A few months ago, I had dinner with a Russian fashion model named Elizaveta. While the evening was pleasant, there was something that bothered me considerably. She displayed a certain characteristic that is often noticeable in children.
She talked about all the things she liked, from expensive hotels, clothes, and restaurants, but very little or nothing about what she created or her added value. Of course, in her case, her looks were what she sold. Even if she had spoken about that aspect, it would have been interesting – for example, how visually appealing young people, dressed in expensive clothing, create a high status image and consequently justify high prices.
Debate revolved solely around what she consumed...
However, much to my disappointment, her conversation revolved solely around what she consumed, just like children often do. If you were to visit any elementary school, you’d quickly encounter discussions about what children like, how much their parents earn, what kind of car they drive, and where they go on vacation. While this is somewhat understandable in children, it’s entirely misguided in adults.
I believe it would be advisable for both young and old to learn to think about what they can create, rather than what they can consume.
Even my dog would love to be fed shrimps...
Anyone can eat at the most expensive restaurant, and anyone can wear the most expensive coat. This is not an achievement. Even my dog can be fed shrimp and placed on a silk blanket. Bravo, dog.
I think as individuals, and consequently as a society, we can be much more successful if we celebrate creation instead of consumption.
As a society we should [start to] celebrate creation instead of consumption.
Why not shift the conversation from how we spend money to how we can earn it?
Overloading with consumption creates slave-mentality.
It seems to me that this kind of thinking can not only make you more financially successful but also more empathetic and human. Because if you want to contribute something, you will inevitably have to put yourself in others’ shoes and think about what you can offer them. In other words, you’ll have to think beyond yourself and focus on others’ needs. This is different from a consumer-oriented mindset, where you only think about your own needs.
Creation makes us more empathetic and better human.
So, instead of being a society constantly thinking about what it can take, we could become a society that thinks about what it can add.
