Comment by meterplech | Hacker News Reader

Comment by meterplech | Hacker News Reader

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I definitely get this viewpoint- but I would like to add that per gp comment, you should be satisfied with your lot. Which for some people may mean spending money on some things. I've noticed on HN and other sites a fascination with acquiring wealth. I understand why, but in the end you acquire wealth for the utility you can gain from using it.

Obviously, this doesn't need to mean spending 5k on the biggest TV, and doesn't mean outstretching yourself on a huge mortgage for a McMansion. But, if you save a little less and tactically spend on things that will make you happier I think that is definitely worth it. This isn't a huge defense of "stuff," but I think it's also okay to lose some wealth to gain happiness. I personally like spending money on travel/experiences. There was a lifehacker article about that yielding increased happiness.

Link: http://lifehacker.com/5608980/spend-on-experiences-instead-o...

It's also nice for your kids not to need to take out college loans.

It's also nice for them not to have to build a down payment for a house. Where does this logic end?

I don't understand what you're trying to imply. My point is just that money is useful and it can make your life and the lives of your family easier, and that there are reasons for wanting it other than not being Buddhist enough.

I'm saying you can justify a near arbitrary amount of acquisitiveness in the name of your kids lifestyles.

Generally I think acquisitiveness is fine as long as it doesn't come at society's expense. But, I also think a lot of benign-seeming acts by acquisitive people come at a subtle significant cost to society; e.g., supporting the repeal of the estate tax.

By "society" should I assume you mean "other people who want my stuff"?

I see nothing unjust about an arbitrary amount of acquisitiveness. I don't think success, or its material reward, are inherently sinful. I do think it's unhealthy to be obsessed with acquisition for its own sake, as opposed to when one has healthy intentions for that which is being acquired; but in any case, that's nothing to do with the collective good to which you refer.

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