Population decline

[CXRAndy]

Yes, I from what you behave discussed, it doesn't surprise me. It makes you happy when you buy things. I'm not doubting that.

Makes me happier to help others I know.

I do buy things, but it may surprise you I've not bought a car for myself in over 6 years

 

[BoldonLad]

Are they really different? If people can disconnect their happiness from buying things and mindless consumerism it's amazing what can make you happy. That being said, the cost of basics has gone up and continues to do so but not everybody has this connection between a happy life and being wealthy. There is another way...

Could not agree more. But, why the polarisation? Is it not possibly to have "responsible" consumerism, or, "thoughtful" consumerism? As for "wealthy" this is a loaded term, IMHO, one man's (or woman's) "wealthy" is another's "only just managing".

 

[Psamathe]

As for "wealthy" this is a loaded term, IMHO, one man's (or woman's) "wealthy" is another's "only just managing".

And invariably those who shout about how wealthy they are, how rich are doing no more than trying to attract their attention and in my experience don't understand the concept of wealth. Remember "Loadsamoney" (from Harry Enfield).

To me it's what you do with your life that is important not what you accumulate (in the bank or in possessions).

Ian

 

[HMS_Dave]

Could not agree more. But, why the polarisation? Is it not possibly to have "responsible" consumerism, or, "thoughtful" consumerism? As for "wealthy" this is a loaded term, IMHO, one man's (or woman's) "wealthy" is another's "only just managing".

Of course. I'm not suggesting we go back to living in caves and hunter gathering, just that I believe people bind their happiness to the consumption of things, materialistic things that provide a short term hit of happiness that quickly dwindles then that urge to buy something else becomes over bearing in pursuit of that happiness. But people have managed to free themselves from this endless cycle and a form of happiness can flourish that doesn't involve the endless comsumerism loop.

 

[BoldonLad]

And invariably those who shout about how wealthy they are, how rich are doing no more than trying to attract their attention and in my experience don't understand the concept of wealth. Remember "Loadsamoney" (from Harry Enfield).

To me it's what you do with your life that is important not what you accumulate (in the bank or in possessions).

Ian

Of course. I'm not suggesting we go back to living in caves and hunter gathering, just that I believe people bind their happiness to the consumption of things, materialistic things that provide a short term hit of happiness that quickly dwindles then that urge to buy something else becomes over bearing in pursuit of that happiness. But people have managed to free themselves from this endless cycle and a form of happiness can flourish that doesn't involve the endless comsumerism loop.

Daughter No4 (aka the "Arse wiper") often tells me I am too judgemental, I must get her to begin reading this Forum 🙂

 

[HMS_Dave]

Daughter No4 (aka the "Arse wiper") often tells me I am too judgemental, I must get her to begin reading this Forum 🙂

You think I'm being judgemental? How so?

 

[BoldonLad]

You think I'm being judgemental? How so?

Feel free to be as judgemental as you wish, or not, as the case may be, but... IMHO, you are making judgements about what makes other people happy (or otherwise). Personally, I am not a compulsive consumer (you may judge me differently of course), so, I dont necessarily disagree with your view, I just like a bit of personal choice in my "happiness zone". 🙂

 

[HMS_Dave]

Feel free to be as judgemental as you wish, or not, as the case may be, but... IMHO, you are making judgements about what makes other people happy (or otherwise). Personally, I am not a compulsive consumer (you may judge me differently of course), so, I dont necessarily disagree with your view, I just like a bit of personal choice in my "happiness zone". 🙂

I'm a little bit confused if I'm being honest. How could i possible know what makes you happy? Besides, it is not my intention to judge you or anybody. Just what I have observed from my day to day life.

 

[BoldonLad]

I'm a little bit confused if I'm being honest. How could i possible know what makes you happy? Besides, it is not my intention to judge you or anybody. Just what I have observed from my day to day life.

If you cannot possibly know what makes me happy, how can you generalise into the " I believe people bind their happiness to the consumption of things, materialistic things that provide a short term hit of happiness that quickly dwindles then that urge to buy something else becomes over bearing in pursuit of that happiness."?

