In Diamond Age by Neal Stephenson, your position in society is reflected in part by the uniqueness of the goods you own. Poor people have lots of flashy, brand

In Diamond Age by Neal Stephenson, your position in society is reflected in part by the uniqueness of the goods you own. Poor people have lots of flashy, brand-name merchandise. Wealthy people, on the other hand, own things that are hand-crafted out of natural materials, often bespoke to them. News for the masses is flashy, digital, and tailored to the individual; news for the elites, the top of the top, comes printed on real paper, just like they did in the old days. It's not that the elites are Luddites, eschewing technology. Rather, it's a very subtle part of their lives, a hint of fennel as opposed to a tablespoon of cayenne. I suspect this is not unlike where we are going. Smartphones, tablets, and laptops have swallowed almost every other electronic device, and you don't really even need to upgrade that often. I pick up a new iPhone every four years or so, and mostly just for the camera upgrades (and a fresh battery). I suspect the trend for desiring high-quality, locally-produced craft goods will accelerate. Raw materials may come from everywhere, but fast fashion is being replaced with sustainable clothing, and I don't see Generation Z being invested in the high-bling party lifestyle that my generation desired. Interesting times, indeed.