Follow the herd instead of your head

Don't overestimate your ability to independently predict how much you'll enjoy something. We are, scientifically speaking, very bad at this. But if something reliably makes others happy, it's likely to make you happy, too. So why not having that something?

Counter-question

Might I ask an impertinent question? What if it won’t make you happy?

But why not? Why shouldn’t I have some new device, for example, that will probably entertain me or make my work easier? Why shouldn’t? I?

I’m afraid I can hardly accept this argument. Why don’t we let it go at this?

7. Saving up is depressing

Constant saving up often means giving up socializing, cutting down on every possible expenditures like clothes or some harmless habits like having a coffee on your way to the work. But what we forget to do in that time is live! Continuing being open with one’s wallet is good, as saving up every penny is unbearably depressing. Having some goal is quite good, but what about living in the present? And, btw, the goal may well turn out to be a waste, as well as the entire period of saving up for it. Anyway, if you’re aiming for something in the future, you don’t stop living in present.

Counter-argument

Saving is a healthy habit

I do not agree. There are several types of savers. The one you’ve mentioned above and a few who are not that particular about each penny. Reasonable saving is, actually, a very healthy habit. If you are able to inculcate in yourself a habit of saving, it will pay a long way throughout your life. Saving teaches you to be self disciplined in your life. Only a self disciplined person is able to live an all round beautiful and fulfilled life. If you waste your money today, then you won’t be able to realize your materialistic dreams. Saving gives security in your life and thus is a healthy habit. Moreover, savings increase your feel-good factor that leads to self-sufficiency. Do I make any sense?

I can’t agree with that. Saving up for some certain period of time and having a certain goal is totally okay with me. But turning it into a habit and some sort of discipline means consciously restraining yourself from the joy of life.

Probably, the stand on this question depends on the background.

Date: 2015-04-20; view: 810