I did say that I did not necessarily disagree with you, (I don't disagree in this instance) but, are a posters "observations from day to day life" admissible evidence?, and, do you (we) have to produce supporting evidence for our opinions, based on our "day to day observations" 🙂

 

[HMS_Dave]

If you cannot possibly know what makes me happy, how can you generalise into the " I believe people bind their happiness to the consumption of things, materialistic things that provide a short term hit of happiness that quickly dwindles then that urge to buy something else becomes over bearing in pursuit of that happiness."?

I did say that I did not necessarily disagree with you, (I don't disagree in this instance) but, are a posters "observations from day to day life" admissible evidence?, and, do you (we) have to produce supporting evidence for our opinions, based on our "day to day observations" 🙂

You got me. You're taking the pìss. Nice one

 

[BoldonLad]

You got me. You're taking the pìss. Nice one

OK, I will take it, but, I wasn't 🙂

 

[HMS_Dave]

OK, I will take it, but, I wasn't 🙂

They you've made some critical errors in your assessment.

If you cannot possibly know what makes me happy, how can you generalise into the " I believe people bind their happiness to the consumption of things

Because you are not the people, but a person. I generalise based on the fact we are a consumerist society. Isn't the fact that we take so much stock in GDP, year on year profit growth somewhat indicative of that? Im not going to list all things but for example. New mobile phone every year, planned obsolescence, Proprietary hardware and software etc... Is it all really necessary? So why do we do it? (for element of doubt i mean 'we' as in society and not specifically 'you')

I did say that I did not necessarily disagree with you, (I don't disagree in this instance) but, are a posters "observations from day to day life" admissible evidence?

Is this a court of law where i am ask to provide evidence under oath? Admissible evidence to support my opinion? That is why we talk in public, you can challenge my opinions, but i don't in any way see why i must provide "admissible evidence".

do you (we) have to produce supporting evidence for our opinions, based on our "day to day observations"

Again, it depends. If i am being cross examined in a court of law, then yes. If i am sharing an opinion or expressing a view, how is this remotely a requirement? This would be reciprocated to yourself, of course...

This is why i thought it was a joke. We are on a pokey forum not a court of law.

But we have side tracked, obstructed and diverted, talking about some moot point that i thought was universally understood in general.

 

[BoldonLad]

They you've made some critical errors in your assessment.



Because you are not the people, but a person. I generalise based on the fact we are a consumerist society. Isn't the fact that we take so much stock in GDP, year on year profit growth somewhat indicative of that? Im not going to list all things but for example. New mobile phone every year, planned obsolescence, Proprietary hardware and software etc... Is it all really necessary? So why do we do it? (for element of doubt i mean 'we' as in society and not specifically 'you')



Is this a court of law where i am ask to provide evidence under oath? Admissible evidence to support my opinion? That is why we talk in public, you can challenge my opinions, but i don't in any way see why i must provide "admissible evidence".



Again, it depends. If i am being cross examined in a court of law, then yes. If i am sharing an opinion or expressing a view, how is this remotely a requirement? This would be reciprocated to yourself, of course...

This is why i thought it was a joke. We are on a pokey forum not a court of law.

But we have side tracked, obstructed and diverted, talking about some moot point that i thought was universally understood in general.

Chill, stress is not good for you.

Requests for “evidence” and “links” to “support” one’s view are commonplace on here. If you wish to “police” such requests, be my guest.

 

[icowden]

It may be true in YOUR circle of family/friends/ acquaintances, but, it is not universally true, not every Pensioner lives in leafy Surrey, and, I don’t recall a 60 hour working week being specified for those Pensioners who wish to work (for whatever reason)

@CXRAndy was maintaining that he knows someone in the USA in their 70s who is happy working 60+ hours per week voluntarily.
I'm maintaining that if someone in their 70s is working 60+ hours in the USA it's because they need health insurance, and in the UK it is unheard of for a pensioner to be working 60+ hours per week. We'd also I think regard it as desperately sad.

Yes, you are right that people have different levels of pension and if you only have state pension your options may well be more limited, but it doesn't mean that people on a state pension are all looking for full time jobs.

 

[CXRAndy]

@CXRAndy was maintaining that he knows someone in the USA in their 70s who is happy working 60+ hours per week voluntarily

That would be my sister 👍.