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Possessions or experiences I was just looking around me at the TV, DVD player, computer, PS2 etc. and wondering how important to me are my possessions. I do have a few things, but not as many as some people I know. I think I'm more inclined to spend my money on trips to the beach, eating out, family parties, going to the cinema etc.
Could you live without your mobile phone, iPod and all the little gadgets? I know I love having a PS2 as I get a lot of enjoyment out of it, but I don't think any of my possessions act as status symbols for me, only as entertainment. Do you buy things as much for the status as the enjoyment, or are your material possessions purely functional? Do you get a rush when you spend money on a cool new toy, and indeed thrill to the feeling the more things you accumulate? Or do you tend to measure your happiness by the experiences you have which leave you with nothing tangible, only good memories? Simply put, are you more about possessions or experiences? 
... [Edited 6/15/05 2:51am] | |
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Fauxie said: I was just looking around me at the TV, DVD player, computer, PS2 etc. and wondering how important to me are my possessions. I do have a few things, but not as many as some people I know. I think I'm more inclined to spend my money on trips to the beach, eating out, family parties, going to the cinema etc.
Could you live without your mobile phone, iPod and all the little gadgets? I know I love having a PS2 as I get a lot of enjoyment out of it, but I don't think any of my possessions act as status symbols for me, only as entertainment. Do you buy things as much for the status as the enjoyment, or are your material possessions purely functional? Do you get a rush when you spend money on a cool new toy, and indeed thrill to the feeling the more things you accumulate? Or do you tend to measure your happiness by the experiences you have which leave you with nothing tangible, only good memories? Simply put, are you more about possessions or experiences?
... I'm definately about experiences  the only reason I need possessions like my mobile phone is basically to keep in touch with people
I'm like you in the way that I'd much rather spend my money on a nice meal and some drinks with friends than a new top or anything like that experiences are for life they're imprinted in your memory and will always be there
all else fades away... | |
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Possesions are by and large empty tokens when not being used...unless they carry sentimental value...
...Put another way...unless there is an experience to relate them to... ...Experiences last forever....and shape our character, personal development and sense of self and worth... ...So I'd opt for experience....but without the need to throw all away 
  I have a firm grip on reality...Maybe just not this reality   | |
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experiences with possessions | |
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Natisse said: Fauxie said: I was just looking around me at the TV, DVD player, computer, PS2 etc. and wondering how important to me are my possessions. I do have a few things, but not as many as some people I know. I think I'm more inclined to spend my money on trips to the beach, eating out, family parties, going to the cinema etc.
Could you live without your mobile phone, iPod and all the little gadgets? I know I love having a PS2 as I get a lot of enjoyment out of it, but I don't think any of my possessions act as status symbols for me, only as entertainment. Do you buy things as much for the status as the enjoyment, or are your material possessions purely functional? Do you get a rush when you spend money on a cool new toy, and indeed thrill to the feeling the more things you accumulate? Or do you tend to measure your happiness by the experiences you have which leave you with nothing tangible, only good memories? Simply put, are you more about possessions or experiences?
... I'm definately about experiences the only reason I need possessions like my mobile phone is basically to keep in touch with people
I'm like you in the way that I'd much rather spend my money on a nice meal and some drinks with friends than a new top or anything like that experiences are for life they're imprinted in your memory and will always be there
all else fades away... Thanks. That's interesting. I don't suppose we can call hardly any of our possessions necessities, but I think I agree about needing some for basic, functional purposes which are more for necessity than enjoyment, let alone status. For example, I enjoy having the internet but that and a telephone are what allows me to stay in touch with my family. The reason I started a thread on this topic is because there are a couple of things I'm thinking of buying, for example more RAM and a MIDI keyboard for the computer so that I can start making music again. However, my enthusiasm for buying them isn't nearly as great as that for spending the money instead on a trip down south for a few days for some seafood and to see some friends. I just enjoy the experiences more. | |
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Fauxie said: Natisse said: I'm definately about experiences the only reason I need possessions like my mobile phone is basically to keep in touch with people
I'm like you in the way that I'd much rather spend my money on a nice meal and some drinks with friends than a new top or anything like that experiences are for life they're imprinted in your memory and will always be there
all else fades away... Thanks. That's interesting. I don't suppose we can call hardly any of our possessions necessities, but I think I agree about needing some for basic, functional purposes which are more for necessity than enjoyment, let alone status. For example, I enjoy having the internet but that and a telephone are what allows me to stay in touch with my family. The reason I started a thread on this topic is because there are a couple of things I'm thinking of buying, for example more RAM and a MIDI keyboard for the computer so that I can start making music again. However, my enthusiasm for buying them isn't nearly as great as that for spending the money instead on a trip down south for a few days for some seafood and to see some friends. I just enjoy the experiences more. yep I agree I don't know how much you reaaaally want those things but if it were me I'd be going for the trip south
I'm weighing up now whether I can possibly make it to LA in August but if I do it would mean time off work = lost money...also it would mean I have to put a stop on any travels around Europe for the time being too if my money was going towards LA
I reaaaaally really want to go tho  | |
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Tricky question!
