The Price We Pay For Consumerism

[@adrien369]

I’m 19 and realized consumerism was getting ahold of me. I noticed I wanted to work more and spend less time with others because I wanted things. One day I took a step back and asked why? For the life of me, the only reason I found was to impress others and that’s when it hit me. I don’t care what others think. I’ve been saving money for college and only spending when necessary

[@ElAgustin]

I think between 18-27 you establish your behaviors that will follow you for the rest of your life! If you're intentional at this phase of your life, your behaviors will become natural when you get older! I wish you luck and, as I say, don't take yourself too seriously (at 19) because no one is taking you seriously, haha!

[@lexheart5877]

Its great that you realized that still being 19. Life is better without caring for what others think.

[@maxwellsandor1876]

Same age man and I'm right there with you. My irl friends don't think or feel the same way I do even when I try talking to them about it. Seeing this comment really makes me feel less alone. Thanks brother

[@adrien369]

@@maxwellsandor1876 glad to bring you peace of mind, brother. Be safe and take care

[@Bawkr]

Took a long time to hit me but I also didn't work for money for a lot of years I studied and tried stuff and failed to make money at them. But eventually I realized as well. I think at this point I even missed out on having a sports car, I hit a age of maturity before I got to enjoy one to where it's almost not a pursuit of mine. Aside from that sports car I have very little wants that are money based.

[@lindalately]

The older I’ve gotten the more I’ve come to this realization and I’ve cut down a ton on what I purchase. As long as your basic needs are met, that is more than enough

[@Sonna-pq2zx]

I agree, and ironically, overconsumption is what keeps us from being able to have enough money for our basic needs.

[@rollingdudes8859]

I wish ALL WOMEN were just like you!!!

[@punchline43]

Our basic needs met isn't more than enough, its _exactly_ enough.

[@tonyahenry4167]

Same here I hardly buy anything outside of the basics

[@workinprogresssince1974]

It was greed that got us here. We didn't know when to take a step back and say 'I have enough'.

[@lindalately]

Couldn’t agree more

[@aaronaustrie]

Well said!

[@shineymcshine5026]

One of the 7 deadly sins.

[@TheAlibabatree]

@@timetheory84 It doesn’t have to be a choice between “everyone for themselves” vs “government forced authoritarianism”. We need a culture of collectivism. Look at a place like Japan. Their government is not much stricter than our own, and doesnt force people to act a certain way. But they have a mutual understanding of collective well being.

[@TheArtkaw]

Thanks a lot, Reagan!

[@dimitristripakis7364]

My mother taught me quality of life. This means sports, playing the music, going to trips, going to restaurants. None of these involves buying all the time. You can spend a quality lifetime with a $300 guitar.

[@HeatherHolt]

Such a Fight Club based message and I love it. “Working jobs we hate to buy shit we don’t need”

[@thedativecase9733]

"...to impress people we don't like"

[@HeatherHolt]

@@thedativecase9733 😍 a book reader! Do you prefer the book or the movie. I’m a little mix of both… I prefer the ending of the book but things like how the narrator and Tyler “met”, I prefer the movie. The beach scene was just too silly for me. I think David fincher took some of the best parts of the book and left out some of the weaker ones. Plus I saw the movie before I read the book so I have a bit of bias.

[@SirenaSpades]

It's funny people are bringing up Fight Club. This is actually an old fashioned message. It's the same as impressing the Joneses, etc.

[@ronjr831]

Totally agree. I had enough money in retirement but continued working to buy more and better stuff. I realized that I was wasting precious time to buy stuff. I stopped working. I have enough stuff ! Time is more precious than stuff ! Thanks.

[@stuffchat]

What do you do with your time now?

[@allessfyrdikaz1482]

Thank you, Augustino, for your words! Today the most creepy thing for me was " We don't need community..." i can see every day how especially elderly people suffer from lonliness....

[@ElAgustin]

Yeah, it's sad.

[@ilkaperez9119]

God how I pray for the young Adults to open there eyes and mind . This world is a mess . I saw a post that stated “to everyone in the laundromat on your iPhone 13 you could of had a washer and dryer for the same price “! Enough said !!!!!

[@YourMajesty143]

That's short-sighted, considering most people pay for their phones $0 down and with a monthly fee on their phone bill. Most people nowadays are priced out of owning homes, so not many have access to hookups in their rentals anyway. In fact, my landlord charges extra to use his washer/dryer, so it's cheaper to use a laundromat. My co-worker once lived in a complex that had a bed bug issue, so to avoid contaminating her clothes, she went to a reputable laundromat that was clean. I know of people who use the laundromat for their large commercial machines in order to wash big items like blankets and curtains. I remember a girl talking on her phone about her machine breaking down and having to use the laundromat until a new part was shipped in. I also remember as a kid when our pipes burst during the winter and the washing machine hose ripped in half flooding our house. We used a laundromat and my grandma's washing machine for months. There was another instance when our neighbor's water got shut off that forced them to use a laundromat until it was restored. Point is, we don't know people's situation. This tweet was judgmental and assumptive. Mind you, the phone could've been a Xmas gift or bday gift. I buy my high-end electronics either used, refurbished, or replenished. Expecting young adults to open their eyes and mind is silly considering the youngest generations are the ones who made minimalism, thrifting, and anti-capitalism trendy. It's the old guard who have created the systemic structures and culture that promote consumerist traps. Don't mistake the victims of said traps and conflate them with the originators & perpetuators who profit from it.

