Redefining happiness

[@chelleoj]

Life became a hell of a lot easier since I stopped measuring my success by how much or how good my 'stuff' is. Nobody worth knowing really cares.

[@LadyCoyKoi]

I don't watch tv. I spent more time reading, researching, studying (re-certifying in Art or Science), sew, draw, paint, or LARP with the children and elderly in my area. ^_^ I get involved in a lot of activities with other people than anything else. I have no time for stuff, expect for Art and Science stuff as well as gaming. The stuff I now have revolves around with people, either for LARP, work or gaming. The stuff has to have more purpose than just being collections for myself. Currently, I am saving money for conventions and festivals. I love being outdoors in the mist of trees, flowers, living things.... Malls, stores and markets are dead things. I only go to those dead things when I really need to. :(

[@charlottecady9417]

How is consumerism still a thing? I work just to be able to buy some drinks with friends to blow off steam from being a slave. I'm surprised anyone can still even afford to buy anything

[@jessicajaynenc1202]

ME TOO! these people must have credit cards, theres no way they paid straight up cash.

[@sylvial6845]

Charlotte Cady

[@christopherdodds7682]

+ Charlotte Cady Simple answer Credit Cards and buying things on credit allows the snowball to keep on rolling

[@Fuar11]

Charlotte Cady that is consumerism too

[@ToND1Ne]

They CAN'T!!! That's why they're up to their eyeballs in consumer debt. It is especially insidious for those using store credit cards that charge 'Hell's Angels' interest. IF they get caught up in using shopping to repress unpleasant emotions (aka retail therapy) it becomes a maladaptive coping mechanism. Then, they're really in deep trouble.

[@gaillewis5472]

I remember watching documentaries in the past where people said that they were so happy, they didn't even realize they were poor. I haven't heard anyone say that in over 20 years.

[@jesuschristofnazareth6053]

Been buying clothes from second hand stores and don't own a cellphone but i travel a lot with my kids. I want to build memories and not collect things.

[@joezuu]

Indeed, the quality of life for most people has gone up, however, poor people becoming obese is a perfect example of how they are exploited by the system for the benefit of the rich and powerful. They are feeding (no pun intended) the mega-corporations profit while destroying their own health which, in turn, once they are fat and unhealthy, raises the cost of health care, which greatly enhances the profits of pharmaceutical corporations. This is how Capitalist society is designed to operate.

[@thepianoplayer416]

When it comes to technology, people buy the latest gadgets because they feel their use the latest in their workplaces so constant upgrading is a must...

[@1walicki]

I've been watching television for over 30 years; I recently discovered many playlists of commercials from the 70's, 80's and 90's... Although I've had similar feelings like the ones expressed in this video for over 10 years now, just watching all the old commercial advertising, like I'm researching it, makes me really understand a lot of the easy subliminal control that we allow to wash over our brains. I also haven't turned my cable tv on for about a year, which explains why I was missing it ;)

[@alanmirell7448]

I learned the hard way less is better i'm 73 y.o. and if you can do that do it.

[@binzsta86]

​@Mo Shirazi Go back to wanting more?

[@bbygrlpt2]

Man I wish Id start minimalism yrs ago! Thanks to KZbin and these type of videos my mind has completely changed. I guess its better lare than never.

[@75egcg]

I work a low end job striving to pay rent/utility/insurance. I'm really living on basics (simple living). I own 1 tv no cable, a tea kettle, stove, small fridge, a dresser, a bed, and a shoddy DSL connection for a laptop that would serve better as a door stopper. The bulk of my $ goes toward insurances, a few bills, so I can have a 4th hand car that's held together by paint, cuz public trans isnt available. Then count calories to survive to keep it up.Simple life, it's fucking thrilling.

[@themaldi1]

you happy?

[@rgonvsh69]

I am appalled by the posters below who try to deflect the truth with illogical statements about the speakers (who they don't know) OR use tired old political statements about "left-wing policies (welfare state, social programs, regulations etc.)." These are logical fallacies. It is time for ALL of us to listen. They are NOT saying we should stop all consumption; they are NOT saying they are perfect; they ARE saying that we ALL need to work on this TOGETHER. We have only ONE planet.

[@tomone2010]

The problem is that we cannot just stop consuming. This economy is based and created around consuming all this useless "things". How many people would just stop if it would be that simple. It is not. The said thing really is that we need to restart the economy based on community and people to be more happy. Not a simple task I guess.

