There is an abundant swath of personal finance tools, 10 step programs, weight loss programs, etc. that are all intended to fix our problems. This country is HUGE on methods but poor on fundamentals.

To beat obesity, you’ve got to consume less and burn more. There is no alternative. And to do that, you’ve got to change the culture.

— Bill Clinton

This is a culture that buys its solutions. In technology we trust! Take a pill. Buy our software package. Follow this easy program. However, the problem is not with the number of solutions that are available for purchase. The problem is that the prevailing attitude that solutions are bought from someone else rather than created by oneself. Therefore to stop being poor people need to give up their consumerism.

The problem is that it is really hard to explain the fundamental problem as it can’t be sold in shrink-wrapped packaging by definition. It seems to require some kind of epiphany just like some people almost need a heart attack to finally take their physical health seriously.


Much thanks to LB for the donation.

Originally posted 2008-03-24 07:37:34.