[@afridgetoofar1818]

Most apartments don’t allow you to install your own washer & dryer.

[@CampingforCool41]

@@YourMajesty143 not to mention smart phones are literally required for many jobs.

[@hiddenname9809]

People don't need to have the expensive iPhones. There are alternatives. But it is much easier to feel like a victim and not in control of your life. Young people also tend to think they know everything, so... I usually just let them be. Hardships are life lessons that are good to have.

[@Jake-rs9nq]

​@@CampingforCool41 There are plently of $200 smartphones that are just as capable as a $1400 iPhone.

[@AnnMitt]

It is so strange to me to watch families grow apart and not even care about each other. Ruthless, really. IMO, the streaming, cable, and social media have replaced any last remaining part of being a family. It's just crazy to watch it happen. 😕

[@ElAgustin]

It's weird when you see internet company ads of a family all in one room on a bunch of different devices. Very dystopian.

[@Christina-sf4py]

@@ElAgustin in reality they're usually in different rooms...

[@carlosdgutierrez6570]

@@TASwims everything was great till you brought up religious crap onto the mix

[@RareAries323]

🥺

[@markm0000]

@@TASwims I'm religious and I know you're wrong. The power that controls what we see on the internet is the beast. I am thankful this video was recommended to me. Maybe inside of KZbin someone is trying to do good and fix this. We can only hope the good overcomes this evil.

[@katherinepace7369]

So many nuggets of wisdom! I think it's no coincidence that many internet creators are called "influencers" as their primary purpose seems to be to influence us to spend money to be something/buy something. I have found my life is much more peaceful the less I engage in media and spend time reading , meditating, and helping others.

[@britishchickinusa]

i love love your videos. you are spot on i am a caregiver and was gettint very depressed w my life but now im busy purging and decluttering and minimalizing and enjoying my hubby who is having health issues and is getting close to end o f his life and im appreciating him more. thank you

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks!!

[@jambajoby32]

My mom left right after I turned 18 (she moved to get married) & my very first thanksgiving/Xmas as a man was family-less & I realized at that moment holidays are hyper-consumerism

[@stevenmcmillian1977]

I’m guilty of Consumerism. It makes us ignore the needs of others.

[@cathypreddie98]

So true! Very addicting:(

[@millie9814]

My sister's friend needs only about $1.500 for a life saving surgery and no one we know who can donate wants to donate it. I guess saving for a vacation is more important than saving a life. Unfortunately I don't have this amount nor does my sister. I guess ppl who are more cold hearted and selfish make more money. Sorry for sounding negative, I really needed to vent.

[@anene4914]

True! I watched this single mother spend every day off she had going shopping for stuff she didn't need! Meanwhile, her kids barely ate any real food and had only 1 pair of shoes, and she had her closet full of shoes.

[@cassandraknight8804]

Or the need for others, I’m guilty of trying to replace things for people. Both are hard work.

[@joshbonshor7428]

The point about tik-tok is so spot on- Its crazy watching a bunch of a folk completely lose themselves in an attempt to be "the new viral". It's easily the most dangerous social media platform. Great video dude.

[@idicula1979]

There comes a point in everyone’s life when they must answer what is the point to life? Is it to just continually acquire material and status that just end up filling the illusions of our waking moments. Or is it quality of life to know you and those around you are actually achieving a higher purpose in life, not fixed to the pointless items of our day, but to live it in the service of humanity and our mental well-being.

[@Raquesheety]

I wish more young people like you would have the intelligence and wisdom you possess. Thank you for this content.

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks!

[@UkSapyy]

Lots of young people do... The young are the ones leading a lot of this. The old adopted consumerism, but the young are reevaluating this considering we're the ones that can't buy homes under the current model created by previous generations.

[@dedhampster4730]

@@UkSapyy You are so right that it is the "young ones" (some of us early millennials now lat 30s early 40s +/-) becoming minimalist, letting go of consumption and living simpler lives. Our parents and grandparents keep buying and pressuring us to buy, have babies, buy more etc. It is hard to explain that we economicly cant do so and lack social support. Asking a babyboomer parent to watch a kid when all the daycares are closed ia like asking them to cut off an arm. Another thought i wanted to share is that the younger generations now becomeing early adults are railing against the idea of work. I asked the teens in my life why and they said all they see is me stressing at a computer for seemingly intangible production (paraphrasing because my niece used the word "fake" in her long explanation). She isnt wrong. I work hard, get paid less than my mother did in the 90s doing the same job, and i never see the fruits of the 99% of productivity, but ill hear about it if i make a mistake.

[@triplejazzmusicisall1883]

Yes so do I. I am middle aged but have friends who are part of a younger generation and their families just consume at an enormous rate. I pointed this out and just copped abuse back. For every intelligent, aware person like yourself their seems to b e a tribe that simply either don't understand or worse they choose not too. So much easier to put your head in the sand. Good for you as often I think a person needs both a kind soul as well as perceptive intelligence. Both are require to recognise societal issues that run rampant on a grand scale and stand up against it or at least not buy into it. Cheers.

