https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-book-about-trying-to-acquire-happiness-through-consumption Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 09:51:34 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-book-about-trying-to-acquire-happiness-through-consumption#post-506456 Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:42:54 +0000 Isis 506456@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for posting about this book; I have it on hold at my library! Looking forward to reading it!</p> <p>My thoughts on this is that most people need to buy, purchase, consume in order to live in our society. The trap becomes when it is all about consumption, and not the experience. And when debt is acquired in order to consume more and more. Many Americans have fallen into this trap.......and debt becomes a prison. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-book-about-trying-to-acquire-happiness-through-consumption#post-506391 Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:16:12 +0000 Makrame 506391@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here is one podcast <a href="http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2011-11-23/holiday-shopping-and-economy?page=1" rel="nofollow">http://thedianerehmshow.org/sh.....omy?page=1</a> . It actually came out before Black Friday and talked mostly about Black Friday shopping but I know I heard another podcast somewhere with the same author. He also was recently interviewed on NPR again.<br /> <a href="http://www.npr.org/2012/01/03/144621365/when-to-put-the-brakes-on-brand-names-for-kids" rel="nofollow">http://www.npr.org/2012/01/03/.....s-for-kids</a></p> <p>I think I was intrigued by a review of Alain de Botton's book but never tracked it down. Thanks for the reminder, Isabel! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-book-about-trying-to-acquire-happiness-through-consumption#post-506133 Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:21:23 +0000 Jonesy 506133@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, these ideas really resonate with me. The goal, for me at least, is about balance, and appreciating and delighting in what I have now (family, friends, work, exercise, mindfulness practice, etc.) rather than always seeking something else and looking toward the future. This can be about material possessions and about future roles, experiences, etc.. It's about the NOW! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-book-about-trying-to-acquire-happiness-through-consumption#post-506123 Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:15:59 +0000 Vix 506123@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Makrame --</p> <p>Thanks for the recommendation; I will at least try to find those podcasts. I am a sucker for science of happiness + science of branding research so love when both topics are combined.</p> <p>I do think Americans are especially prone to the "triumph of hope over experience" when it comes to buying things to fill emotional needs. But I also agree with Helen that beautiful things can enrich our lives in small but important ways.</p> <p>[Guess that's why I'm drawn to books about why one buys possessions as well as the possessions themselves...does that make me the perfect sucker/consumer?]</p> <p>ps to Isabel -- I've enjoyed Alain de Botton's work (even though he simultaneously irritates me with his insane privilege, ha) and didn't realize I'd missed one of his books. Thanks for the heads-up! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-book-about-trying-to-acquire-happiness-through-consumption#post-506084 Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:30:19 +0000 Isabel 506084@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This sounds fabulous. This reminds me of Julette Schor's , " Overspent American" and "Overworked American" . I can't wait to read your suggestion.....</p> <p>Makrame, one more thing, do you remember which NPR show this was on ? I would love to listen to the podcast.</p> <p>Another great and hysterical book along the same vein is "Status Anxiety" by Alain de Botton. Can you tell I love this stuff ? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-book-about-trying-to-acquire-happiness-through-consumption#post-506059 Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:08:03 +0000 Inge 506059@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for this suggestion, Makrame, I'm definitely going to try to track this book down.</p> <p>Helen: I agree about your fleeting moment point of view, and absolutely agree that joy can sometimes come from objects or material things that inspire us. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-book-about-trying-to-acquire-happiness-through-consumption#post-505489 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:33:12 +0000 HelenInCanada 505489@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting thoughts. I should put my comment in context - I don't believe being able to buy lovely material things (this can include a car, decent clothing, and a comfortable home, which CAN change your experience in life, and your interactions) are the solution to serious problems like loneliness, poverty, destitution, spiritual emptiness, and a lack of purpose. I just meant that happiness can be a fleeting and wonderful moment-to-moment experience (rather than a constant and unwavering state - and certainly not something we can experience every moment of every day, no matter what our circumstance), and so 'things' that bring us joy, ease, perhaps inspiration such as a work of art - and this can also include buying gifts - can help attain that feeling - as opposed to irritation, boredom, or disdain. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-book-about-trying-to-acquire-happiness-through-consumption#post-505445 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:42:28 +0000 Makrame 505445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the point the author was making was very similar to what Sharon has said - that people are known to derive the most happiness from interpersonal relationships and engaging in the community, and acquiring material things, when done excessively, can interfere with family time and community engagement. More time spent working to earn more money to buy more stuff may not equal increased happiness.