I’m reading a book by Morris Berman called A Question of Values. In the book, Berman quotes from a study called Growth Triumphant by Richard Easterlin.
In the end, the triumph of economic growth is not a triumph of humanity over material wants; it is the triumph of material wants over humanity.
Tags: Morris Berman, Richard Easterlin
October 23, 2011 at 8:24 pm |
A more contemporary, pop culture form of that quote is Brad Pitt’s character in ‘Fight Club’ is “The things you own begin to own you”. Which is not all that profound, nor should the quote you presented, but it is, in our given culture. I’m sure you’re sick to death of the typical intro, but I just seen your flick on Netflix streaming and thought it was amazing. I love parrots and love San Fran (live in Sacto) and had no idea about the parrots. Look forward to going and maybe spotting them next time I’m in the city. I also just finished skimming through your archives and noticed we are very much on the same wavelength politically, and idealistically. I have a strong Buddhist streak in me that I can trace innately from childhood and had no exposure to it. I was raised Baptist, and from a very young age of around 8 or so I could feel a rejection of it. I’ve never had a “Christian” sensation in my life, and when I bumped into Buddhism in a rather happenstance sorta way, I couldn’t believe how much of it felt like it was inner common sense that I thought was always so. (deeply intellectual compassion, that becomes self evident) Anyways from the length of this post you can tell I haven’t kicked the caffeine like you have, lol. Take care, and I plan to be a regular reader of your blog as you update.
October 24, 2011 at 9:35 am |
The concept is an old one that has been the subject of many Christian sermons. It is often presented in the form of a question: “Are you possessed by your possessions?”.
October 24, 2011 at 10:04 am
Yes. I like to hear it said.