Natural Capitalism
I’ve been reading Natural Capitalism on the bus to and from school for the last week. Wow. What a great read. From the opening chapter, an analysis of cars and how simply reducing their weight would open a world of compounding improvements, Hawken et al. are captivating. Though the book goes to effort of supporting all of its propositions with numerous scientific references, the underlying premise is simple: avoid unnecessary use of natural capital through application of existing technology and a little careful thought.
For example: the book starts with analyzing how reducing a car’s weight would eliminate the need for a big engine, a transmission, and power steering and brakes, all while reducing manufacturers’ costs. In short, manufacturers could be making gobs of money if they just addressed the weight problem using existing carbon fibre technology.
It was with my mind in this frame of thought that I saw this month’s issue of Vanity Fair, adorned by a suspiciously thin Drew Barrymore. Closer examination revealed, of course, Drew’s thighs had been assisted by an airbrush. And then it hit me: how many people out there are working industriously to create cleavage, thin thighs, and cover creases at this very moment? In fact, how much labour is expended in general to falsify the image of what a man or woman should appear? Are we so vain?
Apparently we are. Even my own experience in the MBA confirms it. Normally, I’m a jeans-and-t-shirt kind of guy; after all, since when did university call for anything else? But every time I wear something more formal to school for an interview or other event, I get an unusual number of comments from my classmates. The comments themselves aren’t a simple “You look good today”, they’re usually something more. There’s a hint of something Pavlovian to their voice, like they’re about to pet my head, give me a biscuit and say “Who’s a good boy, huh? Who’s a good boy? You are! Yes, you are!”
Honestly. Could we get over the issue of image, listen to Hawken et al., and focus on some problems that really matter? No? Then could you at least convince my classmates to stop petting me and giving me biscuits when I wear a suit? No?
Fine then, be that way.
I need to start working on a “books I need to read to get more educated”. My economic theory background is sorely lacking.
WRT to appearance changing reaction…it seems that only a pre-existing reputation can overcome reactions to visual appearance. I think of Steve Jobs in his trademark black turtleneck and jeans. I know that I will consciously dress “techie” (khakis and golf shirt, goretex jacket), “web developer” (khakis with funky shirt/turtleneck, funky hair, leather jacket), or “business” (khakis/wool pants, buttondown, tie and jacket optional), depending on the type and purpose of meetings I attend.
So it’s all marketing and mind games. You can stop playing when you’re at the top of your game.
P.S. Drew Barrymore was born on the exact same day as me (same year, too).
I believe that yes, we are in fact so vain. But at the same time is it all that bad? What an egotist would tell you is that not only does he use a mac, but he also thinks that vanity is the plaugue of humanity. He is so arrogant to think that he must be above everyone else because he has risen above looking at everyone in the physical perception and instead at everyone as a person. Awwwww…
The problem arises when you realize that yes, we are so vain, and that egotist is only “above” the physical because if he wasn’t then he would be at the bottom of the physical realm. It’s a fairly simple and common way of living. If you are not in the elite category of something, simply declare it to be blue collar and ignorant to act that way. People will see this as rightousness and follow suit.
What I am curious to see is what these peoples’ lives would be like if everyone were uglier than they. Would they still hold that lofty idea of personality over physicality? Or would they take the easy road and go the way of Barrymore, getting their breasts pumped with silicone and their thighs airbrushed?