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I heard about this a while back, and it recently came to mind so I figured I'd share, the Diderot Effect.
Around 1769 Denis Diderot was gifted a new dressing gown. It was far superior in style and quality to anything else he owned. So to match the lifestyle his gown presented him, he first replaced a chair, then a desk, then everything else he owned until at last he was broke.
I've seen this play out in part with friends and coworkers. First they want a camper or boat. But that is used to justify a new truck to pull it. Then there is the garage to park it in. Plus all the additional maintenance.
I think part of the lesson is not letting the things you own, own you.
Around 1769 Denis Diderot was gifted a new dressing gown. It was far superior in style and quality to anything else he owned. So to match the lifestyle his gown presented him, he first replaced a chair, then a desk, then everything else he owned until at last he was broke.
I've seen this play out in part with friends and coworkers. First they want a camper or boat. But that is used to justify a new truck to pull it. Then there is the garage to park it in. Plus all the additional maintenance.
I think part of the lesson is not letting the things you own, own you.
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