So overextending on credit cards is genetic and can't be helped.
The beatings will continue till the genome is improved.
Bwahah.
Actually the article asserts its a predisposition, just like you might be genetically predisposed to alcoholism. That doesn't mean you can't control it. It does mean you have to want to. And why would I want to when I can always get someone to bail me out?
And goes on to tie frugality, as is now defined by enviro-consciousness, to morality:
“Consumerism probably reflects the moral nature of contemporary existence as much as any other widespread moral practice; significant change here would therefore require no minor adjustment to our way of life, but the transformation of our entire civilization.”
As I read it, it's not so much how much one consumes, but how and of what.
I found this amusing, as well:
"... some of the cheapest people I know have the most money ...".
Well. Duh. Shades of "The Millionaire Next Door", long before "frugal" was trendy.