I never collect things as a status symbol but most people I know do
And I bet they'd never admit it so don't expect people confessing they're as empty and vain as that. I keep being told as an Architect I should drive a better car or wear better clothes but I couldn't care less.(Though I don't like being looked at with sympathy). My mobile is king size and it only works as a phone 
When I go to the building site mine is always the shittiest car 
And you know what? I'm happy. | |
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Natisse said: Fauxie said: Thanks. That's interesting. I don't suppose we can call hardly any of our possessions necessities, but I think I agree about needing some for basic, functional purposes which are more for necessity than enjoyment, let alone status. For example, I enjoy having the internet but that and a telephone are what allows me to stay in touch with my family. The reason I started a thread on this topic is because there are a couple of things I'm thinking of buying, for example more RAM and a MIDI keyboard for the computer so that I can start making music again. However, my enthusiasm for buying them isn't nearly as great as that for spending the money instead on a trip down south for a few days for some seafood and to see some friends. I just enjoy the experiences more. yep I agree I don't know how much you reaaaally want those things but if it were me I'd be going for the trip south
I'm weighing up now whether I can possibly make it to LA in August but if I do it would mean time off work = lost money...also it would mean I have to put a stop on any travels around Europe for the time being too if my money was going towards LA
I reaaaaally really want to go tho Oh, that's a tough one. 
I have also been thinking about doing a retreat a couple of hours outside of Bangkok in a place called Chachoengsao. I'd basically be living like a monk. | |
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PANDURITO said: Tricky question!
I never collect things as a status symbol but most people I know do
And I bet they'd never admit it so don't expect people confessing they're as empty and vain as that. I keep being told as an Architect I should drive a better car or wear better clothes but I couldn't care less.(Though I don't like being looked at with sympathy). My mobile is king size and it only works as a phone
When I go to the building site mine is always the shittiest car
And you know what? I'm happy. Yes, I wasn't expecting anyone to be absolutely honest on this thread.
All the cool kids will say they're into experiences, so I'm going to stick with them.  | |
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PANDURITO said: Tricky question!
I never collect things as a status symbol but most people I know do
And I bet they'd never admit it so don't expect people confessing they're as empty and vain as that. I keep being told as an Architect I should drive a better car or wear better clothes but I couldn't care less.(Though I don't like being looked at with sympathy). My mobile is king size and it only works as a phone
When I go to the building site mine is always the shittiest car
And you know what? I'm happy. I bet the folk who say you should drive a better car aren't that happy..... 
I have a firm grip on reality...Maybe just not this reality | |
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Oh come on Fauxie, that's a ridiculous question and you know it. It's practically rhetorical.
Nobody would say possessions are more important to them even if it was true (unless they were joking/being sarcastic). I see your point though. Sometimes I stop and wonder how my life would change if I just threw all this stuff out the window. I think the communication and transportation inventions (phone, internet, car, bike etc) are pretty crucial if I want to maintain my lifestyle, but the rest? Nice, yes, but ultimately superfluous. | |
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retina said: Oh come on Fauxie, that's a ridiculous question and you know it. It's practically rhetorical.
Nobody would say possessions are more important to them even if it was true (unless they were joking/being sarcastic). I see your point though. Sometimes I stop and wonder how my life would change if I just threw all this stuff out the window. I think the communication and transportation inventions (phone, internet, car, bike etc) are pretty crucial if I want to maintain my lifestyle, but the rest? Nice, yes, but ultimately superfluous.
I know, I know, but tt's not necessary that someone actually posts that they live for and need their possessions desperately. The wry smile as we post how we could care less about them and instead live for experiences is enough. 
... [Edited 6/15/05 3:16am] | |
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Fauxie said: retina said: Oh come on Fauxie, that's a ridiculous question and you know it. It's practically rhetorical.
Nobody would say possessions are more important to them even if it was true (unless they were joking/being sarcastic). I see your point though. Sometimes I stop and wonder how my life would change if I just threw all this stuff out the window. I think the communication and transportation inventions (phone, internet, car, bike etc) are pretty crucial if I want to maintain my lifestyle, but the rest? Nice, yes, but ultimately superfluous.
I know, I know, but tt's not necessary that someone actually posts that they live for and need their possessions desperately. The wry smile as we post how we could care less about them and instead live for experiences is enough.
