I think people in the west over-consume, and I was one of those people when I lived in the USA.
I have always had a thought that most people spend lots of money buying things they do not need, because buying things gives them a temporary happiness.
Over time, we end up with a house full of things, many which end up in closets and drawers, never to be used or seen again.
In rural Isaan, people don’t have much of anything because they cannot afford it.
They are very happy going about their daily lives, working hard and not over-consuming.
The things westerners spoil themselves into thinking they need, they do not really need.
Luxuries are nice to have, but in a country full of counterfeits, no one cares.
Many people live here with no electricity or running water.
You might think that is a necessity, but people here prove that is not the case.
If you have it great, if not you learn how to live getting around not having it.
The same with food here.
People can eat basic Thai food their entire lives because it is tasty and it is cheap.
They don’t need pizza and burgers.
Figuring out that you don’t need all this over-consumption, saves money and saves space.
When you can get your life to zero debt and not over-consume, you have life made and will be much happier.
Material things are only a temporary happiness.
Having the money to do what you, when you want, is the real happiness.