Rethinking Wealth in Light of the Current Economy

The Washington Post ran an interesting article this weekend called In Tough Times, Rethinking Wealth. In light of recent financial distress, the article suggests that individuals are refocusing their priorities. Rather than devoting time and effort to objects and things individuals are dedicating attention to relationships and values, on helping those in need and in giving back or reconnecting with their communities.

I love these quotes from the article:

We have to go back to the things that are really important, which aren’t things at all. They are people and relationships, and it’s love and your faith and your neighbors and the people you take care of.

It wouldn’t hurt for us to do without, to save more for things, to prioritize as a family and to tell our kids it all doesn’t come automatically.

I think it would be good in the long run if there was less focus on materialistic things and more focus on the good of the community.

The real value of people’s homes, as a shelter and a place of sharing or communion with your family has not fluctuated at all.

The article points out that this new found motivation may be temporary. That habits are hard to break and that many individuals and families will revert to their previous ways once credit flows smoothly and money problems are thought to be a problem of the past. Personally, I hope the current financial crisis changes people’s sentiments for the long-term. I love the idea that people will stop focusing on acquiring money and objects and start focusing on the things that really matter.