Grit: A Practical Guide to Developing Physical and Mental Toughness by Ben Connelly

Author:Ben Connelly [Connelly, Ben]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Hardihood Books
Published: 2022-02-24T00:00:00+00:00

Overconsumption:

In America (and throughout the West), we live in a consumer economy. In order to keep up with our neighbors, we feel the need to consume more and more. Success means cars, houses, spending money, binge-watching shows, buying fancy clothes, and living a lavish lifestyle. Right?

I’m a proud American citizen who loves his country. And I believe firmly in the value of capitalism. But one can love America and understand that capitalism has raised billions of people out of poverty and enriched human lives, while at the same time decrying excesses. Consumption is not intrinsically problematic. Obviously, every person must consume food, water, and air in order to survive. But overconsumption can lead to materialism. It can lead to an empty life. Material goods are not inherently bad. But in excess, they can corrupt. Consuming entertainment is not bad, but endless entertainment will not enrich your life.

An obvious example may help clarify my point: Humans need to take in food to survive. But overconsumption of food causes obesity. Consuming food is a good thing. Eating too much food is bad for your health.

In order to lead a rich and valuable life, you need to balance production and consumption. You need to create value, not simply consume entertainment. Capitalism is not simply about consumption; it’s a balance of production and consumption. People work hard to create value, which in turn enriches the lives of others, and their own life.

Avoid overconsumption. Create more than, or at least as much as, you consume.

Practically, this means prioritizing action over spectating. You can continue to watch sports, but you should get some exercise, instead of always watching other people exercise.

Cut back a little on entertainment. You can keep watching television without spending hours each day binge-watching. You can read blogs, listen to podcasts, consume news, and watch YouTube videos, without making those the center of your life. Every day, try to produce something of value. Earn your consumption.

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