[1] "Dealing with stuff" -- Bruce Sterling http://video.reboot.dk/video/486788/bruce-sterling-reboot-11
- Pay most attention to your "common everyday objects". That is, anything that takes up your immediate space: on your body; in the room with you. Also those things that take a lot of your time
- Buy the best possible common everyday objects you can. Most importantly:
-- your bed: you spend a third of your life in it. Consider the per-hour cost
-- your chair: stop whining about your wrists and back hurting and buy a really good chair. Again consider the per-hour cost
- Ditch anything you haven't used in the last 12 months. eg: wedding china, tuxedo, everything in your storage locker
- Only buy real things you really use
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How to get rid of stuff.
First, note that getting rid of stuff is HARD (but doable). Do NOT start on impulse. Think hard about it and make sure you're morally prepared.
Then... for each item in your life ask the following questions:
1) Is it beautiful?
Test: You have it on display. You share its beauty with the people in your life.
If yes then keep it, otherwise...
2) Is it emotionally important?
Test: It has a narrative. You share its story with other people.
If yes then keep it, otherwise...
3a) Is it a useful tool, piece of equipment, or appliance?
Test: It efficiently performs some useful function. It actually works. It is the best possible tool. (Do not put up with broken or shoddy stuff)
Bruce's side comment: There's nothing more materialistic than doing the same job 5 times because your tools are inferior.
3b) Are you experimenting on it?
Test: You methodically work on it and you publish your results.
Bruce's side comment: Beware brand-new time-sucking beta-rollout crap.
If yes to either then keep it, otherwise...
4) It is unworthy of taking your space or time. Virtualize it (take its picture; record the barcode; record any anecdotes about it) then get RID of it. If you ever need it again, get another one from eBay.
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