Comments on: Government-Enforced Happiness: Buddhist Ultilitarianism in Bhutan http://www.timwoods.org/2009/05/23/government-enforced-happiness/ Thu, 25 Feb 2010 01:06:22 -0600 hourly 1 By: Tim Woods http://www.timwoods.org/2009/05/23/government-enforced-happiness/comment-page-1/#comment-72 Tim Woods Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:33:45 +0000 http://www.timwoods.org/?p=88#comment-72 Yeah I've shown that story of stuff to some of my classes. I think it tells the story really well, but still leaves me not sure of how to solve the problem. <br><br>I think part of the answer in terms of us as consumers is about valuing artistry (i.e. craftsmanship). Because there is so much enjoyment to be had in the process of making things well. Sites like Kijiji and Etsy promote community as well while at the same time helping people to value human-made stuff, over Ikea-type disposables. I think this helps to turn our attention away from constant accumulation and on to people. Yeah I’ve shown that story of stuff to some of my classes. I think it tells the story really well, but still leaves me not sure of how to solve the problem.

I think part of the answer in terms of us as consumers is about valuing artistry (i.e. craftsmanship). Because there is so much enjoyment to be had in the process of making things well. Sites like Kijiji and Etsy promote community as well while at the same time helping people to value human-made stuff, over Ikea-type disposables. I think this helps to turn our attention away from constant accumulation and on to people.

]]> By: timwoods http://www.timwoods.org/2009/05/23/government-enforced-happiness/comment-page-1/#comment-25 timwoods Fri, 12 Jun 2009 07:33:45 +0000 http://www.timwoods.org/?p=88#comment-25 Yeah I've shown that story of stuff to some of my classes. I think it tells the story really well, but still leaves me not sure of how to solve the problem. <br><br>I think part of the answer in terms of us as consumers is about valuing artistry (i.e. craftsmanship). Because there is so much enjoyment to be had in the process of making things well. Sites like Kijiji and Etsy promote community as well while at the same time helping people to value human-made stuff, over Ikea-type disposables. I think this helps to turn our attention away from constant accumulation and on to people. Yeah I’ve shown that story of stuff to some of my classes. I think it tells the story really well, but still leaves me not sure of how to solve the problem.

I think part of the answer in terms of us as consumers is about valuing artistry (i.e. craftsmanship). Because there is so much enjoyment to be had in the process of making things well. Sites like Kijiji and Etsy promote community as well while at the same time helping people to value human-made stuff, over Ikea-type disposables. I think this helps to turn our attention away from constant accumulation and on to people.

]]> By: Facebook User http://www.timwoods.org/2009/05/23/government-enforced-happiness/comment-page-1/#comment-13 Facebook User Sun, 24 May 2009 14:40:33 +0000 http://www.timwoods.org/?p=88#comment-13 I think the real shocker is that most Westerners would be surprised to read that happiness is not a direct result of wealth. Yes it helps to have the means to do the things you'd like to do, but in the end, "money can't buy happiness".<br><br>Our consumerism brainwashed culture could use more reality-checks like this.<br><br>Tim, have you seen the website <a href="http://www.storyofstuff.com" rel="nofollow">www.storyofstuff.com</a> ? I think the real shocker is that most Westerners would be surprised to read that happiness is not a direct result of wealth. Yes it helps to have the means to do the things you’d like to do, but in the end, “money can’t buy happiness”.

Our consumerism brainwashed culture could use more reality-checks like this.

Tim, have you seen the website http://www.storyofstuff.com ?

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