Good point about the consumer culture, and the problem with welfare approach (though I am still glad its there given I lived on welfare once). I think we need to instill a greater sense of personal responsibility in people, rather than trying to force a top-down approach which only makes people stay out of trouble just enough. I’ve seen how people who make little money can still live good lives and have a stable financial situation because they’re self-disciplined.

I was one of those goofballs who ate out a lot until I went to Ireland and realized most people weren’t doing that. Ireland is a poorer country and the US, so people learn to make do with less and be more resourceful. It’s a nice habit to emulate. America won’t be the richest country in the world forever, you know.

A friend once likened America to a person who always spends money, but does nothing to earn it. Since most of our industries have moved to a service-based one (with raw products produced elsewhere), we’re not really producing much anymore, let alone anything sufficiently competitive in the world. Sooner or later we’ll run out of money unless we either get fiscally disciplined, or start producing a lot more and be more competitive.

I only eat out a handful of times a year, generally just with friends. It’s hard eating out as a vegetarian anyways and I consider myself a good cook when I’m trying and take the time to do it right. Many of my co-workers eat out nearly every day and I know that is expensive. More of them have started bringing lunches since I’ve started there though. I guess I’m rubbing off on them some. I feel America have become too much of a consumerist nation with many people feeling they’re entitled to everything. Many people on welfare still spend the money for cable and internet, yet their kids often have to skip a meal or two each day because the parents don’t have the money for food.

There are many great things in this world that we can enjoy that do not require spending money or very little. People should not forget this and remember that money does not equal happiness nor success. Happiness is what we make of it.

I would be very glad to do so.