</p> <p>That said, I agree with Helen - beautiful things can promote well-being to some extent. Also, exercise and/or camping/hiking are made more pleasant by having nice exercise clothes and suitable hiking gear. :)</p> <p>Hopefully the book is as insightful as it sounds from the reviews - I am looking forward to reading it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-book-about-trying-to-acquire-happiness-through-consumption#post-505421 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:12:54 +0000 Jem 505421@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the review! That sounds like an interesting book to read. I'm going to check it out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-book-about-trying-to-acquire-happiness-through-consumption#post-505350 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:57:58 +0000 Anonymous 505350@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow that sounds like a GREAT book. I really like that kind of subject (having been through some self-inflicted austerity to reach financial goals--for many years). I will see if my library has it, too! Thanks for your review! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-book-about-trying-to-acquire-happiness-through-consumption#post-505345 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:53:12 +0000 Sharon 505345@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I read a book on this topic called "Luxury Fever" that looked at factors that provide proven, long term increases in happiness. They stated that buying things did increase happiness, but only briefly until the thrill of the new wore off. The exception was buying things for a hobby or passion, which I guess is what Helen is saying.<br /> From memory, the non-monetary things that inspire happiness were:<br /> Being engaged with family<br /> Exercise<br /> Living close to work (reducing commuting time)<br /> Having a close circle of friends<br /> There were a few more, but I have forgotten them- I will have to re-read it, or maybe read Shiny Objects. I remember it made a big impact when I read it several years ago, and even resulted in me making some lifestyle changes in line with the evidence presented. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-book-about-trying-to-acquire-happiness-through-consumption#post-505327 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:12:58 +0000 HelenInCanada 505327@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will be checking this out - sounds like a great read. For the record, I think beautiful things can rightly inspire happiness. Perhaps not pay the mortgage/find your soulmate/give you eternal peace, but definitely put a smile on your (and others') face. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-book-about-trying-to-acquire-happiness-through-consumption#post-505276 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:06:22 +0000 rachylou 505276@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like a fascinating read!</p> <p>Was chatting with someone last week. We both like to camp/hike, but had to agree there are certain realities. There's a reason human history is one long story of material acquisition. Being "out in nature" all the time is pretty rough on a person. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-book-about-trying-to-acquire-happiness-through-consumption#post-505267 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:56:21 +0000 Anonymous 505267@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds really interesting. I'd like to read it too:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-book-about-trying-to-acquire-happiness-through-consumption#post-505211 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:34:44 +0000 Claudia 505211@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for posting about this. I am interested in reading this book. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-book-about-trying-to-acquire-happiness-through-consumption#post-505200 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:25:42 +0000 Makrame 505200@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was listening to several NPR podcasts over the weekend while doing housework, and heard a couple of interviews with an author and researcher who wrote a book called "Shiny objects". The book talks about trying to use consumption as a way to acquire happiness. I thought it might be an interesting read for those who are interested in the science of happiness, and also a nice distraction for the YLFabers who are doing SYC this year. I reserved it at my library and hope to read it soon.</p> <p>As a somewhat creepy coincidental observation, I noticed that Zappos shipping box sitting in my recycling bin has a label that says in big bold letters "Packed with happiness".</p> <p>From "The book lady's blog": "The Beatles may have sold us on the notion that money can’t buy us love, but what about happiness? In Shiny Objects, veteran marketer and professor of consumer behavior James A. Roberts pulls back the curtain on advertising, the American Dream and contemporary consumerism in an attempt to encourage reflection on spending habits and a return to non-material pursuits.</p> <p>Two parts sociology and one part self-help, Shiny Objects contains a thorough review of the literature related to spending and happiness. Roberts calls attention to the deep contradiction between Americans’ stated belief that material possessions cannot make us happy and the undeniable fact that we continue to buy as if they will. Additionally, numerous studies indicate that happiness is largely biologically determined–that we inherit it rather than acquire it–so though we may feel a boost in happiness immediately after a purchase, it is short-lived. We quickly adapt to the “new normal” and begin looking for the next acquisition and the next temporary bump. (So much for those thoughts of “Everything will be better when we get the new house/car/skinny jeans.”)" </p>