consumers have (1) needs that are the bare essentials and then (2) dreams and desires which are means of self-actualization. businesses offer (1) products that are basically components you build your own solution from, and then (2) comprehensive solutions that address your specific area of interest.

and businesses have a dirty secret - they know that most people know what they need but not what they desire; if they sold solutions to answer your basic needs, they will quickly run out of things to sell you.

that's where they figured you out : they will offer you a confusing array of products to address your basic needs, and then paint a million desires for which they have expensive solutions for, so that you will always be seeking but never finding, always be purchasing but never satisfied.

this is the uranium that fuels the economy of growth - growth being a description not of the consumer, but of the business' ability to reap profit.

that's why you scrimp on the essentials and buy into whatever the latest trends tell you what your happiness needs to be made of.

put that in another perspective - for your basic needs that you have no specific interest in beyond necessity, you spend precious time assembling the cheapest components together, struggling through badly built components to have a working solution.

and for your dreams and desires, the cream of life, you relinquish control and throw your money at whatever story businesses tell you to believe in this season. next season, you're still feeling unsatisfied, they will sell you a new dream.

satisfaction is when you decide you've had enough. but the economy is like a drug dealer - they won't make money if you don't come back for more.

so be prudent in your choice but don't cut back on spending on necessities. find your dream and then take responsibility over it - your dreams are too important to be entrusted to someone who doesn't know you, and even more so to a corporation whose whole raison d'etre is profit.

happiness is easy if you spent wisely - money is peripheral but time is priceless - spend wisely.