Sadly our hunt for stuff means we lose focus on what makes us truly happy, each other. We are brainwashed by our TV’s, phones, etc. Thank you for this.
Great read and very insightful. This line says it all: “ Once you have shelter and enough food, you have enough. Then you can look for love and belonging.” Thank you
When Saigon fell, I offered to take in Vietnamese who had been temporarily placed in a Pennsylvania military location; they sent me 5 young men, all friends, with one of them being their superior on the ship they worked on for the United States. We began serving Vietnamese food once a week, than twice a week, then who needs American food anyway. At the start, before they had jobs, I just gave them a sum of money and they went to the Italian Market and spent very little. The only rule was if you did not do any of the work, you did not eat. The best food ever! One night, when I hurried home from work since my chore would be the last before dinner was ready and I did not want to keep them waiting, I was surprised to discover that nothing had been done. Hap explained that Khung needed a watch and so there would be no dinner. Another rule, ‘if one has need, all contribute.’ There is no question, no hesitation. What is going without dinner compared to my brother’s need? I became very Asian that evening and realized how poor we of the West are — how totally unaware that the music of the advertisers is constantly in our ears and eyes, hypnotizing us, keeping us in the delusion that we are rich because we can spend and spend and spend. I still fall into that trap — 75% off Black Friday… help me
It's mind blowing how many stuff stores we have and the growing storage facilities multiplying around us. Over the years, I have seen more storage rental places pop up right by neighborhoods like it was all part of the plan and I just shake my head. My parents have 2. Two! They have been RV'ers for almost 10 years. I have tried to rationalize with them until I'm red in the face. The money they have paid for rent gives me angina! Will you keep that jacket when you are older and maybe out grown it or will you cherish the memory behind it and pass it on?
Sadly our hunt for stuff means we lose focus on what makes us truly happy, each other. We are brainwashed by our TV’s, phones, etc. Thank you for this.
Great read and very insightful. This line says it all: “ Once you have shelter and enough food, you have enough. Then you can look for love and belonging.” Thank you
When Saigon fell, I offered to take in Vietnamese who had been temporarily placed in a Pennsylvania military location; they sent me 5 young men, all friends, with one of them being their superior on the ship they worked on for the United States. We began serving Vietnamese food once a week, than twice a week, then who needs American food anyway. At the start, before they had jobs, I just gave them a sum of money and they went to the Italian Market and spent very little. The only rule was if you did not do any of the work, you did not eat. The best food ever! One night, when I hurried home from work since my chore would be the last before dinner was ready and I did not want to keep them waiting, I was surprised to discover that nothing had been done. Hap explained that Khung needed a watch and so there would be no dinner. Another rule, ‘if one has need, all contribute.’ There is no question, no hesitation. What is going without dinner compared to my brother’s need? I became very Asian that evening and realized how poor we of the West are — how totally unaware that the music of the advertisers is constantly in our ears and eyes, hypnotizing us, keeping us in the delusion that we are rich because we can spend and spend and spend. I still fall into that trap — 75% off Black Friday… help me
We live in a capitalist society in the age of capitalism. This article is great reflection of that.
What a PHENOMENAL article. I can’t stop sharing it! Will not stop sharing it! Timeless content...
It's mind blowing how many stuff stores we have and the growing storage facilities multiplying around us. Over the years, I have seen more storage rental places pop up right by neighborhoods like it was all part of the plan and I just shake my head. My parents have 2. Two! They have been RV'ers for almost 10 years. I have tried to rationalize with them until I'm red in the face. The money they have paid for rent gives me angina! Will you keep that jacket when you are older and maybe out grown it or will you cherish the memory behind it and pass it on?
Aaron, a fine story and made me think of the high stack of stuff I do not need. Did you give-share money with this family to help finish their home?