The value of things

Thrift is about saving money, isn't it? Think again. That would imply a reduction of value to monetary value.

Thrift is about saving things because they have intrinsic value; it is about reverence, care, stewardship, about wonder at the simple and ordinary but pervasive things like air, water, food, clothing, materials,...

It is about being content with the adequate and ordinary because we have not forgotten that good enough is just that: good. The good does not disappear the moment a newer or more attractive product appears on the market.

The money we happen to save as a consequence of this attitude is merely a side-effect, not the chief focus of our intentions.