Page 8 - Workbook3E

Cultural World View Cycles
Both life’s experiences and personal world view shifts can change the way you look at things, and even affect your rules or values. Even though these changes may affect you on a personal level, they’re often a result of a major cultural change.
One such major “world view” change has taken place in the last fifty years. In the two-hundred-plus year history of America, there have been many cultural world view changes in the national outlook. These cultural changes come in cycles—especially in regard to the ownership of possessions and property—with periods of material conservatism moving into times of great materialism.
During wartime, depressions and recessions, materials and goods typically are carefully managed and made to go as far as possible—there becomes
a national outlook of conservation. In contrast, peace and prosperity lead
to increased manufacturing and availability of products, especially luxury goods—bringing with it more waste and extravagance. In prosperity, a focus on materialism becomes culturally acceptable.
Look to Your Future
People who have lived through several types of economic cultural cycles tend to be more conservative because they realize how quickly things
can change. Careful use of your resources, regardless of the current economic condition, helps you stay financially stable and better prepared for unforeseen situations. In times of prosperity you can remain fiscally responsible and build your wealth,
which will also provide you a firm foundation in the event you experience leaner times.
Wants versus Needs...
Unfortunately, when there’s an abundance of goods and services it often creates a cultural attitude of “wants” seeming more like “needs.” This recent cultural world view has resulted in many Americans financially overextending themselves in pursuit
of a quantity of things rather than a quality of life.
Consequently, a record number of
Americans live in financial bondage.
Often when it’s too late, they realize
extravagance doesn’t bring the
happiness they hoped it would. Instead, all their possessions and bills bring added stress, insecurity, and a heavy financial burden. Sadly, the loss of their financial security often leads to a loss of self-confidence, bankruptcy, divorce, and the end of their hopes and dreams.
“There is no such thing as absolute value in
this world. You can only estimate what a thing is worth to you.”
~ Charles Dudley Warner
4 Workbook 3: Prepare for the Future