The obsolescence test is brillant for cutting through purchase rationalization. That suit example really nails it, spending more on something that'll be outdated soon doesn't make it better. The connection between MLK's materialism critique and the identity question framework is smart too, asking if you're buying an identity vs living it gets at the same thing he was talking about with thing-oriented versus person-oriented society. Been rethinking my gear purchases after readng this btw.
The obsolescence test is really useful, especially infrastructure versus decoration.
What makes this hard for people isn't the framework. It's truthfully asking: "whose approval are you purchasing?" and thinking long and hard enough to answer honestly.
Most people already know what truly matters. They just need permission to act like it.
The obsolescence test is brillant for cutting through purchase rationalization. That suit example really nails it, spending more on something that'll be outdated soon doesn't make it better. The connection between MLK's materialism critique and the identity question framework is smart too, asking if you're buying an identity vs living it gets at the same thing he was talking about with thing-oriented versus person-oriented society. Been rethinking my gear purchases after readng this btw.
I really (really) appreciate this feedback, and your willingness to share how it’s changing your thinking.
The obsolescence test is really useful, especially infrastructure versus decoration.
What makes this hard for people isn't the framework. It's truthfully asking: "whose approval are you purchasing?" and thinking long and hard enough to answer honestly.
Most people already know what truly matters. They just need permission to act like it.
Very well said. I also think the first step to an honest answer is acknowledging the question, right?