No Stupid Questions Why Do We Buy Things We Never Use? (Rebroadcast From Ep.22)
Aug 22, 2021
What drives us to buy things that end up gathering dust? Explore the psychology behind purchasing aspirational items and the disconnect between dreams and reality. The discussion weaves through the spectrum of consumption, from minimalism to hoarding, shedding light on the motivations that lead to both extremes. Delve into the challenges of digital hoarding and the emotional ties to our belongings. A poignant yet humorous look at the complexities of our material obsessions reveals the darker side of accumulation.
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Stephen's Aspirational Purchases
- Stephen Dubner admits to buying aspirational items like quinoa and books.
- He acknowledges having numerous boxes of quinoa he's never eaten and many unread books.
Self-Improvement Disconnect
- Angela Duckworth suggests aspirational purchases represent a desire for self-improvement.
- Repeated purchases, despite lack of use, point to a disconnect between aspiration and action.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn Analogy
- Dubner connects his behavior to a story from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.
- A poor family's ritual of wasting coffee symbolized experiencing a taste of luxury.
