In my self-professesd cynical view, it is my opinion that no matter your particular individual economic view of the world (get as much for yourself as you can, share as much as you have equally, make sure everyone contributes what they should, etc.), each of us measure are success in life by our self-perceived level of wealth. In the obtainment of this level of wealth, it seems to me that we form into two camps – those that believe their wealth is determined by how much they possess and those that place the value on how much they have consumed. My easiest and quickest valuation of these two positions is that those that consume are wealthier than those whom merely possess. Obviously, the possession of “things’ reflects the result of having obtained wealth – how else could you acquire such things to possess in the first place. However, to me, the possession of something is only the initial step on the road to true wealth. Granted, there are those people that incur great enjoyment and pleasure from demonstrating to others that you have the ability to obtain and possess those things that others (but particularly, they themselves) place “value” on. I understand the pride associated with the parading or casually revealing this exhibition of wealth to those around you. To me, though, the mere existence of these symbols of success and wealth mean so much less unless there is enjoyment found in the use and consumption of them also. To possess something without consuming it for the purpose it was created to begin with is to deny the full value of the item. There are those that will correctly state that possessing something over time will make it more valuable – it is in the investment and possibility of increased wealth that the item has value. To me, the fact that others may be willing to pay more for what you possess only means that it is more valuable to them. You have already made your investment – the value you put on it has already been determined. If you solely value the item for what it may bring you in the future, then it is not the item you value, but rather, the future valuation of the item. In essence, it is the mere transitory transaction you value and not the item itself. To truly value the item, one must desire to consume it once obtained. By committing to the possibility of no longer having it or being able to acquire more of it, you place the highest value on the item and not the possession of the item. You are stating that your life is better for having received from the item the fullest embodiment of the pleasure for which it was created to provide. Your life is enhanced by allowing it to fulfill the purpose for which is was created to begin with. The ultimate fulfillment of this purpose is to enjoy the consumption with those you love and care for. In such an occasion, both your enjoyment and the item’s purpose is multiplied. To me, of the two – the wealthy person who has been able to acquire rare bottles of scotch every month to the point he possesses a library of unopened, pristine collection that he shows off to impressed but impersonal acquaintances on random meetings or the person who has saved all his life for a single bottle of good scotch that he then shares and consumes with family and friends on a special occasion – it is the one whom consumes with friends and love ones that which he values that has led the more wealthy life.
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