[@UkSapyy]

@Ded Hampster I agree, I'm in my middle 20s. The mentality of I'll do my best to buy to keep and not buy to consume is coming about, not for eco reasons but because if we restlessly consume, we'll be in our 30s moving to our 40s renting. And on the topic of work, I remind my managers they have bullshit jobs. The older generations love sticking to a middle management system of bullshit working & over administration, I.e. middle management. This system comes with a hierarchy of social status, which discriminates against people because we all know the person who is most liked gets the job because the competency part has been watered down. It is disgusting that we first look to cut the lower social status jobs that, in reality, output the most value. Instead, we should be pushing management down and closer to where the value is. The younger generations, those in the 20s, 30s, and early 40s, need to become more political. We need to enact change and not switch off. We should fight against what we dislike to adopt management styles colleges and universities teach, fund socail services to reduce the amount private companies leach of our need to survive, make more socail projects to secure the future, that stoic idea of we start something not to reap the reward but to find meaning in doing and we should make it easier to setup small private businesses for those that have the ambition. The era of empires came to an end, and it is about time we did the same for big corporations, they say they're to big to fail, but these are just private empires are the same as other empires, I'm sure they thought the same about Rome. We build it so we can change it, 1848 was in the era of exploitation, but was the year of labour movements. In 2023, we've got so much history and recorded knowledge that we shouldn't be in the position we are, I hope in the history books we are the ones that learned and did something positive 🙏

[@WoodRabbitTaoist]

I read a proverb one time that said "it is not the one that has everything that is wealthy; it is the one who needs the least that is truly wealthy."

[@dianec690]

You had me in tears. What you’re saying has really made so much sense. You’ve got me thinking. I’m 68 years old and caught up in consumerism. Oh how I wish I would have known so many years ago what I’ve learned today. I still have time to make most of these changes Thank you so much for putting these videos out there you’re making a difference.

[@GenghisKhanner]

Gotta love how Fight Club remains relevant. The surrounding fan base angst aside, there’s a lot to observe from the book and film. “We work jobs we hate, to buy shit we don’t need…We have no ‘Great Depression’, our Great War is a spiritual war, our depression is our lives.”

[@michaelf2802]

I give you this one Choose life. Choose a job. Choose a career. Choose a family. Choose a fucking big television, choose washing machines, cars, compact disc players and electrical tin openers. Choose good health, low cholesterol, and dental insurance. Choose fixed interest mortgage repayments. Choose a starter home. Choose your friends. Choose leisurewear and matching luggage. Choose a three-piece suit on hire purchase in a range of fucking fabrics. Choose DIY and wondering who the fuck you are on Sunday morning. Choose sitting on that couch watching mind-numbing, spirit-crushing game shows, stuffing fucking junk food into your mouth. Choose rotting away at the end of it all, pissing your last in a miserable home, nothing more than an embarrassment to the selfish, fucked up brats you spawned to replace yourselves. Choose your future. Choose life … But why would I want to do a thing like that

[@DerDudelino]

Yes, you are spot on. Amazon made life incredibly easy but it also makes you spend a huge amount on nonsense. Before Amazon, we used to go to the store - so it was quite a conscious decision to buy something. With Amazon, it's a click of a button. And Instagram makes us feel shit which is also a distorted reality. I used to date a influencer model and what's so crazy about their business is that often they fly to Dubai, shoot a huge amount of Insta Stories, Reels and pictures in like 3 days and post them over a month. And everyone is like - oh, they are always on holiday. Fun fact: They are not :O) There are way fewer people living the perfect life than we think.

[@robertwatson5104]

I swim a lot and it’s the only thing that gives me real pleasure,, chills me out and lifts my spirits . I’m just totally overwhelmed by the world I live in now

[@justcomp1]

I don't agree that the road we are on was paved with good intentions. The intention was to make money at all cost. We eat, drink and breathe poisonous chemicals but that doesn't matter. What matters is that corporations made billions in profit. I don't consider profit-making a good intention. The rest of your talk was pretty good, Austin. You are a wise, young chap.

[@kriketprayme]

We have made a lot of progress in technology and the medical field. The standard of living has gotten better. We even went to space. While I understand your point, I think there's a tiny positive side to it as well.

[@razorkid1525]

It all boils down to narcissism. We are living in a world where either we are working for the benefit of someone's narcissism or we are imposing ours on others. It permeates politics, ideologies, art, fashion, relationships and the search for happiness.

[@bensk8in467]

I have studied myself and society for a long time and I have come to one conclusion I see hurting everyone in almost any facet of society. Choices lol. The best ones rarely make it to the front and people are wasting so much time trying to decide on things. What to eat, what to watch, what to wear, which model to buy, what to do for fun, it’s endless. It pushed me towards minimalism and healthier choices. I cook for myself and stick to foods that keep me feeling the best and channel all my efforts at just a few hobbies. People are spreading themselves thin putting their eggs in too many baskets. I say what can you get rid of to clear your head instead of adding more. 💯 on the dopamine. Quit chasing it and you’ll be at peace more all the time with little or less. If you can’t tame choice your life will always be chaotic.

