9 lessons in frugality learned from Star Wars
Posted
Feb 06 2008, 10:51 PM
by
Karen Datko
Rating:
Here's a question for you: How many owners did R2-D2 and C-3PO have? OK, we're not sure how many, but we know it was lots. Why? Because the rebels knew how to recycle. That's one of nine lessons in frugality Paul Michael at our partner blog Wise Bread derived from the Star Wars movies.
Of course, Paul is talking about those in harmony with the Force, not the dark side. "The Empire is anti-frugality in almost every way," Paul observes. "They build enormous, no-expense-spared Death Stars; they have fancy shiny uniforms; they own the latest technology; they're not exactly thrifty."
Among the lessons: Jedis preferred blown hooded robes, not flashy, expensive attire. Paul writes, "'Care not do we for such trivial pursuits,' as Yoda might say." They bartered rather than bought, and they knew how to share. Paul notes that Jedi masters didn't charge apprentices for the training. He adds that the rebels knew how to fix things and make things from scratch.
Paul also provides modern applications for the lessons contained in Star Wars: Use Freecycle, buy clothes on sale, mentor others, carpool, change your own oil. He ends with this: "May the savings be with you."
