Early death Quote by Ellen Ruppel Shell
““Cheap objects resist involvement. We tend to invest less in their purchase, care, and maintenance, and that's part of what makes them so attractive. Cheap clothing lines—sold at discounters such as Target and H & M—are like IKEA emblems of the "cheap chic" where styles fills in for whatever quality goes lacking. There is nothing sinister in this, no deliberate planned obsolescence. These objects are not designed to fall apart, nor are they crafted not to fall apart. In many cases we know this and accept it, and have entered into a sort of compact. Perhaps we don't even want the object to last forever. Such voluntary obsolescence makes craftsmanship beside the point. We have grown to expect and even relish the easy birth and early death of objects.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The New Economy of Consumption, Ellen Ruppel Shell, 2011
Cheap items invite low emotional and financial commitment, making disposability appealing and reducing expectations of durability.
In simple terms: Cheap things get less care and last less.
Key Takeaway
Accept that some products are meant to be short‑lived.
Themes
consumerism
disposability
value perception
design
sustainability
Mood
reflective
critical
contemplative
Type
observation
analysis
When to use this quote
- budget shopping
- home décor
- fashion choices
- product design
- environmental impact
Key Concepts
planned obsolescence
psychology of ownership
material culture
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you prefer items that last longer?
- How does low investment affect your attachment?
A Different Perspective
Assumes all cheap goods are intentionally disposable, ignoring quality variability.
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