The computer that guided Apollo 11 to the Moon in 1969 (allegedly 😉) had less computing power than today's smartphones.

It really comes down to realizing and making a conscious decision that you do not need these things.

Awareness is key. External sources of pleasure are ephemeral. No matter how much you have, you'll never have enough. A way to improve our relationship with substances and external pleasures are in admitting this truth. There is no sense in chasing something outside of us for it never brings us what we hope it will, especially for long. Recognizing this futility can lead us to want to change our behavior and mindset. But you have to start with a decision.

Just another reminder of the skewed incentives inflationary fiat money causes. Companies are incentivized to manufacture as quickly as possible, cutting corner often, in order to lessen the impact that variable costs of exchange rate, labor, material, and shipping costs.

Give me a white sandy beach, a hammock between palm trees, and a non-alcoholic piña colada with a tiny umbrella. I'll barter fish for coconuts, invent a currency based on seashells (feels like we've been here before), and declare my own independent sovereign - "Baptopia." No taxes or laws, just endless sunshine and the occasional philosophical chat with a wise old man and a parrot. The family can learn to surf, my dogs can chase hermit crabs, and my S19s can finally perfect their sunbathing technique.