…the improvement of ages have had but little influence on the essential laws of man’s existence.
Modern society trains us to believe that our needs are extravagant.
There are of course the “essentials:” a roof over our head, a car in the garage and food on our plate. Health insurance, home insurance, life insurance. Money for the kids’ education. An internet connection, a hot shower in the morning, cable TV, your iPhone.
In reality, only two of the above are essential, at least in the most literal definition of the word. That much should be obvious, yet we have been brainwashed to believe that our needs are complex and varied.
If you were to distill a human’s physical requirements down to their absolute basics, you would be left with nothing other than sufficient food and shelter. Everything on top of that is a luxury, but perversely, it is often those “luxuries” that corral us into a way of living that we eventually strive to escape from.
Humankind’s purpose in life does not have to characterized by an ongoing struggle for more. While I am not suggesting that you head out into the woods, build a cabin and subsist on the land alone à la Thoreau, you would invariably benefit from a reassessment of what you think you need versus what you really need.
This may require a radical change in your thought process and a reevaluation of what it is in life that you value, but to open your mind to the often transient nature of money (it’s in your wallet, it’s used to purchase an inessential, it’s gone forever) can help you to appreciate that it should not exert such a heavy influence on your life.
At the end of the day, we all have bills to pay. We all have financial commitments. Nonetheless, we only have two basic physical needs. Everything else is inessential, no matter how valuable it may seem to you.
If you do nothing other than embrace the inessentiality of modern living and endeavor to release yourself from the the desire for more (and perhaps even embrace the notion of having less), you will instantly become closer to leaving work behind than you were before.
We would all do well to think more like Thoreau, lest we forget entirely the reality of our existence.
Photo Credit: Robert Linder
Paresh says
Opportune timing for this powerful post, Tom. Living in the states, this time of year is particularly confounding. It seems that each year the holidays become increasingly corporatized and profit-driven.
Personally, I enjoy simply spending time with my family/friends and reflecting on how fortunate I am. The gifts of love and health outweigh any material items that money can buy.
On a side-note, I wanted to express my gratitude for your content and the notion of leaving work behind. You have helped me realize what is truly important and, as result, I am living a more positive and constructive life. Keep up the great work!
Cheers,
Paresh
Tom Ewer says
It’s my genuine pleasure Paresh. Thank you for commenting!
debashish says
Thought provoking post. I seem to be noticing a spiritual vibe in the last few posts. Is it a conscious direction, or just the natural flow of it? Love this kind of writing though.
Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year, Tom.
Tom Ewer says
Just the natural flow Debashish — topics like this have been on my mind a great deal recently! Don’t worry though; I’ve got plenty more actionable stuff in the pipeline 🙂
Kaya Ismail says
Nice post Tom, very well put. I completely and utterly agree with you – materialism (if left unchecked) can be poisonous.
We are of course all materialistic. It’s our nature. But recognising what a luxury is when you see one is important.
Tom Ewer says
Exactly right Kaya — it’s the awareness that is key!
Sylvia says
Hello Tom,
Great post. It’s easy to get caught up in the hype around new tech and other stuff. I follow some fitness blogs and they’re all about shoppig & bragging.
My experience is: if you find your passion you don’t have time for obsolescence.
BTW. I’ve started my blog already and I’ve recently written a post on “Focus” by Daniel Goleman and I must say that we’re on the same wavelength here :-).
Mr Goleman speaks of similar issues but from the perspective of our self-control.
Tom Ewer says
Thanks Sylvia! Glad to read that we’re on the same wavelength 🙂
Ned Christensen says
Good thoughts–especially about the inessential nature of stuff we acquire. I would submit that humans left with nothing but the food and shelter needed to sustain the physical animal revert very quickly to something less than the higher-order beings we are. Humans need expression through work that challenges us and serves a purpose. We also need art, spiritual thought, companionship and community, among other social stimuli. We need to feel needed in some way important to us. So, while humans need a lot more than food and shelter, we don’t need stuff, and the pursuit of stuff is as dehumanizing as deprivation. But since consumer spending is 80 percent of the economy, business and the media are in full press mode to get us to buy something. It’s refreshing to see this year it appears we’re not going along quite so easily.
Tom Ewer says
Hey Ned,
Really interesting comments. I’m totally on board with what you’re saying although I will still argue in the literal sense that all we “need” in order to survive are food and shelter. However, I accept entirely that to remain “human” (at least in the way that we recognize) requires more of those things that you mention.
Cheers,
Tom
Daryl says
Interesting post Tom.
Personally I’m a bit amused by the way that capitalistic society is driving consumerism. Particularly around every holiday, the theme is basically to “buy more stuff” because apparently toys, clothing and other material gifts show how much you “care”.
You’re right, we have things that we don’t need. Heck, I don’t “really” need to have a computer right now, nor do I need to be making more than I am at my day job.
That being said, material things tie into the perspective of self development and self actualization – people use it as a marker to measure their “success”, as a bigger income generally means that you’re doing better at your job and life.
Of course, we know this isn’t necessarily true or representative, but at times material things are necessary to make us FEEL as if we are objectively doing something to improve our lives.
Anyway, I do ramble on, really interesting and insightful post.
Tom Ewer says
Thanks Daryl. I suppose my response to your “material things are necessary” statement would be that if you need them to feel better about yourself, the answer is not to buy more stuff, it’s to fix the underlying issue. I’m guessing you’d agree with that!
Elvis Michael says
Well said. I was born in the Caribbean and grew up there until the age of 10. Thinking back to people’s lifestyles down there, it’s reminded me that many of us are truly spoiled. Many folks down there (and other third world countries) do not get to enjoy their iPhones and their high speed internet — and yet, they are perfectly happy. I guess too much exposure to luxury eventually damages us from the inside out.
Tom Ewer says
I’m learning to appreciate that fact more and more…modern living is starting to seem pretty insidious (in some ways) to me.
JoDavies says
I read this and it makes me think of the Marcus Aurelius quote I posted in the forum, except applied to “things” instead of what we say… Another good post showing your growth and newish direction…
Tom Ewer says
Thank you Jo!
Brooks Conkle says
It’s amazing how we trick ourselves into what it is that we actually Need. Where in reality it’s not much at all. Funny, as I just wrote a related article as well — how reducing less gives you less stress, more time, more money, less to take care of, more freedom, more flexibility, less to insure, on and on.
Thanks Again.
Tom Ewer says
Where’s the link Brooks?!
Brooks Conkle says
He she is – http://www.brooksconkle.com/5-real-reasons-consume-less
Man, I just realized that tomorrow is my Bday — the big 3-0!
Tom Ewer says
Happy birthday!