[@DavidSweetnam]

Avril Lavigne represent 😃 i think a lot of our problems are a consequence of the fall of the family and traditional religion, and the rise of big government and corporations. I saw an interesting clip earlier where a host made fun of an Indian woman for living at home as an adult. And the Indian woman replied: “Well in my country we don’t have to make an appointment to see our parents..” So I think it all comes back to no. 7 - community.

[@marcusfieldfield4069]

Destroying the traditional family and traditional religion is part of the divide and conquer strategy of the government

[@traceycolvin0504]

The Indian woman made good sense. The way society is today, people are so caught up on Me, myself, and I. No time for anyone else. Especially our parents...Sad

[@kikukookie]

That indian woman was Aishwarya Rai Bachchan... She is one of the most popular actresses of her time in India. In India, we don't have " living separately from parents " concept... Our parents upbring us with their hearts, it's not fair to leave them alone in their old days when they need to be looked after. In India, if it's not a must to leave, adults don't leave their parents and live with them under the same roof.

[@YourMajesty143]

I disagree, I left my religion a decade ago and have been free of the toxic, patriarchal & misogynistic expectations that were formerly placed on me. I lived in peace, free of gender role expectations and the consumptive habits of my culture which included parties, events, and other expensive traditions. COVID forced me to live back with my family, which meant reuniting with a mother who had allowed our grandfather to abuse us as children and a bipolar brother who doesn't believe in vaccinations or medicine. My life has been non-stop chaos ever since my return, their conservative religion is being forced down my throat, I'm constantly fighting with a narcissist who tries to nitpick and control me, I'm forced to engage in stupid old customs that I can't afford bc "tradition is important", etc. My mental health has gotten worse. There are many of you who are privileged enough to have healthy families, but most people are choosing to find family in their friends and spiritual circles. Family isn't the only community that exists. And blood is not thicker than water. Some families are too toxic to salvage. Religion is also toxic. Non-religious countries have the lowest crime-rates, highest education, highest financial stability, lowest divorce rates, lowest domestic abuse and child abuse rates, etc. On the other hand, religious countries have the highest crimes, lowest financial stability and education, and also harbor the most abusive family structures. Religious people account for majority of incarcerated individuals, while Atheists and Agnostics make up less than 0.2%! Most of the wars in human history were driven by religion. So I wholeheartedly disagree that the modern problems stem from family disconnection and religious apostasy. It's the religious conservatives and libertarians who have done everything in their power to ensure privatization, decentralized capitalism, and corporatism are upheld. These people who hold traditional family values and religiosity are the main gatekeepers and voters of pro-corporate leaders. They're the ones most likely to mock POC. Majority of Millenials and Gen Z who are priced out of the housing market live with their parents.

[@YourMajesty143]

Btw David Letterman wasn't making fun of Aishwarya Rai. He asked curiosly "Do you live with your parents, is that true? Is that common for older children to live with their parents in India?" and she gave him a sassy response, to which he replied "Oh I think we learned something here tonight" and then proceeded with the rest of his questions.

[@popaoomowmow]

Im 2 years old and i really like your videos. Ive managed to become financially stable through being extremely frugal.

[@aaronaustrie]

I used to think before that in order to be successful in life you must go to college. But after watching a couple of videos on life and education as a whole I’ve changed my mind📌

[@kriketprayme]

I think going to college is still a good idea, but I've no freaking idea why higher education in the United States is so damn expensive. It's super cheap to do your post graduation where I live, (if it's a non-technical course).

[@lynn9935]

It is refreshing to be able to watch a video that we can learn from yet doesn't try to sell us on the latest "IT" THING. LOVE that about your channel.

[@ElAgustin]

Trying to keep the ads out (while still keeping the lights on)!

[@ashleighsparkle8810]

Lol he sold himself and you bought it with a click, comment and interaction.

[@Lmmarshall4]

I’m going to take time to process this video😉these are all excellent points. Once again, the information is good and beneficial. The problem is we jump to another video before actually processing the one we just watched and not really applying it to our lives. Abundance is good when used for good and not simply for ourselves.

[@SemekiIzuio]

Dont use we, its you.

[@Tylky]

This is a very good video and highlights the way modern society is now working. What saddens me is that whilst hope does exist, I'm pessimistic about the tides turning anytime soon. People are currently so hooked on their phones, and they don't even realise it. All the while the likes of TikTok, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram are lapping up the profits whilst knowingly enabling addictive behaviours in consumers. It all runs like a slot machine and they (the websites) know it. I'm fully aware of the situation, but that's like a tiddler in a vast ocean of humanity. Thankfully, my nephew, who at the age of 12, is conscious of what's going on with him, and has considered turning his phone off when going to bed at night, rather than scrolling through the abundance that is TikTok. There may be a light at the end of the tunnel.

