Changing How We Live

 May 10, 2010

Interview with Richard Florida, author of the book The Great Reset: How New Ways of Living and Working Drive Post-Crash Prosperity

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Mike Carruthers:
Although the economy seems to be recovering it has taken a toll and changed how people live.

Richard Florida:
And I think what we’re doing right now, in the reset, people all over our country are resetting the way they live and reinventing new ways of living and working – and that’s what’s going to pull us up.

Richard Florida, author of the book The Great Reset…

One thing people are downsizing. I was just talking to a woman today who decided to sell a 4 thousand square foot home, which they were happy with, but decided to move into a much smaller apartment. Go down to having one car and their finding that, that not only gives them freedom and flexibility, it enables them to spend money on things they love. Whether it’s going to a restaurant, spending time with friends, or taking a short vacation.

In fact, Richard says, in a survey…

Renters, believe it or not (it sounds so bizarre) renters are often happier and certainly less stressed than homeowners. That doesn’t mean that nobody should own a house, lots of people own a house, I own a house. But for many people downscaling is making a lot of sense these days. You know the average American spends more than 55% of their income just for housing and energy costs. Some Americans are spending 75% + - how can you live on that?

What people are discovering, says Richard is…

People are made much happier not by material things. You get a shot of adrenalin by buying a new dress or a new suit or a new car. People are much happier spending time with friends, going out for a walk or taking a trip - that’s having an experience. Our experiences make us much happier than material goods.

To hear the complete unedited interview, click here