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The American compulsion to buy things they don't need

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What are the main points of view presented in this article?

We think things will make us happy.
Things don't make us happy.
We buy based on feelings rather than on need.
We soon become dissatisfied with the things we buy.
We are foolish for purchasing things in this manner.

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Solution Summary

This is a discussion of and reflection on the article entitled "Poverty of Abundance". The article is included with this post as are comments regarding it. Over 500 words of original text.

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Worksheet for Analyzing the Logic of an Article

Title and Author of article: The Poverty of Abundance by Stephan Bayley
Citation Information: Albuquerque Journal Wednesday, June 2, 2004

1. What is the key question that the author is asking?
(Figure out the key question in the mind of the author when he/she wrote the article.)

Why in the world do we buy so many things we don't need?

2. How does the author answer the key question?
(Identify the conclusion the author presents in the article.)
We buy things because we think they will bring us prestige, happiness and fulfillment.

3. What evidence does the author use to support the conclusion?
(Figure out the facts, experiences, data the author is using to support her/his answer to the ...

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