There are some things that get a visceral reaction out of me. One
of them is buying your way out. Sure, sometimes you can buy some
gadget that is actually a big improvement on how things used to
be. Most of the time, however, the gadget is just taking space.
You are giving away your living space for some gadget to sit
there.
This is deeper, of course. It's the whole attitude. You are
"making money" so you "can afford" to have this thing. Well, ok,
you are probably making money because you have overspecialized
into some field where you are trapped to do one thing and not
be interested in how to make this gadget or something that
provides the same function.
I am talking about tables and shelves here. Anyone can make one.
It's a question of status, really. If you have a shelf you made
someone's going to ask "did you make that?" and this is a hard
question. Are they thinking it is quaint? Or that it's ridiculous.
Better to put your money towards Ikea. Be on the safe side.
