I believe that if some would have a different attitude there would be less poverty in this world. I believe that if some would be less materialistic, things could change. Look at the current financial situation that we’re in. Isn’t that proof of the attitude that most have these days? Exceed your standards, buy things that you don’t really need and most of all spend money that you don’t have because you really need that bigger house and you really need that gas-guzzling SUV so the neighbours will realise that you’ve ‘made it in life’…

To me, this race for bigger, better and most expensive seems so pathetic and so narrow-minded. Do you really need more than one car? Do you really need more than one house? Do you really need a vacation twice a year? Do you really need to spend money that you basically don’t have? See where it got us? No? Just check the news… Worse, there are people out there who really really need all the help they could get. Don’t you see that being just a tad less egocentric, materialistic and greedy could make a huge difference?

I’ve seen people close to me struggle not knowing if they would be able to buy enough food for one week or even a day, not knowing if they could feed their children. I’ve always counted my blessings realising that I was fortunate not having to be in their shoes, but I would share and made sure they would be fine. I was taught by my parents to save money for something that you’d want: you save until you can afford to buy it. I was taught to give to others and share what you had and I’ll always be grateful for this valuable lesson.

So I don’t get the attitude because I was taught to see things from a different perspective and not try to pull the wool over somebody’s eyes. What you see is what you get, I don’t feel the need to pretend and I don’t feel the need for so called ‘bigger and better‘. I was taught to be contented with what I’ve got which doesn’t mean there is no room for improvement or one can’t strive for quality. It’s about finding the balance and trying to care for others as well, about sharing what you don’t need with those who are really needy.

These days, what can be found in people’s hearts and attitudes: the ego and the lack of awareness isn’t that the real poverty?

Blog Action Day 2007 – The Environment