Why, hello there! The SuperForest Sundae is a weekly serving of various bits and bobs SuperForester April has repackaged for your enjoyment. Dig in.
Three questions with Dr Clive Hamilton, co-author of Affluenza: When Too Much Is Never Enough, on materialism and happiness.
How does one transcend materialism in the current cultural climate?
In our society, success is defined in material terms. But some people manage to break away and follow their own path. These are the “downshifters” who voluntarily decide to earn less and spend less. They do it because they see that “having it all” often means being stressed, depressed and lonely too. It takes courage to say “no” to affluenza, and friends and family might be critical, but none of the downshifters regret their decision.
What does lay the groundwork for a more meaningful type of happiness?
When people’s houses are burning down and they have to get out fast, what do you think they grab as they rush out the door? It’s not their TVs, designer shoes or make-up cases. They grab their photo albums. That’s because the albums represent their relationships. The key to happiness always lies in our relationships with others — friends, families, lovers.
The beauty of egolessness is often over-looked in today’s me-me-me culture. Are we unhappy for the simple fact that we can’t see beyond our own desires?
Okay, here is the real secret of life, as expressed by an Indian sage: “To get what you want, you first have to give up wanting”. It’s the hardest lesson, but the rewards are infinite. Imagine yourself at 85 on your death bed, looking back over your life. Will you be smiling at the memory of the new cars or big houses you had, or at the wonderful times you had with your loved ones? Will you feel regret because you did not have a bigger house, or because of the problems you had with your partner and children?
A few wise words
A sultry cover song you might like
INXS’s Need You Tonight performed as part of Beck’s Record Club.
Record Club: INXS “Need You Tonight” from Beck Hansen on Vimeo.
Good news on the electric-car front
The first public on-street electric car charging station in Australia has opened in Sydney. Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the initiative would help support the council’s program to reduce vehicle exhaust emissions and encourage cleaner modes of transport. Yay! FYI Sydney has now joined San Francisco, Amsterdam, Philadelphia, Houston, Detroit, Vancouver and London, which also offer the infrastructure to charge electric cars.
(ABC News: Jesse leary)
Want to know more about gas-free cars? Have a watch of the lovely and comical Tom Hanks expressing his enthusiasm for the electric car.
You can watch Part 2 of Tom’s series here.
Have a most excellent week,
April
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