I don’t see widespread objectification of the world as an emerging trend so much as a mystification of everything — Tom Storm

That’s true to a degree, but look at how people really behave. Everyone’s forced into jobs, more or less. And today’s jobs are mostly total crap. Cogs in a machine. Ironically, I think looking at material reality exposes just how materialistic we are.

I’m not sure that’s my experience but maybe Australia is somewhat kinder. There are certainly neoliberal trends along those lines but also opportunities not to participate. But maybe I’m experiencing a wave of optimism.

What’s the wealth distribution like in Australia? It’s likely better than the US, but I would expect about 70-80% of people there living fairly precarious lives too. I haven’t done a carful analysis of the economy of down under though.

The point I’m making goes beyond economics, of course— it’s a (mostly tacit) philosophy of life, of how we see ourselves and what we value. We’re living the answers to those questions.

I haven’t done a carful analysis of the economy of down under though. — Mikie

Nor me. But what we do have is free medical and hospital treatment and a guaranteed welfare payments and pensions. I work in the area of addiction and mental health so I’ve seen my fair share of disadvantage.