Ridiculous Spending

[Jan Willem]

I think Maca´s story is quite true, but I don´t think anyone really would want to go back to trading instead of paying. In my opinion, most of the human developments that nowadays get criticised, like industrialism and biotechnology etc, are the result of basic human qualitities, like being curious of the unknown, the drift to improve, and to make property (basically, food). I think communism doesn´t work because human instinct would beat every artificially introduced social system that conflicts with it. Obesity is thought to be partly the result of genes that evolved in our paleolithic ancestors to develop an energy store for times when food is scarce. Perhaps capitalism is similarly an intrinsic quality that was vital for survival in earlier days. I admit loving and living this kind of life with all its disadvantages. However it´s good of course to be aware of the problems; because apparently population growth is more important than everything else, so then we have to consume less -- exponentially, since our sources get closer to depletion.
So, these 16 year old girls with rich parents..I wouldn´t allow my children to have (control over) any money until they are fully independent, but if those people are that rich, then why not? What´s the difference between this and another Porsche for daddy? Of course I do think spending so much money is a big waste, but that´s probably because I wish I had that amount of money too

[billerr]

As far as consumerism goes, I am sad to say that I'm spending 8 hours a day studying that stuff, and I'm gonna have to take exams on this. And it all comes down to this: you do whatever you think is most useful, according to your opinion. Even choosing to donate your money to charity, is consuming that self-content feeling you have afterwards. And as complicated as it may seem, all those theories and functions have their roots in pure human instinct and logic. Other theories have been developed on paper, but capitalism and consumerism have sadly been proven to succeed in forming today's societies. Communism is not that much a failure, as it may have destroyed Russia, however China thrives today. It's a matter of culture and human logic.

I believe that man should spend whatever income he makes at the expense of his labor, coz in the end, money isn't meant to accumulate. It is meant to be used, and offer its value to those who own it currently. Isn't this the way it works? However, the word 'spend' doesn't only mean 'just buy whatever product you see around, just to buy it'. Buy whatever you like. You may choose to buy biscuits for kids in Ethiopia. That's spending too, and the term is used in contrast to 'saving'. There is no reason to save money unless you want to massively spend it on something afterwards, or if you are saving a sum for your children. Saving for saving's sake is just dumb, and is only justified by man's need for security, which is eventually not granted either you save or not.

As for Alejandro's corn-thrown-in-oceans example, isn't it outrageous? However, farmers lose income if they sell more than is needed at a certain time. And of course they aren't allowed to give it to poor populations, coz they will mess with those countries' politics and society systems. Because, whether you agree or not, the problem in African and other poor countries isn't the lack of money. It's politics. If there weren't political problems, a worldwide errand would eventually help them a lot out of those situations. It's cultural restraints and political mess and individual benefits that don't let the world's help be of actual use to those populations. However this is a very wide topic, and doesn't really belong in this thread.

[Maca (Mod)]

Originally Posted by Felo

and yes, consumism has taken over the world... but what it's wrong with it? I know my thoughts are immature and stupid, but hey, a little materialism on doesn't hurt anyone (if used correctly of course)

Yeah, a little. We all love to have nice shiny things. To exercise a little moderation never hurt anyone.

Originally Posted by billerr

I believe that man should spend whatever income he makes at the expense of his labor, coz in the end, money isn't meant to accumulate. It is meant to be used, and offer its value to those who own it currently. Isn't this the way it works? However, the word 'spend' doesn't only mean 'just buy whatever product you see around, just to buy it'. Buy whatever you like. You may choose to buy biscuits for kids in Ethiopia. That's spending too, and the term is used in contrast to 'saving'. There is no reason to save money unless you want to massively spend it on something afterwards, or if you are saving a sum for your children. Saving for saving's sake is just dumb, and is only justified by man's need for security, which is eventually not granted either you save or not.

Exactly. People will spend their money in whichever way they want. It would be great if they spent it in a more constructive way than just buying for the sake of having more.

Originally Posted by billerr

As for Alejandro's corn-thrown-in-oceans example, isn't it outrageous? However, farmers lose income if they sell more than is needed at a certain time. And of course they aren't allowed to give it to poor populations, coz they will mess with those countries' politics and society systems. Because, whether you agree or not, the problem in African and other poor countries isn't the lack of money. It's politics. If there weren't political problems, a worldwide errand would eventually help them a lot out of those situations. It's cultural restraints and political mess and individual benefits that don't let the world's help be of actual use to those populations. However this is a very wide topic, and doesn't really belong in this thread.

Yeah, the politics do limit a lot of international intervention in situations like this. And also a lot of governments and international institutions think that just feeding poor people is not the answer, each country should strive to stand on its own and come up with solutions to its problems or else they will be stuck in a rut forever.

[simsy]

Give constantly money to charity and invest the other part, and always save money

[Whatsername]

Originally Posted by Maca

And I don't understand this: if a country produces too much, say, corn, the prices drop and that's bad for the economy. So the trade entities take the extra corn and pour it into the ocean. Why don't they donate it (donate it, not even sell it) to pour countries where people are starving? Money has become more important than fellow human beings. Hmmm... what's wrong with that picture?

Yeah but human beings don't give a shit when they abuse animals, because we think we are more important than them, so we are pretty screwed up aswell. But yeah it's stupid that they waisted that food.

[parislovezzyou]

Rich people can do whatever they want with their money. I don't think they should spend it ridiculously but they shouldn't just give it away or not spend it at all either.

[Sonic]

If you got it, spend it, why not?

Don't get me wrong, I hate people who are spoiled, and think the people on that show Sweet 16 are spoiled brats and they piss me off.

But I have no problem with rich people spending money on whatever they want, just don't get a new car bought for you and start crying because it's not the right color.

[Leesa]

Well materialism, and its views has always been a problem, hasn't it. Not only within rich people, but just 'normal' or poorer people. It's just a matter of satisfying your wants and making you happy, even if it is bloody ridiculous etc. So as well as having a go at rich 16 year old brats having 5 million dollar parties, you may as well curse at bums for buying alcohol and drugs with the money that they beg/whatever for. And can we do that? 'Cos I hate it when bums ask you for money, and they're already half drunk. You just can't be too sure what they're gonna spend it on. Damn them.

But I mean, I'm sure we over indulge from time to time when we shouldn't.. and it's fun, ain't it (until you realise you're broke or w/e)? I go by the point of spending it however you want. I often buy things for people close to me and I feel great about it. It just feels nice.

But this is a thread about how rich people should spend their money. Well, like I said, they should do whatever they want. Just because they have more money than some people, doesn't mean they should have restrictions or so.. we spend within our money limits (as a generalisation), and so do they. Even if it is a million dollar dresses. Ridiculous, sure it may be, while we settle for less, but they've got the money, so why not?

Edit: And if they go broke, then haha.

[billerr]

^oooh, she's laughing at formerly rich people, now bums.....how mean...baaaad Leesa! Bad bad bad! *slap*

[ONE TRICK DI]

in this season is sales season everybody spend the money in ridiculous things. more the womans they spend in clothes,shoes etc...
me too sometimes lol