what you need is...
Every day I carry a little creature with me. It sits near my right ear, perhaps perched on the intertragal notch (that little divot at the bottom of the external ear), where it has easy access to my brain via the ear canal. Throughout the day, it whispers only a few words, over and over. “You need this. You need that. You need, need, need.” It is a persuasive little beast.
I own a 2014 Toyota Tacoma 4x4. It is paid off, has nearly 141,000 miles on it, and is beginning to age. The paint has been baked and faded by the Arizona sun, small dents and scratches testify to my willingness to drive it places it probably should not go, the air conditioning never seems as cold as it should be, and the radio intermittently turns off and back on. The antenna broke off long ago and has never been repaired. The miscreant in my ear tells me, “You need a new truck.” Something shiny, with leather seats, and a bit larger to fit my 6’4” frame. A truck with a fancy audio system and seats that cool. “Yep, that’s what you need,” it whispers.
For such a tiny thing, the beast sure makes a lot of noise, and never seems to shut up. When my squirrel brain notices something fascinating, it is quick to murmur, “You need one of those!”
The insidious little creature has recently been trying to convince me that I need a new wallet. The one I own is just fine, but imagine how nice it would be to have a new leather piece that takes on a beautiful patina over time. People would be so impressed. The little beast has me contemplating spending money on a new object that I use to carry money to buy new things. What a devil!
I just finished reading History Matters – a collection of essays, speeches, and musings by historian David McCullough. McCullogh wrote each one of his twelve major books (and countless other writings) using the same Royal Standard typewriter, manufactured in 1940, or 1941 (he bought it used). Throughout his storied career, Mr. McCullough tapped out at least four pages a day on his manual typewriter. His last book, The Pioneers, was published in 2019. Written using a World War II era typewriter. I wonder if the little beast ever tried to convince David McCullough to purchase a Mac Book Pro?
Consumerism, that frequently irrational urge to buy new stuff, is such a constant presence that we almost fail to notice it. The voice of the little beast becomes a dull, but persuasive, tinnitus that chips away at our will power – and ultimately our wallets.
Speaking of wallets, so far I am holding out on that purchase. And here’s to hope that my Toyota Tacoma will be like David McCullough's Royal Standard Typewriter. Appreciated, cared for, and used in full. Something to quiet the little beast.