This seems as good an opportunity as any to bring up another part of the "basic" concept which feels really unhealthy: the idea that "basic" is consuming commodity, mass-market goods, and that high status is distinguishing yourself through sophisticated taste in what you consume.

This mindset is problematic for at least a few reasons: - Every choice of consumption becomes an opportunity to over-examine - Devaluing goods because they're common lures us into a needless chain of "upgrades" as productivity improves. We can never have a post-scarcity economy if we're taught to shun whatever isn't scarce. - All of this plays into the framing that we're first and foremost workers and consumers.

Would we not all be happier and healthier consuming decent but not spectacular mass-produced and inexpensive food, drink, clothing, housing, cars, etc, instead of coveting a rare beer, or looking down our noses at people buying starbucks?