Why We Want Things We Don’t Need

Why does the next new thing always seem like the thing that will finally make life better? In Saying No to New: Why New Things Are Stealing Your Time, Money, and Happiness—And How to Take Back Your Life, New York Times editor Eric Athas explores our appetite for novelty and the tactics businesses use to keep it fed. Katy Kelleher takes that question beneath the surface in The Ugly History of Beautiful Things: Essays on Desire and Consumption, uncovering the tangled human and environmental histories behind objects we covet, from perfume to gemstones. Two perspectives on what drives our desires—and whether enjoying something beautiful has to mean owning it.⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎁 Save 20% on a Next Big Idea Club membership when you use code PODCAST at⁠ ⁠nextbigideaclub.com⁠⁠ ✉️ Get big ideas in your inbox with our daily newsletter. Subscribe at⁠ ⁠bookoftheday.nextbigideaclub.com⁠⁠ Sponsored By:Notion — Learn more about how Notion can support your business, at ⁠⁠notion.com/daily⁠⁠Quince — Make your summer wardrobe easier. Go to ⁠⁠quince.com/nbid⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returnsKeeper — Right now, Keeper's offering podcast listeners! 60% off personal and family plans at Keepersecurity.com/DAILY.