What happened to being content?

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   teamelite21posted 12 years ago

   With all the technology we have now, and ability to get credit cards and loans, it seems like no one can just be content with what they have.  Don't get me wrong, there isn't anything wrong with prospering, and sometimes it is just necessary.  I just don't understand why people can't be satisfied..........What do you think?

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2. 61

   knolyourselfposted 12 years ago

   If everyone was content no one would buy anything and the economy would come to a halt. The idea here is to keep everyone discontented.

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      couturepopcafeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Right. That's what marketing thrives on, making us think we can't live without their product. We could be content and the market would thrive in a healthy way but it would probably be impossible at this point to get back there.

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3. 70

   AshtonFireflyposted 12 years ago

   Well although I believe that a little spending is necessary, I agree that sometimes we can get into the mindset of "needing" things that we don't really need and over-spending to the point that we put ourselves in a financial bind.
   What one "needs" is going to vary according to culture, class, etc.
   I think the best policy is to allow yourself to spend, but to spend wisely; this may consist of possibly re-assessing our "needs" and determining whether or not they are really "needs" or just "wants."

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4. 95

   wildernessposted 12 years ago

   Does this abnormal feeling of satisfaction, the sick denial of healthy consumerism, mean that you won't be buying that greatest of all home lighting improvements, the Clap On?  Or even a new supply of OxiClean?  You are a truly disgusting example of what mankind should be!
   
   If Billy Mays were still around he'd set you straight in a hurry!

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   Hypersapienposted 12 years ago

   The concept of being content got replaced by the notion of being happy.  That means having everything you want, when you want it.  Sadly, delayed gratification doesn't work for people today.

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   Express10posted 12 years ago

   As far as materialism goes, the fact that America has become a consumerist economy has a lot to do with it. Even though many people can't or shouldn't play the game, they try to keep up with the Joneses or be the Joneses. As far as simple progress, there's no stopping the technology train and other advancements because humans are curious and always performing research and tweaking things to increase effectiveness and efficiency. And the financial incentives for doing the research and making strides is too great to ignore.

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