Not everyone is worried about the economy, but the collective concern is palpable. References to the Great Depression are always prefaced with “it’s not as bad as,” but the sheer volume of mentions belies an underlying fear. So I find myself wondering why it is that I’m happily getting rid of perfectly usable items in the name of decluttering, when our grandparents thrived by doing the exact opposite.
Stories of Depression-era thrift abound and they’re always inspiring. Before recycling was chic, this generation learned how to reduce, reuse, and reuse again when it was a necessity. Do the values of simplicity and minimalism clash with Depression-era resourcefulness?
Now Is Not Then
One key reason why I’m not saving up spare towels and cutting buttons off of clothing is simple: we are not in the 1930s. Goods are more available, especially cheap goods. Also, secondary markets like thrift stores and eBay make it simple to find the things you need at a discount.
Secondly, I am most prepared for hard times when I can make choices without boxes of “stuff” getting in the way. If I need to move for a job, downsize my house, or invite others into my home for a stay, I can do so fairly easily. In times where flexibility is beneficial, hoarding can cost you as many opportunities as you gain.
Training Ourselves That Enough Is Enough
Finally, one important reason is psychological. When I get rid of stuff by decluttering unused items, I give myself a feeling of abundance. By moving a few rarely worn shirts out of the closet, I send a message to myself that I have enough. When I feel like I have enough to get by, I’m simply happier and more relaxed. By clinging to every item on the off chance I might need it later, I gain a few dollars but pay a hefty price: daily peace of mind. In difficult times, that peace of mind and comfort is even more valuable. I’m simply not willing to trade it away for a few dollars here and there.
I do not want to insinuate that being frugal and getting full use out of your possessions is holding you back. Quite the opposite. But those who are anticipating the worst by collecting anything that could be potentially useful might be missing the forest for the trees.
Preparing for the worst = great
Living like the worst has already happened = not so much
I’m having a hard time writing what I feel without sounding flippant, but here’s the bottom line: keeping that ugly 1970s end table or ill-fitting sweater because, well, it would be wasteful to get rid of it right now just isn’t helping your situation. In fact, it’s probably making you feel more panicked and broke than you really are. That’s no way to make good decisions for yourself.
What’s your take on this? Would we all be better off if we returned to Depression-era thrift, or does minimalism have a place in a recession?
photo credit: booleansplit
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译文:
经济不景气时，该淘汰杂物吗？
尽管并非所有人都为经济感到忧心，但总的趋势显然如此。人们把这次的金融危机与当年的经济大萧条相比较时，总爱说“还没糟到那个地步”，但是，一再的提及当年恰恰反映出人们内心的恐慌。因此，我很奇怪自己为什么会以清理杂物的名义，把还完全能用的东西高高兴兴地淘汰掉？我们的祖辈当年可是靠与我反其道而行之的办法才让日子好起来的。
经济大萧条时代，有关节俭的例子比比皆是，而且总能鼓舞人心。在回收利用还没形成气候以前，那一代人学着必要时如何少消耗，如何对物品再三地加以利用。难道简洁明快和简约主义价值观随经济大萧条时期的终结而过时了吗？
如今不是当年
我不会保留多余的毛巾，也不会从旧衣物上拆扣子，一个很简单的主要原因是：我们现在不是处在二十世纪三十年代。如今的商品供应量很足，尤其是便宜东西。而且，廉售店或易趣网之类的中低档市场可以让你很轻松的以打折价买到自己需要的商品。
其次，我对经济不景气有充分的准备，不会让装“杂物”的箱子影响到自己的选择。因工作地点变动需要搬迁，需要住小一点房子，需要邀请别人来我家小住，这些我都可以很容易地办到。当需要灵活性时，贮藏带给你的弊端可能和好处一样多。
养成“够用为度”的观念
最后一个很重要的原因是属于心理方面的。把不用的东西淘汰掉，会让我产生一种自己相当富有的感觉。当我把没穿过几次的几件衬衣从衣柜中清理掉时，心里获得了这样一个信息：我的衣服够穿。感到自己有足够的东西让我更快乐，更轻松。如果老抱着以后也许还用得着的想法，什么都不舍得扔，那么，也许从钱财角度看是小有收获，但付出的代价却是巨大的：终日心绪不宁。经济不景气时，心灵的宁静和舒适可能更有价值，我可不愿意为了偶尔省几个小钱而去破坏它。
我并不想旁敲侧击地告诉你不应该节约或对物品进行充分利用。我的用意恰好相反。但是，那些总是保留所有可能有用的东西以备不测的人，其下场可能是捡了芝麻，丢了西瓜。
做最坏的打算=非常好
过苦行僧般的生活，就好像最糟的状况已经发生=不够高明
我极力想用一种听上去不算无礼的语气写出自己心中的想法，但归根结底：保留二十世纪七十年代的旧茶几，或不合身的毛衣，就因为眼下扔掉有点儿浪费，这对你的处境没任何益处。事实上，还可能加剧你的恐慌和经济窘迫的心理，所以绝对不是什么明智的选择。
你对此有什么看法？经济不景气时，要想重过好日子，是该像当年大萧条时期那样节俭度日呢，还是说，这种情况下，简约主义也有自己的一席之地？
图片 提供: booleansplit
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