(First) World Problems
You may have heard the saying "first world problems" and associated it with wealthy developed countries, but here this youtube video by The School of Life talks about this concept, but points to a greater issue. The issue that we as a society is no longer valuing the non-material things, such as kindness and wisdom.
The narrator also points out that often in schools we are not educated on how to "live and die well," which in essence is a major part of living. If we mainly focus on the accumulation of wealth, then we will develop far greater problems than when we focus on simply living as good and kind individuals, focused on experiences rather than accumulation of things.
Not surprisingly this goes hand-in-hand with the idea of minimalism. Although it may seem that we are not going to change as a society, but continue to buy more and focus more on building wealth, an article from becomingminimalist.com called "Why Millennials are trending Towards Minimalism?" clarifies how the future generation is not necessarily getting worst, but rather there is a growing awareness due to the advance in technology that material wealth is not as superior as a healthier and cleaner environment. What distinguishes this generation from the previous generations is the fact that technology, mobility and sharing culture has developed due to the widespread use of the internet and mobile phones.
Not only has our economy disappointed us, but it has also led us to re-evaluate our expectations. After all happiness is basically expectations divided by reality. The least we expect, such as wanting less, the more happier we become. How ironic that simplification of life emerged from the development of complex technologies like the computer and cell phones! But of course it is in how we use these tools that will benefit our move towards a more minimal waste lifestyle.
Making the planet and each other healthier as the purpose of our lives is much more fulfilling than focusing on material goods, which will only leave us empty or wanting more. For me and my husband, we try to encourage this concept of minimalism in everything we do. Not only do we try to find efficiency in our everyday living behaviors, but also in our work.
What are the ways we can learn to do something better, and more effectively? This is a question that drives me when I study programming and or improving my lifestyle. After all, everything is a set of habits built through many little steps. In order to do better and not fall into unhealthy behaviors, we should work on change everything one piece at a time, which will eventually have a far greater impact than doing absolutely nothing.
The narrator also points out that often in schools we are not educated on how to "live and die well," which in essence is a major part of living. If we mainly focus on the accumulation of wealth, then we will develop far greater problems than when we focus on simply living as good and kind individuals, focused on experiences rather than accumulation of things.
Not surprisingly this goes hand-in-hand with the idea of minimalism. Although it may seem that we are not going to change as a society, but continue to buy more and focus more on building wealth, an article from becomingminimalist.com called "Why Millennials are trending Towards Minimalism?" clarifies how the future generation is not necessarily getting worst, but rather there is a growing awareness due to the advance in technology that material wealth is not as superior as a healthier and cleaner environment. What distinguishes this generation from the previous generations is the fact that technology, mobility and sharing culture has developed due to the widespread use of the internet and mobile phones.
Not only has our economy disappointed us, but it has also led us to re-evaluate our expectations. After all happiness is basically expectations divided by reality. The least we expect, such as wanting less, the more happier we become. How ironic that simplification of life emerged from the development of complex technologies like the computer and cell phones! But of course it is in how we use these tools that will benefit our move towards a more minimal waste lifestyle.
Making the planet and each other healthier as the purpose of our lives is much more fulfilling than focusing on material goods, which will only leave us empty or wanting more. For me and my husband, we try to encourage this concept of minimalism in everything we do. Not only do we try to find efficiency in our everyday living behaviors, but also in our work.
What are the ways we can learn to do something better, and more effectively? This is a question that drives me when I study programming and or improving my lifestyle. After all, everything is a set of habits built through many little steps. In order to do better and not fall into unhealthy behaviors, we should work on change everything one piece at a time, which will eventually have a far greater impact than doing absolutely nothing.
success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out robert collier
