Why we need things, in history from things

This reading was discussing the relationship we have with items and how items effect our lives everyday. The first section introduced our consumption of these "things" like electronic materials, craft objects and art to name a few. These objects are not necessary tools for our lives to run smoothly, but objects which enhance our daily experiences and make our environment around us more comfortable. In the reading it gave the example how nomadic tribes would not accept gifts because it would increase the size of things they needed to carry, but these days we clutter our lives with objects. Our consumption of items is never ending and is increased with the western ideals of the more you consume the better it is for our economy and the prosperity of our country. The amount of items you own shows your wealth and the comfortable living situation you have set up for your self. We also place emotional ties to these items, we tie them to family, friends and events which increase the value and justify our reasoning for having these unnecessary things in our home. Like a Mickey Mouse teddy bear is not an items which provides the owner with any physical benefits, but makes the owner happy because it reminds them of their trip to florida with their family when they were ten. In the reading they describe how unnecessary goods gives us a feeling of belonging and helps us create stronger connections with the people around us. The entertainment that these objects brings us transfers to a happier mental state and comfort which translates to a better person. In my design practice i can take this idea and translate it to making objects that can be reused in different manners but still hold the same emotional attachment. The reading talked about these objects as cradle to grave, but in my design practice it would be more beneficial to talk the items broken and unusable back to the cradle by refurbishing them so they can hold another meaning on top of its old one. For example taking the ripped canvas of a wall painting and using it in patch work to create a tote bad.