[@Si-mc6dl]

Was a soldier for 10 years. Mostly posted in the middle of freakin nowehere. It was bliss. Travelled the world on the terms of the military and saw the duality of humanity. Was not bombarded by advertisements everywhere in shop windows, billboards, and only really used the internet for world news and staying connected with friends and family. Had my social media locked down for security and still only have people that I know personally linked with my social accounts. What I've found since leaving the military four years ago is that the world is pretty damn miserable and at some point I've started slipping down the same slope. For months I've been trying to think outside the box to protect myself from so much negative influence. Question everything, assess and decide what is needed and prioritise needs over wants. Use money wisely and in a way that it will work for you and not against. Do we really need as much as the influence of fantasy is telling us? Seen thousands of people in the world who do not live in the consumerism of the highly developed world with only what they need with which they make their own high quality happiness.

[@heavenstibetsee5716]

Thanks for sharing your insight! Incidentally "High Quality Happiness" is a great band name.

[@DerDudelino]

Super interesting take, thanks for that. I actually thought this is something people miss. Let's say you come from the US, which is this glamourized bling-bling world of abundance where you can get a pizza at 3am in the night at every corner. And you get send to Iraq where all in a sudden you are encapsulated in just a military base that I guess you can leave, but it's dangerous so you don't do it for private and fun purpose.

[@Si-mc6dl]

@@heavenstibetsee5716 Hey that's pretty cool. Create your own money can never buy.

[@heavenstibetsee5716]

@@Si-mc6dl Totally agree with that sentiment! For me, I find it to be an on-the-nose critique of capitalism 'buying happiness' because ultimately that's what these companies pretend to be selling. Replace 'happiness' with a synonym like 'fulfillment' (centers) and you have Amazon, selling high quality happiness every day.

[@jyudat4433]

I’m not a Christian but there’s a bible verse along the lines of “He who chases pleasure (wine, oil, fun) will never be rich”. In other words “Pleasure leads to poverty”. Another quote I read in the book Hard Times by Stephen Aarnio is along the lines of “A man should never chase happiness, rather should chase fulfillment through his work and achievements” Thanks for making this video, it resonated deeply with me

[@isabelbecerra898]

yup pleasure is expensive

[@xfour]

it feels like we now have the choice to create as many realities as we like which is why mental health may be so bad

[@fgonzalez78959]

Watching your videos is like going to financial church..we all need that good word sometimes.

[@ElAgustin]

haha, thanks!

[@hazleah6271]

Omg spot on! I feel so much of what you said. I think we are becoming very insular it’s an absolute tragedy. I kept thinking I felt this because I’m getting older and kept wondering if anyone else noticed. I feel relieved it’s not just me, but also sad that it isn’t. Such great content. Thank you. Here’s hoping….

[@jaxthewolf4572]

This is why I'm gonna mostly buy things I need over things I want.

[@kensmechanicalaffair]

The more important question is, does this help bring value to society? Wants are normal, it's the delusional form of life that creates consumers.

[@paulrumohr]

Credit where credit is due- you have really put your mind to these huge issues that affect everyone's daily lives and come up with your own unique take on things. Consumerism, materialism, envy are like the water in the fishbowl that the fish have no idea they are in (except when they are out of it!). We often spin our wheels (and our minds) every day on things that really ultimately fail to lead to a sense of happiness or personal satisfaction. Keep up the good work!

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks! I'm trying to persevere over here, haha!

[@paulrumohr]

@@ElAgustin keep up the good fight!

[@Christina-sf4py]

This will be saved to my favourites list to come back to every now and then (not many on my list). Excellent points many of which no one has thought of before. Presented in a balanced way, with a touch of "hope". Greetings from the southern hemisphere. Ps heard this somewhere..."The malls are the new cathedrals", or something like that. Also... all this lack of community has real world costs. 3 years ago had a bad asthma attack and ended up in hospital for around 9 days. They asked me at around 5 days if I had anyone at home, I said no. So they kept me another 4 days. The nurse told me those with support at home only need to stay half the time of those living on their own for obvious reasons. So all single households cost more if that person becomes ill, thereby increasing health care costs for our countries.

[@kxr1725]

You made some really great points here. I thought I was already pretty informed about things like these, but you made me realize there's more to it than I thought. What you brought up are definitely things I will try to keep in mind moving forward!

[@isabelbecerra898]

cleaning and decluttering is my new hobby. it is hard to get started but once i get started and once i finish i feel like i've accomplished something

[@Eric-gk7sl]

Was legit about to write you off as just another person giving some fake hypocritical advice haha. But I was sucked in by your natural storytelling and very well thought out points. After being on a binge of doom and gloom videos about the economy, your video was a breath of fresh air. It’s nice to see someone so relatable on here, and actually in touch with the real issues we encounter. Thank you for these great perspectives and look forward to seeing some new videos.

[@papit5457]

Most people are really happy until happiness suddenly becomes a goal

[@davidjenson7773]

On point again! History teaches all of us so much yet we fail to remember community and it’s importance in life.

[@ElAgustin]

"We learn from history that we do not learn from history."

[@rockgamer3674]

@@ElAgustin yes, we only learnt what happened in the past but only few people get the lessons from the past.

[@lucieciepka1031]

Community is a coin with to sides, to be a part of one means not only to benefit from it, but also to contribute to it.

