I chose to read the article titled; The Stuff of Life on page 47 by Scott Russell Sanders. Utne Nov/Dec 1998

I was interested in this article because I often struggle with the materialism we are all bombarded with each day. It is everywhere you turn in our culture. The article focused on how simple and peaceful it was to be in the mountains without all the intrusions that seem to afflict us in our busy everyday lives. As wonderful as it is to get away from all the hustle and bustle we always seem to return to our hectic lives. I believe that our American culture has ingrained the idea of needing and wanting into our psyche to the point where we are dependent upon it for our very survival. I was most interested in the side bar that said, referring to "stuff", "Do you own it, or does it own you?" I can attest to this with personal experience. I used to own a classic car that was the focus of much of my energy as well as money. I one day realized that I was spending most of my time in maintenance and was driving it very little. I somewhat reluctantly sold it five years ago and have never regretted it once. I now have more time to do more fulfilling things . I was owned by the car instead of the other way around. I have come to the conclusion that it is hard work to own and maintain a lot of "Stuff".

-- Anonymous, March 06, 1999

Answers

I think this year has been a real eye opener for me about stuff owning me. Working full time, being a parent, and going to school has left me little time to do much more. As I come home and look at the clutter sitting around my house I realize how much stuff can accumulate and how unnecessary it is. I think a symbol of how materialistic our society is, is evident in our mailboxes as every day I receive another mailing from a credit card or a loan company. I don't need to buy more stuff, I need to get rid of some of the stuff I have. I admire you for having the insight to see that your car was owning you. Going back to school has caused me to really look at my expenditures and how much I buy is unnecessary. I am trying to keep in mind what is important and to keep away from all the material stuff.

-- Anonymous, March 07, 1999

Gregg, I enjoyed your comments! I also read this article, and commented on it, as well as the next one in the Utne: "Don't Buy These Myths: 11 Misconceptions that Make Us Slaves to Desire."This article pointed out just why it is so difficult to live a simpler life. For one thing, status is displayed by possessions, and status, not wealth, is what members of the animal kingdom desire, according to the author. High-status individuals have much higher concentrations of serotonin levels than low-status individuals; and when someone loses status, serotonin levels drop. The author points out that serotonin is the "feel-good" hormone, also stimulated by Prozac. She also says that we collect things in order to maintain meaning in a chaotic world that is moving too fast for us to comprehend. Other factors, biological, sociological, economic, are mentioned that illuminate the difficulty that we have in combatting materialism. I especially enjoyed the comment by the author of your article, about countering material growth by seeking spiritual growth that includes art, literature, science, sharing, communal and nurturing activities.

-- Anonymous, March 08, 1999

Good for you, Greg! I have often had the same thoughts. I believe that material things drive us if we choose to get caught up in that game.

-- Anonymous, March 11, 1999

Gregg, Since I moved just over a year ago, I have given a lot of thought to "The Stuff of Life." There has not been e to unpack, so many of the boxes are still in my family room downstairs. It will be interesting to discover if I ever admit to not needing much of this. It does require time to manage all of this "stuff" and I guess that isn't how I'd like to spend my time. Last summer, in my effort to purge some of this, I had a rummage sale. It was a great time to meet my new neighbors who stopped my. Next time, I hope they buy more! Deb Berntson

-- Anonymous, March 28, 1999