I’ve had some interesting conversations recently. I seem to have connected with a lot of people that really value bargains. You know, the sort of people that buy something worth £1000 for £100, then scratch their heads wondering how they can use it.
The sale buyer that cruises the New Year sale looking for the biggest reduction and buy clothes that will never see the light of day. When you work with a charity that takes clothes donations you are always shocked at how many items arrive with the labels still attached.
There have been reports about the effect of cancelled orders on people in places like Bangladesh. But really, if we are not buying then did we really need it?
I have always argued against collecting stuff. But I have to admit this has me thinking – how do we achieve a just transition from our over-purchasing stuff to a more balanced world?
This is a case where trickle down economics is in place, and removing it would harm those at the bottom of the pyramid. In part this is a change management problem, but to be honest I am not sure what we would be changing to.
There is an interesting Bible passage that helps me a little
When Simon saw that the apostles by merely laying on hands conferred the Spirit, he pulled out his money, excited, and said, “Sell me your secret! Show me how you did that! How much do you want? Name your price!”
Peter said, “To hell with your money! And you along with it. Why, that’s unthinkable—trying to buy God’s gift! You’ll never be part of what God is doing by striking bargains and offering bribes. Change your ways—and now! Ask the Master to forgive you for trying to use God to make money. I can see this is an old habit with you; you reek with money-lust.”
I think I saw something related in Nicaragua, where people with little money are taught to become self sustaining in food production, but have next to no money – and are happier than most of the cash rich bargain hunters.
I am sure part of the answer is a transformation of our desires to things that cannot be bought.