[@Nnnnnzzz7]

1 Corinthians 13 2If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. All this is in the Bible. Trust in God. God is good.

[@fcotrpc1967]

Problem: The people who possess the intelligence that enable them to think about the negative consequences of consumerism are a byproduct of consumerism. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: poor people don't think about the complexities of consumerism because their primary concern is survival.

[@tariqalba]

I'd rather spend my money on sport activities, courses related to my career, learning a new language, travelling or learning how to play a new instrument than having a ferrari in which i wont be able to buy its insurance or gas!!!! I'd rather invest my money on my mind or body!

[@j.w.8352]

great documentary by the way, and many wise people.

[@TheProjectionist21]

Highly recommend the following books: 1. Naikan 2. A Different Kind of Luxury 3. Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Poets and Philosophers 4. Vipassana Don't have to buy it ... borrow it from the library. Or ask around for a copy. It is 6-7 degrees of separation.

[@GG-hu9dn]

We are all one - and one is all! And our planet is our rock, our saviour and our supporter. We need to value it and respect it and each other.... Period.

[@TheProjectionist21]

It is heartening that it is Americans who are beginning to speak up against this. The recession has brought back a sunrise of frugality and simplicity to the psyche of the average person. This is the maturity of an entire generation, More power to you! Now, if only, someone would press the pause buttons at the 'elite' (repeat, only the elites, not the miserable poor), of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, who are cheerleading this hyper consumerism.

[@Adrianology101]

Consumerism is modern capitalism. To be anti-consumerist is to be revolutionary.

[@greatprovider8198]

We live in a world where the $ is our religion. Infinite economic growth model based on debt brought to us by the private central bankers. This is what happens when bankers rule the world.

[@flufflepuffle]

A co-worker's family actually doesn't allow just buying presents. You have to make them instead, or somehow make it meaningful. That sounds pretty cool, but also makes people really appreciate belongings.

[@0oohnegative]

ACTUALLY CHANGE your VALUES. what is important to you? WHO ARE YOU?

[@luzfigueroa1550]

I am very lonely and l get happiness out of shopping even if l don't were them and it hangs in my closet weeks. I need to be genuinely happy without alcohol,drugs, ❤️ of men and acceptance of people. And focus on me and gid.

[@TheProjectionist21]

A very succinct and cogent prognosis and prescription. Thank you.

[@alanmirell7448]

I was born in the 1940's very poor and did without all my life and i did just fine still doing what people say is poor i'm not poor.

[@mariaroman4826]

vivi en los estados u idos 15 años y es verdad me mude a mexico y en dos años contrui mi casa ahora no tenemos deudas ni tantas cosas y vivo feliz que tontos son de seguir a las masas

[@Jeanne90275]

Buy what you need and buy good quality. A Mercedes Benz may sound like a luxury item, but if it looks like new and runs like new for 20+ years (mine's a 1993 bought 'pre-owned' in 1995) it's not a bad purchase if you can afford it...I pay cash for cars. Getting into debt is a really bad idea...especially credit card debt which I equate with usury.

[@totalrecall8385]

Yes i totally agree, my new car is a 16 year old toyota which i recently bought with low mileage.

[@Belfreyite]

We have managed to design and build incredible labour saving things. The huge down side is that we haven't made anything to last.Everything is ephemoral and cheaply built with obsolescence. The catch twenty two is the diminishing return on durable products. The next solution will involve recycling and re using valuable material as well as somehow maintaining innovation.

[@sarahlee8022]

Excellent episode!

[@happyhermit2022]

Brilliant...thank you

[@brynleytalbot778]

It fascinates me how lifestyle advertisers saw a new generation disillusioned with materialism so instead sold them experience lifestyles, a sector that’s exploded into a new consumerist addiction promoted by social media feeds on who has had the most excitement this weekend. Those eschewing materialism and virtue signalling it can’t see their hypocrite status when feeds about their consumerist experiences litter their social media just as goods littered their homes. Being acquisitive seems a human trait the marketeers know how to adapt to ensuring consumption drives our Westernised economies. Living humbly, without the need to display it as a virtue, is something we’ve lost the ability to do. We need to return to such a socially supportive society to escape the individualistic one consumerism drives.

