hi Sue! It's interesting what you say.
The feeling of needing more is innate to human beings. Obtaining new possessions generates gratification and some people seek gratification more in the act of obtaining something new than in enjoying what they already have.
It is something innate and we can only change it if we observe our behaviour and are aware of this psychological effect.
I think also in some cases, acquiring a lot of stuff is a reaction to poverty and a hedge against it. There's a long gone (thank God) racist expression in America which I won't resurrect here, but it applies to people who go nuts when they receive sudden and extreme wealth and buy a lot of expensive things just so they can show off.
Yes, it is an innate human instinct. When you acquire new things you do it because you feel that they will be useful at some point. Sometimes it's just that, in reality many of those things you may never use, but you feel that having more possessions makes you better prepared.
Hoo boy! Does this ever describe me! It’s not like I don’t know it. It’s like I forget. You have some great ideas, here. I’m going to give it another try. 🤔
Hi Sharon! It is true that we know many of these things, but without thinking, unconsciously, we often buy without real reasons. It is interesting to keep this effect in mind in order to avoid consumerism.
It's been only a few days, but I've already made some mindful progress. Just keeping in mind my limited space, before purchasing an item. Thanks for the encouragement!
excellent. thank you very much, alvaro! j.
Thank you for joining me one more day in my letters! 🙏