[@isabelbecerra898]

i have taught at this school for 12 years and i have brought my lunch packed at home to work everyday. i have never bought my lunch. i pack leftovers everyday. this has saved me thousands of dollars over the past 12 years!

[@LewisWillz]

I agree with everything you said, but I would adjust one detail : I think communities is not only what makes us human but also what makes us "feel alive". No wonder people feel more and more hopeless and lifeless.

[@PsiologaLilyValentina]

Claro que no vale la pena el precio que pagamos por tantas opciones. La vida era más real antes de la tecnología. Fue padrísimo crecer en los 70's y vivir la juventud en los 80's. Era un mundo con menos opciones y más alegría. Xo Agustín.

[@TLooP]

Si estoy de acuerdo. Lo mas que tenemos lo peor sentimos 😂

[@yeshalloween]

Let me be super cheesy for a moment and tell you thank you so much for this video. Indeed, it has done more for me than all the “sermons” I’ve been listening to at church this year. It has been an answer to the prayer of my heart recently in seeking more peace.

[@infinitebeing1119]

It is not the consumerism that ruins life it is your lack of awareness that ruins your life.

[@temismontenegromontenegro9319]

71 precious videos!!! This one made me realize that smartphones ( although we can't live without ) are as evil as consumerism because the family structure has totally been destroyed because of them. In the past the family used to eat and talk together, now each member is busy enough on their phones. So sad to see people wasting dear moments that won't come back.

[@chrisj699]

Pure wisdom! Cost 5 - A Complete Disrespect of Time is the most tragic and sad one. Here in the US we are being so brainwashed on daily basis that it's almost 100% impossible to escape this. On personal level, I really need to move back to Europe before I waste what's left of my life. It's no paradise there either. But at least you stand a chance...

[@ZackTrunzo]

Best video I have seen in 2022! Simply put, slow down, enjoy life, and stop comparing yourself to others.

[@TV-zm2vi]

Your level of analysis is very mature, and accurate.

[@kayvoee3295]

Great video bro. A lot of the times the issues of abundance can be depressing to see in our society around us. Especially as a zoomer most of my generation has this life style of abundance engrained to their soul. Your note at the end about hope is cool, but personally my driving factor is my own autonomy. Our most powerful asset a human is that we have physical control of our own bodies. Personally I don’t think these problems will go away anytime soon. The lifestyle is very comforting to a lot of people in it’s own way. Some people would fight with their life to preserve it. Way too many powerful people make money of it for it to ever die(also the dividing and weakening aspect makes it way too easy for them to keep control). Hate to be cliche but your own will power and ability to exercise your autonomy is the only way to break out of the proverbial “matrix pod”. Recently I’ve found my life style has changed completely. After adopting new habits, it’s so easy to see how much abundance and comfort can suck the color out of life. Will power and discipline is the skill gap that frees you from the clutches of empty comfort.😃

[@Abraham.Lincoln22]

“Live an intentional life.” Well said, Austin. 👍👍

[@tonyhodgkinson4586]

What does that mean, an intentional life? I mean consuming is one man’s intention.

[@RamAurelius]

@@tonyhodgkinson4586 that is an unintentional life

[@tonyhodgkinson4586]

@@RamAurelius none sense my life is full of abundant intention, I love life, I thank the lord god everyday for what I have all the blessings

[@cyshehni]

You're absolutely right about consumerism wrecking society Augustine and another part of that is also social media.

[@0ptimal]

Yea I remember being young and working out a lot and constantly looking at muscle magazines. I noticed that when I did I felt insecure about how I looked. I'd be constantly worried I was too small. And if I took a break it went away, I could see things more rationally. Learned a good lesson with that. Maybe just me tho, if I'd had stronger self esteem then maybe it wouldn't be an issue. I mean now days it doesn't seem to bother me much but I'm old lol.

[@dboi4952]

We've sold our souls for products.

[@neilschipper3741]

Preach to the choir! Abundance is not worth it! Happiness is appreciating what you have not wishing your life away. Appreciate and enjoy the blessings you have received.

[@rencechannel2240]

Exactly 100%

[@shineymcshine5026]

That book!- As a aspiring social worker, It was interesting to get an insight of each individual in that book & what fulfilled their dopamine high & how to conquer with help/guidance.

[@pugginspice]

Austin, I just started watching your channel, so good. We spent 3 weeks in an Austrian city this summer (Dornbirn), I was having trouble describing why I loved it so much. I think it was the slowness. We could walk to the market, restaurants, shops. Coffeeshops were sit down…. You had to ask for the check, no rushing. The surrounding nature was incredible. They have life figured out ❤.

[@ngilbert82]

Thanks for this, Austin. You're speaking the message that so many need to hear.

[@nikiclaypool8800]

Yes I agree!! It's why I chose to shut down my Facebook years ago.it made me sad to see people out to eat ignoring each other

[@heavenlygirl1019]

This is so great. I'm so glad your videos showed up in the algorithm on my feed

[@ElAgustin]

Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@ianbarr4716]

Austin, I'm watching your channel grow. This kind of video is "the why"....fantastic job. I wish you nothing but continued success. Cheers.

