Utne Reader 3: "The Stuff of Life" and "Don't Buy These Myths"

As an interested observer and sometimes-wannabee of the voluntary simplicity movement, I have read Small Is Beautiful, and admired friends who have chosen that lifestyle. I've even attempted to adopt some elements of their lifestyle; however, the attempts last as long as it takes a "J.Jill" clothing catalog to find its way into my home, or as long as it takes for me to admire a new acquisition of an affluent friend. So, knowing firsthand how easily my plans dissipate, I was interested to read in the two (above- mentioned) articles just why this is so. One author says that materialism spreads with the "contagion of a social disease." Another says that addiction to growth and to accumulating possessions is rooted in human nature and evolutionary history. There's even a biological basis to materialism: status, frequently made manifest by a display of possessions, stimulates the serotonin levels in the brain -- causing the high-status individual to "feel good" (Prozac works by doing the same thing - stimulating the serotonin levels). While those extolling simplicity say that ever-accelerating consumerism destroys resources and habitats, cutting off the branch on which we sit, those who recoil at the thought of simplicity say that it will fell the entire tree that contains the branch on which we sit (these, according to the article, are Keynesian economists, who say lessened demand for goods results in recession and unemployment). Thus, powerful enemies are arrayed against the desire for simplicity: anthropological, biological, economic, and human nature itself. But one author mentions that these enemies might be neutralized by the "nourishment" found in art, history, science-- a powerful argument, I think, for an enriched education: more than basics, more than "school-to-work," that includes possibilities like Shakespeare, Mozart, Cezanne, and the foci of ellipses!

-- Anonymous, February 14, 1999

Answers

Hello Christine: My name is John Hansen. I'm the new discussion facilitator and an instructor in the Department of Communication here at UMD. Your comments are very well put. Simplicity is a hard goal when we are faced with the daily media challenges to "have".What can we do to articulate a responsible use of resources to our students? Is new always right? These are among the challenges I hear from my vantage point. I would be interested in your thoughts. Keep up the good work! John

-- Anonymous, March 03, 1999

Hi Christine,

I read the same article and found it very interesting. I like your insight into the reasons why we seem to need more stuff. I think that there is more to life than collecting things. We also collect knowledge and wisdom and other intangible things as we grow. Finding the right balance I guess is the tough part.

Gregg

-- Anonymous, April 01, 1999