Are We “Post-Material”?

Yes, I could have done better than my parents, but instead I chose to consume more leisure. Many young people I know — journalists, activists, developers, and designers — are making the same choice, even if they don’t realize it. They are choosing to live below their potential means in order to be happier. And while you see them “work” very hard and for long hours for stagnant or declining wages, they are in fact having a ball and obviously getting paid enough to do it.

How do we feel about this essay about how the current working generation won’t be as materially well off as our parents, but that’s because of intentional choices we make (and because technology has made it so that we need fewer things to be comfortable)? I see the point the author is trying to make, but I also think he has a bit of tunnel vision.

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