Friday, May 14, 2004
You all have lived it, but never knew the name of this "thing" that everyone experiences.
Take this story by the Enlightenment philosopher Diderot,
'Regrets on parting with my old dressing gown’.
Diderot was given a new red dressing gown as a present. Because it made other items in his study seem shabby, Diderot gradually replaced his desk, his curtains and other elements of the previous clutter so that they might complement his scarlet robe. In the end the room was transformed, but Diderot reports finding the effect discomforting.
So every time you buy something nice.. shoes for example. Then you need new pants, jacket, and socks to go with these shoes, hell, you might even need a new car. You have experienced the Diderot Effect..
So, I'm at home, building my new Ikea computer corner desk, begat by my new HP Pavilion, installing a shelf for printer (can't have it on the floor!), and I see a new desk lamp in the future. iPod anyone?
Take this story by the Enlightenment philosopher Diderot,
'Regrets on parting with my old dressing gown’.
Diderot was given a new red dressing gown as a present. Because it made other items in his study seem shabby, Diderot gradually replaced his desk, his curtains and other elements of the previous clutter so that they might complement his scarlet robe. In the end the room was transformed, but Diderot reports finding the effect discomforting.
So every time you buy something nice.. shoes for example. Then you need new pants, jacket, and socks to go with these shoes, hell, you might even need a new car. You have experienced the Diderot Effect..
So, I'm at home, building my new Ikea computer corner desk, begat by my new HP Pavilion, installing a shelf for printer (can't have it on the floor!), and I see a new desk lamp in the future. iPod anyone?
# posted by Swedish Steel @ 8:06 PM 
