We’re brainwashed from birth: you need this product, this thing, this brand, this house.  It will make you happier.

Who hasn’t fallen for this?

We buy the new, shiny object.  A month later, that new-buy feeling is gone.

The shimmering apartment with two pools and a wine rack?  Just a place I live now.

We acclimate.

And we’re off, chasing the next new, new thing.  The apartment has lost its luster - but we’re sure the next item won’t.

The hedonic treadmill.  The rate race.  Keeping up with the Joneses.

This addiction traps people in jobs they hate to buy stuff that lacks enduring value.

But some purchases do have enduring value.  They don’t get old.  We don’t acclimate to them.  

They’re consistently valuable.  They improve our well-being.  We’re always grateful for them.

They are:

• More time, to sleep, learn, not rush, be with loved ones, improvise.
• Exercise, to keep the mind and body fresh and healthy.
• Experiences, which provide memories.

Money does make you happier.  But only if you spend it wisely.