re: What motivates people to live above their means?

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It seems to me that many place a high value on material things, much more so now than in previous generations. Many are consumed by their material goods and the chase to purchase the next "new, hip, or trendy" version of said item. In the process we have devalued relationships. As we continue to focus on material goods look at what has happened to our society as a whole, divorce rates rising, more misguided children.

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There once was a couple who had an entire lush garden and all that was forbidden from them was one tree, and yet, the garden wasn't enough.