[@josephwolf7552]

The only consumerism I really enjoy is, going to concerts playing video games and watching movies the rest I can do without. The only thing I am aspiring to after I graduate college is my for walls , food and a vibrating recliner chair

[@alanmirell7448]

All i can say is less is better and NO! debt and nobody is after you.

[@binder666]

It's unlikely the people in this video who are advocating anti-consumerism would be very happy if only their *basic* needs (food, shelter and clothing) were met. Without a doubt they all own much more than just that and would scream bloody murder if someone tried to take it away from them. There's nothing wrong with being a consumer as long as: a) you exercise common sense and responsibility, and b) what you buy brings you genuine, lasting happiness.

[@TheProjectionist21]

Propaganda was the name of the book (still in publication), by the nephew of Sigmund Freud; Edward Bernays. Bernays is said to have been the pioneer of Public Relations. He lived and worked in New York City, while his psychoanalyst uncle had to flee Vienna for the new world, thanks to Nazis / fascism. And he put to good use, his uncle's theory. It's tellingly ironic, that in our consumerist society, people are drugging themselves with prozac / ritalin / zoloft etc. Full circle!

[@BRM101]

Another great and useful production 👍👍

[@cameroonbeauty4ever]

Also, we increasingly look for "stuff" to fill the whole that's inside us. It's either music, or expensive clothing, or iThings, or even abusive relationships. At the end of the day, even the people who were VERY famous, (like former rapper Diam's and former rapper Loon) gave it up to find the true meaning of life: worshiping ONE GOD. Our heart was meant to Love the Creator and submit to HIM first. Not money, not people, not stuff. Please Read "Reclaim your heart by Yasmin Mogahed" :-) Peace!

[@elo9754]

Rose Du Sahel is that book a Christian book about a faith in Jesus?

[@zombiehampster1397]

I tend to delay buying things until something is broken. I just got my first smartphone last december and im i my 40ies. Consumption is necessary for some important things, but everything else is optional. Its the excess in the optional that is the problem. Of course, try telling that to a captialist society...

[@soniyaaadi2003]

Great documentary

[@Emiliapocalypse]

People might give Tom flack for having the resources to make these decisions, but honestly if he hadn’t been such a high achiever and attained all the typical status symbols of our culture in such a public way, people probably wouldn’t pay him and his lifestyle any mind. Since people seem to place such a high amount of esteem on the opinions and actions of the wealthy, they would only take his word for it that this is the way to go since he’d sort of already proven himself “worthy”, attained “the good life” and given much of it up. If he was just a guy who actively made the decision at a young age never to seek wealth or build a life based on materialism, he would have been dismissed as a long haired hippie and brushed aside. For better or worse, it’s his clout as an extremely wealthy person that gives these ideas the light of day. But I’m glad he found a way of life that is happier for him, and is openly spreading the message and trying to do good with the resources he has. Many don’t! 👏

[@alfredhitchcock45]

This video is old 2012. Now it's 2018. I still have iPhone 6S Plus. Now it's iPhone XS Max. My phone is still functioning well. I have heart disease now. That surely will affect my eating habits. I live a boring life working for Apple. I can't say I'm against Consumerism per se. Coz I work for Capitalist brands and companies. Prior to Apple, I work for AT&T. And we were selling iPhone X before. Lots of innovation happened from 2012. Now it's the rise of PUBG, Fortnite. The millenials are already into their 30's. So it's Gen Z now who will take the stage. I live a very simple life. I can't afford what the Americans can. I'm just an ordinary person.

[@kms50549]

I can easily go for one month without buying anything new. I am a travel junky, All my money goes in to traveling the world. take that aspect of consumerism from me though and id quite quickly become a rather depressed and angry fellow.

[@JULIAN8845]

TOM SAW THE LIGHT.LOOK AT JOHN HUGH'S DEAD AT 59 WITH A BIG HOUSE AND ANOTHER WITH 600ACRE FARM BOTH OF WHICH ARE STILL AROUND

[@Belfreyite]

As to the Coca Cola syndrome. These companies are parasites and hopefully the groundswell of opinion will rise against them. The best thing anyone can do is to BUY A BICYCLE period!!!!!!!!

[@joezuu]

At least that's the way it is in America, the land of opportunity.

[@vampin6]

This is great info! But im 32 years old,people have been saying over consumtion and materialism was bad since the 60's. in the 90's it seemed this topic came up again but you see what happend, nothin.Thats whats going to happen again, nothin just a broken record.People have to die of their own toxicity to get the point,otherwise youll just sound like a broken record...