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks! I'm in the fight of my life. If I go down, I'm going down swingin!

[@Indead]

#6 is powerful as hell. Lovin' this video. Thank you sir.

[@krisamagus1]

This video i s a banger! I get heart palpitations, and allmost panic attack you are so right! I reckognized myself as a sinner and contributor to this madness. And I'm not that materialistic even at all. Thanks for the anxiety spiking in me!

[@kimmya1264]

Love this! I just discovered your channel...very interesting/inspiring 🤩 It's nice to hear someone put what's actually going on into words. I can definitely relate and understand where you're coming from. Thank you for your content!

[@pagecurie5512]

I really enjoy listening to this guy. His contents make me think. He is also very easy to listen to because he speaks very well.. love this channel. I hope I am not too late and that he is still releasing new content.

[@sunset4water]

the phrase that really got me was "then we create a need for spend more money..". Thats true....we create the want, the need, the desire....

[@mishka.a]

Going outside breathing the Earth and spending time with my friends (true friends, not with toxic people) helps me to appreciate what I have and where I am. Watching your content always makes me smile and I am very impressed by your intelligence and personality. Hope we could meet each other one day or in another lifetime :)

[@littlelily4]

My god I agree with everything you say... i'm 29 and it's so so sad to see how society has changed It's all about appearances

[@RustyNickels]

I love the irony of the Amazon links in the description.

[@simonshura9144]

Thanks for the heads up but he gotta make additional income himself he is smart atleast profiting of broke people online

[@sharonlugone5955]

My number one objection to consumerism is that it's destroying our beautiful planet. For what? The short lived dopamine hit that we get from buying. Thanks for the book recommendation! I put the audiobook version on hold for free through my Libby app. Because I have learned to wait for good things.

[@NAUM1]

Gratitude is the best way to fight against most of these problems. Abundance isn't necessarily a bad thing if you can enjoy the benefits it brings. We live in a time with ever decreasing poverty levels across the world, less children dying before the age of five, high literacy rates, and many other markers of progress. I liked the video because it brings good criticisms we need to be aware of but gratitude is the way to fight against them. I can be grateful my basic needs are met, I have friends and family to spend time with, and I can adapt to limitations. This gratitude makes it easy to not have a lot of these problems.

[@RareAries323]

Gratitude is the father of all virtues, I am grateful to read this comment because it was a beautiful reminder.

[@graceharrison265]

This is the first time I have ever commented on a KZbin but I just wanted to tell you I think this is the best video you have done. Everything you said was spot on and I really enjoyed it. Thank you. Good luck with your journey 😊

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks!!! I appreciate it!

[@Kate-oi9jn]

Wow!! I recently read a same book and found your chanel! I live in Korea and live with minimalism. Thanks for your nice videos. Living without TV for over 20 years helped me to have the idea living a simple life. Honestly, I love money and capitalism but I didn't want to be the target so I started minimalism and I feel free more than before. :)

[@VincentComet-l8e]

Very interesting, with some startling insights. I think it’s extremely important to be very, very strict about the thoughts & motivations we let into our mind. We need to ration them. So, for instance, I stopped watching TV years and years ago. And use adblockers elsewhere. With social media, and the massive mental overload it brings, used very sparingly. Ditto all the superficial consumerist garbage too. A much simpler, but more fulfilling life. That has to be the aim…

[@tgbandroid17]

Yes it’s worth it. Freedom to do or have what you want is always worth it. People always make this argument, acting like they aren’t in control of their own lives, to usher in legislation to mandate what you can or can’t have. Here’s a radical idea: don’t do the things that are bad for you. Stop acting like a victim, be an adult, and self-govern your actions.

[@danielrg5896]

Brilliant. All of these are much more precious than abundance. But especially community. A lack of community is selfishness, almost forced upon us. With all this abundance, why are there still homeless and hungry people? No community, selfishness. Taxes are someone else taking a bunch of your money and using it for what they deem the community needs. But you are removed from and unaware of that. What do YOU consciously give to your community, to others in need? Take of your abundance, and use it to benefit others, to connect with them, help them with their needs, live in the moment as Austin is saying, with and for those around you. Happiness is not pleasure. Pleasure and pain come and go. Happiness can be lasting, if you connect with others, connect with yourself, and with the moment. And, more people need religion. Religion has been far too vilified as of late, part of that skewed reality. Religion helps combat the negatives of abundance. Find it in your way, discover and follow your own beliefs, but let a positive religion of some sort, that teaches you to love yourself and your community, and invest in hope, be a part of your guiding principles.

[@la1sh]

One more cost to add, the biggest part of humanity is being forced into producing this abundance but have no access to it, only the consequences.

[@brettj.8888]

Time + attention = spiritual money!! If you are not using it efficently, someone else will do it for you. Unfortuanetly, social media are mean to disconnect people. To avoid addictions, be more present! Self awareness! Your time is priceless - remember that you are godlike (i.e: genesis 1).

[@freonsp]

The abundance of job applicants for employers makes it like winning the lottery for getting a job

[@schrodingerssquirrel6973]

"Money equals time" is an expression. Money equals time and energy is an equation.

