Spending Time, Not money
Nowadays, it is apparent that majority of people are immensely driven by wanting wealth and money to
satisfy the human carving for a materialistic life. “Spending time, not money” is a comprehensive article
written by Celia Jarvis which was published in the Psychologies magazine in October 2017.The article talks
about the psychological research concerning why a more materialistic life diverts us from achieving our
objectives of a healthy relationships with the society. It patently says many people set for a less
materialistic life for a better social interactive life but something makes it difficult to achieve it and Jarvis
opens information needed to understand this difficulty.
The article commences with a flashback with visual imagery used in describing her condition and then
later dissolves into a more narrative manner. To begin with, Jarvis explores the idea that it is possible to
experience joy, beauty, and comfort without having to rely on materialism by describing her visit to
Nigeria. In the first phrase, Jarvis states, “despite my aching muscles and the mosquitoes buzzing around
my head I am exhilarated.” Jarvis juxtaposes the tiredness and irritation present, connotations of aching
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muscles and mosquitoes buzzing, to excitement that foreshadows the joy and excitement Jarvis gets from
a hike through nature. Jarvis employs visual imagery to deploy a string of attraction to lure the audience
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in to feeling relatable and connected with the audience. As it is a psychological article, the visual imagery
appeals to seek the attention of the audience; her description of the Nigerian countryside and the towns
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ignites a sense of desire of rusticating, for those who feel crestfallen and dispirited by their dependencies
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on materials. Hence the target audience includes the middle and upper class that are exhausted in their
everyday inevitable addictions and need a relief. Furthermore, Jarvis deploys the use of an anecdote; this
releases a persuasive argument which makes it more genuine and believable by the audience that
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exemplifies the message being conveyed. She does this to resonate with audience. In addition there is
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foreshadowing and juxtaposing in the opening of the article. Jarvis opens up with idea that it is possible
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in today’s world to enjoy life without being a spendthrift.
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In addition to the use of visual imagery, through personal anecdotes, Jarvis reveals how community and
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intimate relationships can offer more gratification than material comforts. For example, Jarvis describes
her Nigerian colleagues as “creating a close and warm-hearted community to which I was drawn.” The
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adjectives “close” and “warmhearted” have positive connotations of belonging, family, and security, and
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is something material wealth cannot offer. Additionally, Jarvis describes how she “learned to cook goat
stew and dance” during family celebrations. Through this anecdote, Jarvis alludes to the theme of culture
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and how being exposed to new communities, new cultures, and new traditions, opened her eyes to the
value of intimate relationships and how the satisfaction and comfort derived from a human bond cannot
be minimized by materialism. Jarvis describes “this feeling of connection” through her anecdotes and
experiences integrating with the local community, and conveys the idea that the value of relationships,
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family, and belonging is far greater than any possible materialistic satisfaction. It is this experience of
Jarvis that inspires her readers to make a conscious effort to prioritize relationships over materials.
However, Jarvis implies that while humans desire to live less materialistic lives, the addiction to
materialism is naturally part of the human being. For instance, at the top of the article, Jarvis writes, “So
why is it so hard to achieve?” The curious question immediately draws the reader’s attention and makes
them reflect on why they have chosen to live materialistic lives against their desires and vividly the
readers reflect on their behavior and attitude ways of spending. Furthermore Jarvis states facts and
figures that ““the average woman spends $43,000 in her lifetime on creams and cosmetics,” yet this is
contradicted by the statistic that “mindful living [books] regularly top the bestseller lists.” This is an irony
stating that women would continue to use cosmetics while reading about a mindful life. Jarvis uses an
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irony to unveil the reality of a fake effort to get over the addiction of a spendthrift. Plus, it supports
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Jarvis’s suggestion that spending is implanted into humans since it is very enjoyable.
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Finally, through a self-reflection, Jarvis concludes by emphasizing how material wealth and shopping is
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only momentary. For example, she describes shopping as only ever a “short-term boast, a sugary high.”
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The use of the phrase “sugary high” draws parallel between shopping and sugary drinks, and how both
offer only momentary gratifications but are harmful in the future and unsustainable.
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In conclusion, Jarvis writes this article to explore human psychology-. With the help of her personal
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experience and anecdotes she conveys that it is very crucial of humans to realize relationships over the
temporarily wealth. As a reader, I am also much indulged in a materialistic life as an escape from my
boredom and find it very pleasing. For instance, when I got my new phone, this internal enjoyment just
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raised therefore we are coded to find happiness in objects. Ultimately, Jarvis manifests a universal theme
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that money is not always essential to be happy and rather long lasting relationships will satisfy more and
is the permanent door to happiness s
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