[@jeffreyfinch8609]

"Life is possible outside the city", but how can we be ultra sustainable, eco friendly, IN the city? That's what I want to know. Enough of this racing to the countryside to be, "sustainable", but to be truly sustainable, we need to do it on city wide scales, globally! How to do this?! That's what I'm interested in, and want to know about.

[@TheProjectionist21]

We don't have to believe in him. Let us just emulate the frugality, simplicity, and humanity that he lived in his brief life. It isn't about the label of religion, it is the the loving kindness of his example. PS: Am not a Christian, in the denominational sense of the term. "I like your Christ ... it's your Christians, who are so unlike your Christ." said Gandhi. Yet, he took Christ's example to heart, and lived his life in emulation. Now go ahead, and vilify him ... thanks.

[@Dehlila07]

I love the idea of changing the broken-link website error page to the missing children. that's a great idea. or how about adopt a pet? :) I had both on my website.

[@TheProjectionist21]

Do you know, the most environmentally friendly nation, per capita? It is India. And India, despite 1.3 billion people, 600 million in near sub-saharan poverty, and a 2% elite that consumes at North American levels, manages to keep its GHG low. Yet, America and EU refuse to cap their GHG per capita. There in Australia, they are introducing carbon taxes on EVERY SINGLE PURCHASE. But no, not in America. Not in Canada. Not in UK. Not in Japan. Not in Korea. Why not? CONSUMERISM.

[@ashleylala4293]

I 💖 RECYCLING

[@Ariel-mo3om]

Giving money to the m e a t and d a i r y industry is worse for the planet, than driving a car everyday. Just by doing m e a t l e s s mondays you can save hundreds of trees, lbs of grains and over 50 gallons of water in just 30 days.

[@thefionaadventures]

Ariel 💕💕💕

[@davonsimmonds4435]

People need to find a true purpose to live than to shop and trying to buy happiness

[@claireduncn5586]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👏👏👏❤️❤️❤️

[@ianvllnv]

Money is power in most countries. You don't have any? You don't get to live well eno

[@75egcg]

Well, it's definitely not like I'm the only one. I'm not choosing the lifestyle, but it's what I can manage, there are plenty of people in the boat in plenty of places. Moving is a nice concept, but mobility is unfortunately fueled by currency. What exactly could one give up when they don't have much of value to begin with? Sure, I could put it on a credit card, but will I risk making things worse in the future for a short sighted move now?

[@contacter]

when did being poor get to be such a put down????

[@dogan6070]

You guys just realizing all this now, this been in the bible for about 3000years. everything you need to know regarding about life. read your bible.

[@raypennington5012]

The King James Bible wasn't even Published until 1451 and consisted of 80 books. After some careful editing and the official Canon's decision-making, it was whittled down to 60 books. I don't know anything, but who authorized the translations and editing of the Bible? God, Satan, or the Greedy Gatekeepers of Knowledge of the Jesuits and Roman Catholics? I'm further perplexed by the Nature of the Mass Genocide of any and all people whom did not convert to Christianity then to the Colonization of the Americas under Manifest Destiny to spread the Word of God and Jesus to save the poor lost souls of the Indigenous inhabitants as 38 out of the 50,000,000 million people were raped of their lands, cultures, customs, histories and wisdom. Was that God's plan ? Yeshua ? Baal ? Yaldabath ? Marduk ? Enki ? Elohim ? Saturn? Ishmael ? Ishtar ? ISIS ? Ra ? EL ? Tiamat ? Zeus ? Mythros ? Isa ? Lord Ganesh ? Vishnu ? Brahman ? Shiva ? Buddha ? Muhammad ? Nephilim ? Odin ? Tetragrammaton ? Hasheem ? Thor ? Baduhenna , Azathoth ? Azazel ? Atom ? Beelzebub ? Satan ? Lucifer ? The Devil ? Sophia ? The Demiurge ? The Annunaki ? Amun ? Anubis ? Horus ? Ra ? Thoth ? Osiris ? Isis ? Seth ? Confucious ? Lao Tzu ( Toa te Ching) ? Ptah ? Abzu ? Amotken ? Anansi ? Aramazd ? Awonawilona ? Bagadjimbiri ? Batara Kala ? Bunjil ? Chirakan-Ixmucane ? Cocijo ? Daksha ? Degei ? Eskeri ? Flying Spaghetti Monster ? Gitche Manitou ? God the Father ? Heryshaf ? Krishna ? Holy Spirit ? Huracan ? Imra ? Jah ? Yeshua Ben David ? Jesus ? Kukulkan ? Makemake ? Mangar-kunjer-kunja ? Mukuru ? Mwari ? Ngai ? Quetzalcoati ? Qat ? Rainbow Serpent ? Tengri ? Tezcatlipoca ? Tonacatecuhtli ? Tupa ? Unkulunkulu ? Umbotte ? Viracocha ? Vishvakarman ? Wizakedjak ? Xamaba ? Yuanshi Tianzum ? Zamba ? YHWH ? Or maybe just the almighty I Am that I Am .... I don't know.... What I do know is the Bible is not a History Book. I know it's inside and out, far more than most ministers that I've heard preach their HellFire and Brimstone Fear Ministry. If the God in the Bible, yes, the Jealous, Angry, Vengeful, Wrathful Deity that " He Is " is your creator ? I respect that. That Entity did not create me. Ever wonder why the Bible is so male Dominated? I believe it takes both Divine Masculine and Feminine. The Baphomet ... Peculiar its Hermaphroditic . I just don't know. I know that I'm a compassionate, kind, loving individual and I am one with Spirit. Where Spirit goes, I go. I question nothing. My Creator/ Divine Essence is Everything, and No Thing. Beyond our capabilities to explain in any words of the Phonics of the broken tongue of English. In-Lakesh Namaste