[@Anglophile2012]

Great video One of the keys to being a minimalist is to surround yourself with minimalists and minimalist content

[@kristofferrobinsen]

That «we don’t need community» hit me hard. When I think about it, I have lost contact with many friends over the last years.

[@jarmelo2006]

Never be desperate for anything. I don't give a damn what it is. You must have an inner knowing that you are the man or woman boy or girl. The minute you see yourself ad less you allow these greedy mofos to cause you to doubt your abilities. Be desperate for nothing. You will achieve just keep going.

[@wreckitnick5464]

We were losing sight of the word 'CONTENTMENT', slowly but surely.

[@totoroben]

Okay I get what you're saying, but also I wanted to point out that part of our reason for consuming so much is that as a society we are overworked, and overworked people tend to consume more, and this is by design. Abundance in the form of more automation should make our lives easier, but it seems to have done the opposite. Do not mistake the pitfalls of a burned out population for "too much abundance"

[@singular9]

Out of all my friends I make the least money, joe average wage (if not below average). I can confidently say I am the happiest. Could I try harder, make more, work more, buy more, have more? Yes. For sure. But why? What a waste. I have what I need, and I have who I need. I spend enough to have a little fun, and live within my means and try to be smart with what money I have to maintain value of my assets and savings. You know what people call that? Boring. Being smart, reliable, efficient. It's boring. But rather boring that brain dead.

[@simonshura9144]

Lov that raw real point of view, if i only could save money myself man 😂

[@Biracialbaddie]

I’m happy 👍🏽 living my best life grateful for all the abundance of life 🙏🏽 y’all always got find a problem with everything instead of being grateful and making the most out do what you have

[@moonshot2738]

Society has really lost the plot. Sometimes I look around and think 'Am I the only sane one' with this consumer mentality.

[@D.von.N]

My conclusion is that if there was any intention, it wasn't good to provide plenty to everyone. That was just the luring tool. The real intention was was profit. My profit over profit of everyone else's. And hence the western production moved to developing countries, exploiting global inequality and WE pay the price for having cheaper goods. We pay the price for cheap junk food, grain companies receiving subsidies from our tax money and we pay twice for it: once in those subsidies and the second time with our health and medical expenses, because we find it financially attractive, convenient (you always pay for convenience), but receiving lower nutrition and excess calories. This junk was created for us to be unable to stop eating when we should be full and it makes us wanting more and more of it. Unless you recognise the trap and retract back to the basics, rediscover (if you ever knew it) the feeling of health, return to the natural way of eating and walking the isle full of chocolates and sweets and not being tempted to buy a single one. But coming to the rows of apples, oranges, pineapples... and the inner me sings with pleasure. Many have no idea how uplifting and refreshing is fresh pineapple with plain Greek yogurt... heaven in mouth.

[@Sonna-pq2zx]

Thank you for this video, I appreciate it! I’ve been thinking about this topic for the past few days, and it’s cool that this video popped up for me. I’m committing to myself to stop spending so much on things I don’t actually need. Consumerism is a nasty cycle!

[@EtherealReality]

Always need to live below your means and save/invest for the future.

[@javantgarde]

Permanently deleting my Facebook last month was the best decision I ever made. Urging anyone overwhelmed by the state of the world to do the same.

[@Pancakegr8]

I did the same thing maybe a year ago. I did it because I kept getting into arguments with basically everyone in my friends list. My screen time went down 47% after I deleted my account.

[@anitinakuhinja5747]

I did it, fb, instagram only tik tok have, but i will delet tik tok

[@lifeseries7944]

Christmas is coming and we are creating a generations of the young to love stuff by giving them tons of gifts, more than they need. Then, another big event of Birthday, party and more gifts. Then you wonder why the consumerism is out of control. When I don’t do it to my kids, it’s an uphill battle, especially with a American husband who loves things. I want to raise my kids to love people and use things but it’s hard when hubby is the other way.

[@YoNickSoko]

Our cell phones and social media have taken us out of the present moment. Going anywhere we should observe, socialize with who’s in our presence, feel in the current moment. Instead we’re constantly distracted by the alternate reality of our cell phones with hundreds of notifications being sent a day disturbing our sense of being in the present moment. Social media is always colossally messing with our dopamine response as we spend so much time wanting more. When we get a lot of likes we feel good, but when we don’t we feel like we’re not good enough. It’s all an illusion that wasn’t here when I was growing up in the early 2000s .

[@MatheusSilva-qm1ft]

0:57 _"People are more stressed out, overwhelmed and unhappier than ever."_ Source: trust me bro.

[@frostbitex23]

Thank goodness I ended up growing up with a budget-oriented mindset. The only time I would buy something if I really wanted it as a self-reward of sorts for milestones or it's an essential need such as food. Also never subscribed to any subscription services or went Pay to Win in certain videogames, in the case of the latter - I always went F2P and somehow, still manages to survive.

[@KevinVeroneau]

I can completely relate to scrolling through Netflix trying to figure out what to watch, except for me it's video games. Either scrolling through my digital collection or looking at my physical collection... Maybe an hour later I'll finally find something to play.

[@ElAgustin]

Too many options!