... [Edited 6/15/05 3:16am] Alright, point taken. | |
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Where's Lock4u when you need her?  | |
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Fauxie said: Where's Lock4u when you need her?
 | |
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When I'm depressed I spend money on some gadget I really have no use for and get tired of after a few days when the novelty wears of. I'm the first to sell or give away something I don't need though, so in the end the actual object means very little to me. | |
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I definitely go for experiences. I've given up buying an iPod cause I keep paying for travel and hanging out with friends and such. And an iPod isn't even that expensive. I didn't own a car for 5 years, not cause I truly couldn't afford one, but I just chose to spend my money on other things and I live in an area that I could get by w/public transportation for the most part.
My only "vice" in this area is clothes, shoes and bags. I do get quite a thrill when I go shopping. And I certainly have more of all of the above than one needs to function. Way more. But I love them. I don't think they're status symbols as such, as my taste isn't that expensive all the time either. For me its just about having fun with fashion. |
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It depends on what the possesions are.
For instance I got a PDA for XMas one year and became totally dependent upon it. I feel like I can't live without it at this point. However, when it broke I was lost. Fortunately it was replaced and upgraded so I'm pretty much happy. I do love electronic gadgets, but my current PDA take care of most of those now. Built in Microsoft, MP3, Camera etc. So I don't need to buy those items separately either. I can even play movies on the thing. Wonderful for traveling. However, I'm with Carrie about the clothes. LOVE THEM!!!!! However, I'm an excellent shopper, but I only shop for myself. Not to fit in or get compliments from others. My own self satisfaction comes first. Now my Prince Stuff. That's a whole different subject. **************************************************
If the wind blew every petal from your precious red rose 
Would U be afraid of what U'd find inside? 
Prince - Dreamin' About U | |
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Fauxie said: The wry smile as we post how we could care less about them and instead live for experiences is enough.
 | |
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I love possessions in general,
& I tend to be REALLY INTO certain of them that I have.. but at the end of the day, & when the smoke clears I think it's the experiences that I appreciate the most because I can always "re-live" them in my mind.. the BREATHTAKING views from the hills of Capri.. some DELICIOUS pizza e vino rosso that I enjoyed in some little tavola calda in Milano.. the SHEER JOY of my EAGLES beating the 'skins.. a passionate kiss.. experiences like this can stay with you for a LONG TIME. also, to me there is simply something that's more.. "tangible" about living an experience at that moment.. how it's sort of a "validation" of BEING ALIVE.. I'll see you tonight..
in ALL MY DREAMS.. | |
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Find happiness from the inside....
Usually to me, the smallest of tokens have the greatest meaning....kind words and friendly jestures stay with me longer than posessions.  | |
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Well Fauxie....talk about a loaded question there I don't think you have to be in one area or the other actually.
I just got a new iPod and love it. Music is an extension of me and to have the ability to take it with me in one awesome little package is fantastic to me. I also have an XBOX and a cell phone and computer.... those things bring me enjoyment for each of their own reasons, but none as a status symbol. I could go without any of these items...but I don't have to.... As for experiences...I am all about experiences too. I love the little things, walking down the beach hand in hand, quick little kisses and I love you's. I am also very sense oriented, as are most males. We respond to smell and touch and things that appeal to our eye..... So to answer your question..... probably both!
Unfinished thought edit! [Edited 6/15/05 6:05am] | |
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experiences are so much more better. | |
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92% experiences ...8% possessions
i would trade all i "own" if needed to keep one minor experience possessions are totally replaceable an experience has the power to mold a lifetime plus...i am not one that enjoys the process ( shoping = experience ) of attaining said possessions BOOOOO for shopping | |
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Well, as a true Gemini, I'd have to say both.
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gemini13 said: Well, as a true Gemini, I'd have to say both.
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experiences. | |
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Experiences. I not bothered about possessions of any kind, except for good shoes and toothpaste. The first time I moved away from where I was born I gave it all away, but then, I was emotianally drained dry and psychologially scoodaddle at the time. But I'd do it all again, oh aye. People who define themselves through what they own are generally moronic and dull. Money makes me a bit nauseous, if I'm honest. I don't trust it. It infects people like that ring in that film. I need very little except for my legs and my mouth to get by and enjoy and expereince whatever this ongoing oddness continues to reveal. I'd be quite content in a sleeping bag somewhere, but with good shoes and toothpaste, as I said. | |
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Number23 said: I'd be quite content in a sleeping bag somewhere, but with good shoes and toothpaste, as I said.
Welcome to bkw's world.
except for the shoes and toothpaste bit.  | |
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My weaknesses are designer sunglasses and pocketbooks. I know it's silly, but I just have to have them...they make me feel like a movie star! | |
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