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Re: GBlist: Consumption reduction
Speaking of the material world--
A friend of a friend, who lived and worked as an anthropologist in a West
African village for a few years, once asked a group of village men this
question: what was the greatest benefit that contact with western culture
had brought them? He expected to hear some concept such as, vaccines or
public health measures to save lives, or perhaps television to provide
entertainment and a broader knowledge of the world. The answer suprised him.
The men took the question very seriously, and deliberated among themselves
for a few days. They met again to deliver and explain their reply: the
greatest benefit was paint.
Paint provided many colors that had not been available before the advent of
Europeans. Applying colors to houses, interiors, furniture, and vehicles
gave everyone pleasure and happiness. And, each person's unique color
preferences were part of their identity. Anyone could afford a little
paint, for a chair or whatever. Paint offered a great deal of beauty and
satisfaction, at an affordable cost.
I've tried to apply the paint test when I find myself thinking "gotta have
it" about something--would buying it offer as much satisfaction as paint?
Mike
O'Brien & Associates
Environmental Building Consultants
Portland General Electric Earth Smart program
obrien@hevanet.com
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