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| Several of the 7 Deadly Sins of Stuff are represented here. |
The Seven Deadly Sins of Stuff
Greed: I want lots and lots of stuff. More stuff.
Envy: I like your stuff. I want your stuff.
Wrath: I’m going to wreck stuff. Maybe your stuff.
Lust: I want sexy stuff.
Gluttony: This is some tasty stuff. I want more.
Sloth: I don’t want to work for my stuff.
Pride: I am The Stuff, and have the best stuff. Your stuff sucks.
The seven deadly sins list was supposed to be a warning of common human failings. Many today treat it like a shopping list. Or a bucket list.
Here at the end of consumer capitalism we are waking from the stuff-induced stupor that has turned us into sinalicious zombie shoppers. Humanity is going through a painfully slow learning process, and we are relearning something we have known since we started comparing the square footage of our caves.
We know that the significance of a life can not be measured by the things you own or the size of your bank account. When it comes to summing up a life, those are the things that are by far the least important.
We will be judged by future generations not by what we said, but by how we lived and what was most important to us. Future folks will want to know how we treated each other and the environment. They will be looking for some evidence of integrity, honesty, compassion and a capacity for love.
I hope we don't disappoint them. If not, we have some serious work to do. Steering clear of the sins of stuff will go a long way toward redeeming ourselves.
Some people spend more money on dogs and cats than feeding children.When I was little(no it was not that long ago)pets were having leftovers.
ReplyDeleteSaffron (Australia)
People are going crazy on pets. I think it is yet another sign of an ongoing general breakdown in society. When we treat pets better than some people there is something wrong.
DeleteAnd how about extending our sacred stance towards our beloved pets towards all creatures? We keep on slaughtering and eating animals much smarter than the pets we put on a pedestal.
The same who worship their little dogs eat pigs from mega stables... Pigs are very clever animals who need space outdoors.
DeleteSometimes I have just had to try to have the virtue of humility and remember my goal is not to die with the biggest house. I don't want to leave more stuff for my kids to deal with. We can't measure our value in square feet. As I have continued down my path, it is easier to resist and even to feel repulsed by excess.
ReplyDelete