Do you see yourself happier living a simpler life without the pressure of constantly trying to attain more & more to show everyone how succesful you are? How different do you think we would be if attaing the trappings of success did not occupy so much of our thoughts and time?
2006-08-15 16:08:51 · 18 answers · asked by noname 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
Yes. Do you think it is possible to work yourself out of the situation?
2006-08-15 16:42:22 · answer #1 · answered by nene 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I am happier living a simpler life. I left a big city years ago and moved to a rural area. It was a difficult adjustment, but I did it and can see how it has changed me for the better. I was never into the trappings of success; expensive cars, huge houses, etc. and even though I've had those, it wasn't my idea. I enjoy peace and have that now and am very grateful for it. The down side is that jobs in the rural areas are limited, at best, so I've had to improvise.
2006-08-15 23:15:07 · answer #2 · answered by MadforMAC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have 5 years of college education, and worked very hard, only to come into a stagnant job market and no job. I'm on assistance right now, but God has put me here because He doesn't want me to be like my family, consumed with new cars, and a perfect house. Through poverty, God has shown me to daily seek and follow Him, and this has opened doors for Him to show me awesome things and bless me spiritually. I have never been a "keep up with the Jonses" person, but my focus is mostly off of material things and on Him. I am raising my 3 children this way too, and God is doing awesome things in our lives, and we have peace that many prosperous people don't have. Yes, the American dream is a distraction, and an idol! (Americans foolishly believe an idol must be a statue, but we usually have things for idols--money, people's opinions, ect)...press on to what really matters, not what is fleeting, and your reward will be eternal!
2006-08-15 23:16:08 · answer #3 · answered by Lisa 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're only mistaking the American Dream. It was never complex. It never involved ridiculous clothing or accessories. It never involved a five bedroom house and a riding lawnmower for a 1/4 acre lot.
The American dream is working hard, owning a home and raising a family who are better off than you...period. What are you all doing??
Xan Shui,
Philosophical Philanthropist, Honest Man
2006-08-15 23:13:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I never went down that path. I realized at a young age that real wealth is freedom, not stuff. Having money gives you freedom. Have enough of it and you dont have to work (the ultimate freedom). Spending money just makes you poorer. Im 39 now, and have a net worth of over $350,000, but I still drive a honda civic and dont even have cable tv.
I chose not to get married or have kids either. I guess Im a breed apart..
2006-08-15 23:17:42 · answer #5 · answered by Phil S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is the american dream your dream ?
ever notice how the american dream can quickly become a nightmare if not kept in check.
I used to make twice the $$ and I was 1/2 the man I am now.
2006-08-15 23:14:04 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well who said that was the American dream?Some ad exec from Madison ave. I don't think he gets to decide that. The pursuit of Happiness. That's the dream whatever that is for you. Some people want to die with the biggest toys that's pretty sad, but who am I to judge others whatever floats there boat.
2006-08-15 23:19:38 · answer #7 · answered by Rich 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When my dh and I married in the early 80s, consumption was huge. We lived in Dallas and were dazzled by consumerism. We decided to look at how to acquire these things. We laid it out, saw that it would require us to work tremendous hours. We said - yuck. Life isn't about that at all, how stupid it would be to live that way.
My husband used to say people ought to be able to buy medallions to wear around their necks to show how much money they have. because we didn't make decisions based on money - ever - when we had kids, it was easy to afford our place and actually be a parent to our kids, instead of abandoning them to day care. i think that has contributed a lot of satisfaction and feeling of true success.
i totally cannot relate to wanting to buy things to show people i'm successful. it's a bizzare and alien concept to me. how shallow and empty does one have to be to have such a goal? i can truly say we never ever have our thoughts occupied by 'trappings of success.'' how lame and boring that would be.
2006-08-15 23:17:27 · answer #8 · answered by cassandra 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Curious your use of the term 'trappings of success' which in my opinion says it all. After all 'you can't take it with you'. Personally I believe 'success' can only be realized when one dies; how one lives life is only a means to this end.
2006-08-15 23:40:52 · answer #9 · answered by john g 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Living in North American I feel I'm being bombared with all this materialistic crap. I hate our atmosphere of competition and consumption, that is why I want to move away. My emotional and spiritual needs cannot be met in Canada or America, sadly...
2006-08-15 23:16:30 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