There are quite a few things that I simply do not understand.
I don't know why some people (men) wear shorts in winter.
I don't know why some people (men) wear woolly hats in the summer.
I will never understand why a person who lives in a city would purchase, and then regularly drive, a vehicle designed for traversing a field in Connemara.
And I am not sure if my attitude to, and perception of, wealth will ever align with (what appears to be) the societal norm.
(Of course, of course, of course, what I am about to say is absolutely and fundamentally informed by my position of privilege, and my colour, race, profession, background, etc, etc, etc. I am standing here with my head in the stocks, waiting for the wet sponges of approbation to be flung in my face. Perhaps those of us who regularly spout opinions secretly yearn for those wet sponges, now and again. To wake us up a bit, like.)
So this is the thing I don't understand: what do people be wanting with all that money? Why do some people want more money than they need?
What is the attraction of excessive wealth?
Why, like?
For what?
I am completely on board with the idea of a house with enough rooms for everyone, and a garden, and warmth, and a "nice" neighbourhood (though not entirely clear with what that "nice" means). I think a car that works is probably a necessity for a lot of people. Clothes that fit. Food that is plentiful and tasty. Being able to say "yes" when the children ask for an icecream, or a pointless overpriced magazine in a shop. These are all luxuries, but I am grateful that I have them, and I have to say I would be a bit reluctant to give them up.
But why would the clothes have to be expensive? Why would the car need to cost the same as a house in Leitrim? (no offence, Leitrim). Why would I need to buy, and then exhibit, a candle that costs the average weekly industrial wage?
I just really, really, really don't understand.
