3 ms·

>I wonder if this had to do with the fact that in modern society, we often have to go through great mental loops to convince ourselves that our jobs are meaning

>I wonder if this had to do with the fact that in modern society, we often have to go through great mental loops to convince ourselves that our jobs are meaningful. Especially since a lot of them are not. It's often corporations acting as middlemen and extracting value like parasites, bussiness making bullshit for conspicuous consumption, modern mega-bloated bureaucracy and busy work

ericjmorey 2y ago
How is consumption not meaningful?
- vouaobrasil 2y ago
  It is meaningful but it is often pushed to artificial extremes and used to replace more meaningful things that we once had.
- 127 2y ago
  In the same way digging ditches and then filling them up isn't meaningful. Creating things that last for a year or two, creating food that leaves you hungry, drinks that leave you thirsty. Designing things just to create work instead of value.
- harimau777 2y ago
  I think that they are talking specifically about conspicuous consumption. That is: consuming things just to display to society that you have the resources to consume them.
brookst 2y ago
Was it ever any different? I’m very skeptical that there was ever a time when the average person did personally meaningful and constructive work. I think we all have this sense that life should be nothing but personal fulfillment, and anything getting in the way of that is a problem. And maybe it’s even true that that’s how things “should” be, but I really don’t think it ever has been.
- yoyohello13 2y ago
  What about when the majority of people were farmers. Growing and harvesting your own food so you don't die this coming winter seems about as meaningful and constructive as it gets.
  - brookst 2y ago
    Were the majority of people ever farmers who were entirely self-sufficient, and not producing food for the local gentry or warlord or whatever? Genuinely curious, was there a time when the majority of humans were self sufficient, enjoyed the fruits of their own labor, were not conscripted into tribal / feudal / corporate endeavors?

ericjmorey 2y ago

How is consumption not meaningful?

vouaobrasil 2y ago
It is meaningful but it is often pushed to artificial extremes and used to replace more meaningful things that we once had.
127 2y ago
In the same way digging ditches and then filling them up isn't meaningful. Creating things that last for a year or two, creating food that leaves you hungry, drinks that leave you thirsty. Designing things just to create work instead of value.
harimau777 2y ago
I think that they are talking specifically about conspicuous consumption. That is: consuming things just to display to society that you have the resources to consume them.

brookst 2y ago

Was it ever any different? I’m very skeptical that there was ever a time when the average person did personally meaningful and constructive work. I think we all have this sense that life should be nothing but personal fulfillment, and anything getting in the way of that is a problem. And maybe it’s even true that that’s how things “should” be, but I really don’t think it ever has been.

yoyohello13 2y ago
What about when the majority of people were farmers. Growing and harvesting your own food so you don't die this coming winter seems about as meaningful and constructive as it gets.
- brookst 2y ago
  Were the majority of people ever farmers who were entirely self-sufficient, and not producing food for the local gentry or warlord or whatever? Genuinely curious, was there a time when the majority of humans were self sufficient, enjoyed the fruits of their own labor, were not conscripted into tribal / feudal / corporate endeavors?