Whether it is socks, dishes, or any other item, what is the value of having two or more of anything look alike? With mass production, we often end up with duplicates of lots of things, but that is a side-effect of producing them more efficiently and cheaply. There is nothing wrong with that, but to turn that side-effect into something desirable for its own sake is not only illogical but opposed to the usual standards of value for an object. Almost anything that is unique, and/or handmade, and of good quality has higher value, even if its usefulness is no different. Among mass-produced items, the fewer duplicates available, the more each will be worth.
To make sameness a positive value is not only contrary to common sense, it can have negative results In housing developments, there are often whole neighborhoods of identical or very similar houses, which may result from efficient building techniques, but when there are "neighborhood associations" that actually force homeowners to paint them all the same color, and prohibit any individualization, the result is a hideously uniform cluster of dwellings, diminishing the quality of life of everyone, except perhaps for those authoritative types who believe we should all dress alike too, and preferably have skin the same color.
When someone tells you that everything should match, think about the implications; question their assumptions and motivations. If cloned possessions appeal to you, go for it. But it’s certainly not the only option.
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~~~Captain Rat
It’s a friendly universe…
Let’s make it a peaceful world.
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My website:
Cosmic Cabdrivers’ Guide to the Universe
HTTP://WWW.COSMICRAT.COM
360 Blog: http://360.yahoo.com/captainrat23
MSN Blog: http://cosmicrat.spaces.live.com/
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Thought for the day:
I’m always looking for a new idea that will be more productive than
its cost. — David Rockefeller