About Material Matters

Post 1229:

It’s always been my default position not to get hung up on material possessions. You know, the things of this world. The stuff you can’t take with you, etc…

This is a basic worldview, mind you, and it’s also a fairly easy one for me to espouse. Meaning, it’s not as though my resolve on the issue has been tested. I didn’t grow up in a penniless Dickensian situation scrounging through gutters, dreaming of just one pair of secondhand shoes.

I grew up middle class in the modern USA. Things were abundant, if we’re talking relative to all of history. And you know how I love my history.

As I get older, the subject of materialism gets more complicated. Possessions can have value beyond the mere shallowness of selfish want. For instance, there are things passed down to me from my parents. They have taken on a meaning much greater than the things themselves.

On the other hand, I have a lot of crap I don’t need. The kind of stuff you get simply because you want it. You know the crap I’m talking about.

I will say I do try to keep my materialistic impulses in check. Most of the time. A week ago my building had a bit of flooding. Have to say, if I had more stuff, it would’ve gotten ruined. Way to go, me.

Nah, I just lucked out.

There’s all types of people. It’s just interesting to try to figure out where you fall on the scale. There are the flaunting peeps that get stuff so they can show off. Not my thing. Not sure if anyone’s gonna call that behavior heroic. Then there are people that love cool stuff but they are just as happy living in a tent. That’s what I’m talking about. I want to be content no matter what, mansion or shack.

But I need some books. And I need something to type on. You can have my phone. This may take a while. Man, what matters isn’t so cut and dry. I need to give the matter some more consideration.

I truly apologize for that last line. Cheers and see you after.