The social aspects of dematerialization

This is pretty interesting. In a consumer society like America, 'things' define you. Nothing new here. It's been a while since I really experienced the raw reality of it though.

I had a conversation with a couple of women last night, both old friends, both 28. One was a bonafide Boulder Hippie type, the other, what I'd call more traditionally American (i.e. stuff oriented). The BH women completely got the whole dematerialization concept out of the gate. The traditional American was at first, appalled, then intrigued, then judgmental and appalled again.

"You're old Scott, you've already had a chance to have all the stuff". I don't know about old (my Dad, he's 80, HE'S old), but it's true I've had the big houses, expensive cars, etc. etc.

What I learned from it is: having alot of stuff doesn't mean shit. I mean, really, it just doesn't mean anything.

Granted, I learned that it doesn't mean anything by doing it: i.e. owning (and being owned by) alot of stuff. I also suspect that if you've never done it, you just cannot know this through apriori observation (at least, the average person can't), so I get the reaction she had. No Way! Tell me more... No Way!

I would too if I were 28, owned nothing and saw alot of really nice sportscars driven by people my age or little older (or worse... younger.. where does that put me in the social hierarchy! Oh my god I'm behind!!!) in the parking lot where I worked.

I think it's a monkeysphere thing. That monkey over there who I know has it, I HAVE TO HAVE IT TO! I must. I don't know why, but I must.

This is basic stuff, but interesting to me (and I'm sure only me) because it's first hand real world research result type material.

I think I'll go out now and see how I can get rid of 4000 books sitting in my basement library in a way that's useful to someone somewhere.