Consumption itself is wasteful, as the exchange does not return equal value to what you give at that moment. In other words, the regular price may exceed the real value, often for profit purposes.
Therefore, when a behavior is called consumption, it means that the exchange itself will have an impact on the person. The determining factor is the proportion of the total amount spent on consumption relative to their wealth. When it’s just a small portion, it’s an enjoyment; however, when it’s a medium to large portion, it’s a debt; in some rare cases, it’s a risk investment. It only depends on how one consumes.
When there is a consumption, it only talks about people who have the ability to consume.
For most people, consumption is generally not rational. What is behind consumption is not their taste for themselves, but their desire for the outside to show up for themselves, for fame, for wealth, for resources. For some, consumption can be very rational. Such as only buying the necessary goods or services at the lower price, considering function first.
For the above two cases, consumption is also a consumption of energy. They may derive immediate enjoyment or feel satisfied with the savings. However, it doesn’t generate long-term self-satisfaction.
Therefore, what makes consumption different is the emotional value it holds. From this point, a loss is a positive.
For example, some people regard consumption as a waste of time, whereas some people become consumed as a release of pressure. For the former, it’s like utilitarianism, only useful things deserve their time; for the latter, as long as the consumption is not a debt, it still comforts the emotions at the moment.
Any expenditure of money, whether initially intended as investment or consumption, shares the same fundamental nature — all can be regarded as consumption at the outset. Because no one can predict the future, an investment can be a loss as well. If something returns over time, then everything can be regarded as an investment later. The definition of investment or consumption is defined by the outcome over time.
The most horrible thing is to put yourself under pressure, from life, from work. Pressure won’t be transferred to be motivation. A strong motivation, only driven by enthusiasm, pushed by a strong belief not to experience the uncomfortable or horrible again. Without enthusiasm or push, pressure will be a burden, making life heavier and heavier. Under such a situation, resilience is bitter suffering.
Life needs small pleasures, like spices that determine the taste of a dish. As long as a bearable consumption comforts emotion, which can support one to go further, it’s a positive.