Never Buy This: A Journey Through Indispensable Values and Unnecessary Expanses

Throughout life, we are often faced with choices about what to purchase and what to forgo. While the list of things one cannot buy may seem endless, it ultimately boils down to a few key moral and ethical principles that are irreplaceable yet invaluable. In this article, we delve into a far-from-complete list of items I will never buy and the reasoning behind these decisions.

Unattainable and Unreplicable Assets

There are certain aspects of life and entities that everyone should recognize as indispensable and cannot be purchased with money. These include:

Moral values: such as honesty, integrity, and the golden rule. Character: The essence of an individual's personality and conduct. Good nature: A positive disposition and kindness towards others. Behaviour: Actions that align with social and ethical norms. Love Care: Social bonds and emotional support are priceless. Mental peace: Inner tranquility and contentment. Attachment: Sense of connection to loved ones and experiences. Relationships: Deep, meaningful connections with family and friends. Fortune: Destiny and luck, regardless of material wealth.

The concept of love, respect, loyalty, and true friendship transcends monetary value. These intangible and often ethereal qualities are what often make life worthwhile, not the possessions or addictions that can lead to destruction and decay.

Non-Essential and Damaging Addictions

Items like drugs, alcohol, and even certain vices are often argued to be damaging and ultimately self-destructive. Drugs such as dope, heroin, crack, ecstasy, and LSD can not only consume but also shorten one's life. Intoxicating substances such as beer, whiskey, and wine are easily accessible and may lead to habitual behavior that distracts from more meaningful pursuits. These addictions may offer short-lived pleasure but often lead to long-term suffering.

Luxurious and Excessive Valuables

When it comes to items of beauty and luxury, there are certain must-haves and often-overpriced commodities that one should reconsider. For instance:

Expensive Toothpaste: While premium toothpaste may tout advanced technology and unique ingredients, its true value lies in its basic function—cleaning and protecting teeth. Investing in expensive toothpaste can be seen as akin to buying an enhanced potato when a regular one suffices. The primary ingredient in most toothpaste, fluoride, effectively helps prevent cavities and maintain oral health. Cheaper options can serve just as well, and one study found that many expensive toothpaste brands had similar components and performed similarly to more budget-friendly alternatives. Expensive Water: Despite our reliance on bottled water, tap water in the UK is significantly cheaper and equally as beneficial. Water is essential for life, and its affordability is a testament to its value. Textiles: Items such as yellowstone national park, Saturn, and another person are experiential and situational, existing outside the scope of commercial convention. These tangible treasures cannot be bought with cash or goods, but they can still be appreciated through travel, exploration, or personal relationships.

Unnecessary Expenditures

There are also certain expenses that might seem innocuous but should be challenged, such as:

Music Downloads: With endless access to music through platforms like YouTube, buying albums may seem redundant. However, discounted vinyls can offer a sense of nostalgia and higher audio quality. Bow Supplies: Breaking down the cost and effort of making one's own equipment makes practical sense, and buying commercial products merely loses the cost-benefit analysis that crafting one's gear affords. Petty Badges: The idea of 'going' or attempting to prolong life beyond its natural course is a philosophical one. Even the most quotidian actions like peeking through curtains out of curiosity is a personal choice, inherently void of value if not deeply meaningful to the individual.

Ultimately, the decision to never buy certain things when essential and examined from a practical and ethical standpoint is often about minimizing waste and focusing on what truly fulfills us in life.