Stuff Is Bait

bait

n.

1. An enticement; a temptation.

v. bait·ed, bait·ing, baits

v.tr.

1. To place a lure in (a trap) or on (a fishing hook).

2. To entice, especially by trickery or strategy.

When people go fishing they put a hook through a piece of bait, then dangle it in the water in what they hope is a manner tantalizing to fish. A fish can see the tasty morsel, but after a while may discover that there is a sharp hook in it. It stays away.

We must beware of enticements, especially those by trickery or strategy. There are people that will scheme and lie to make you believe that their product or service will make you happy. Beware - they are fishing for something, and their tempting stuff is bait.

People fishing for money and minds discovered long ago that consumers with sufficient money (or ability to make money in the future) will take the bait. We know by now that there is a dangerous hook inside, but the constraining lines of debt and work feel like a small price to pay for being able to enjoy the bait. But we are being reeled in hook, line, and sinker.

The fish is harmed if it takes the bait, as we are harmed by biting on the enticing morsels of the material world. Stuff is constantly dangling in the murky waters of consumerism that surround us - it is hard to escape.

"It will make you happy", the fishers tell us as they present their lures. But the fishing trip (advertising) is a calculated strategy. It is trickery - a deception that more and more of the world's population is falling for. It is a dangerous deception, for the lures bristle with hooks.

Be an aware fish and stay away from the hooks. Know that the only things that bring lasting happiness are love and understanding.

Everything else is bait.