[@TheEmmaLucille]

People didn't wait the Bible to know that you don't find happiness in material things... That said, it's interesting to note that "consumerism" is born in a country which (historically at least) boast to be "christian": i.e. the United-States of America.

[@prittyugly86]

I don't "read the bible", but I know more of the stories told and characters in it than any "Christian" I've come across.

[@wintertarzanjagrup2527]

Fightclub IKEA.

[@walkerlamock8334]

Oops,,I'm on wrong segment .thought it was red tag sale,not redefining..love to watch,but just got paid and you know the rest....

[@nkelly1432]

you said happiness is made of sex enjoyment, but you get no sex, so therefore your logic follows that you must be miserable.

[@movieguy992]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news and cynicism but don't think that devoting your life to helping others is the answer to happiness either. I know plenty of people working in jobs where they help others who are miserable. People are demanding, nasty and entitled even when your helping them. Best to stay as far removed from humanity as possible.

[@Ms.MD7]

I feel ya, I hate humanity a lot of the time lol

[@twiggyjali]

The argument about "for the planet" is so self-absorbed lol. This rock has been here for billions of years, and gone through several apocalyptic events. The planet will be fine. What nobody wants to say is they're afraid of living uncomfortably because we've instigated the start of an apocalyptic event. To even assume this event can be reversed or minimized is the height of human arrogance.

[@fcotrpc1967]

Consumerism results from the religion of worshiping money....

[@John83118]

This is outstanding. I discovered content with a similar message, and it was absolutely mind-blowing. "The Joy of Less: A Minimalist Living Guide" by Matthew Cove

[@marcb6290]

I give all people in this vid an IQ of 90.

[@kuj4z]

In the comments section

[@DarknessUnresolved]

Now you want to take it back, eh? Typical.

[@alfredhitchcock45]

Consumerism is fun if you're drowning with money. Everyday, you're shopping, eating in a new restaurant, vacationing, traveling. There's lots to do if you have money

[@dr.rajgeorge51]

pleade reduce population in india , china

[@jcmexfreestyle]

an example of trashing the planet @12:31 look how many books she has

[@kuj4z]

A lot of rhetoric.

[@johncooney543]

Less is more

[@75egcg]

If only I had aids.

[@JoachimderZweite]

Forget this rubbish. Live your life and try to find happiness even if it is stuff. As for me I don't care abut stuff.

[@knoose]

Who doesn't go a month without buying something new?? Stupid.

[@DarknessUnresolved]

I was fairly skeptical of that cheesy director guy from the start, but was willing to hear him out at least. However, he completely lost me the moment he referred to jesus (a fictional caricature) as a "moral leader" on par with the likes of MLK. Funny how these White well-to-do "liberals" get off on name-dropping MLK 'n shit. I find that real funny.