Comments on: The Story of Stuff

By: Doug Leonard

Doug Leonard — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:21:16 +0000

Thanks for your post. I can relate. I hate stuff too, but I also crave it. When I have it, money burns a hole in my pocket. It wants the thrill of purchasing some stuff, especially books and music and new technology. It makes me feel like somebody. Material possessions were a problem before Thorsten Veblen. Where your treasure is, there is your heart also. Makes you want to do what St. Francis did–give everything away, discard even your clothing in a public square, don a big brown robe, tie it with a rope, live in a lean-to, and learn how to pray. Failing that, sustainable is my new watchword. I know everyone is saying it and I hate to follow the crowd. But, gee, it’s a great concept and the more who embrace it, the better. Maybe our kids can learn how to get free from too much of nothing.
I do have one child who is not interested in “stuff.” I would like to take credit, but unfortunately I cannot. I love stuff too. Mostly I love old stuff, but I like new stuff too. I don’t need another scarf or pair of mittens……. I really am trying to get away from it though. It is very dangerous for me to go into Target. Sticking to the list is a must! We wouldn’t have to work so hard if we didn’t need money for stuff, right?

By: qugrainne

qugrainne — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 16:49:56 +0000

Yes, twenty minutes…. sad that it is too long is right. Not enough action, either, like a video game that kids can sit in front of for hours.
Oh well.
It is an incredible message, and there really is so much we can do as individuals. It seems like it should be so easy…….

By: Marlow

Marlow — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 16:22:42 +0000

I just wanted to say thank you for the url. It’s a great message. I wish lots of people would listen and take note. One problem may be that it’s 20 minutes long. TV has knocked our collective attention span down so low, many would not hang in there. thanks again.