I've been contemplating consumption.
In the last month, I've massively cut back on consuming to consume. The vast majority of what I take in now is there to help me produce. I wonder, when scrolling, does this feed the artistic self? Does this inspire, or does this wire?
Does this lend to an idealised version of me, or does this improve the real me? The me in his second act... does this fuel where I'm looking to go, or reflect where I've been?
Since 2010, I've observed the minimalist practice... and yes, I still write about nice things. But the objects are considered. I'm currently finishing a Buy It for Life list. I believe that the expensive thing is often (but not always) the better thing. Some items ask you to simply pay for their heritage name or brand. As a recovering business bro, I know that's a poor ROI. A designer rag with a massive logo communicates that you have attained that item. A piece with utility and craftsmanship communicates to the universe that you are mission ready.
Old or new, I am in constant search of the proper tools for the task at hand. Heritage brands got their names for a reason, and many are still making hard-wearing pieces that patina with age. They may even improve through wear.
So what does this all have to do with James Bond?
It goes back to Q
Bond's Barbour Beacon, his Walther PPK, the lack of items in his apartment. They all subtly communicate to us that mission ready is the way.
And yet, his fancy tools are often lost in the missions. Blown-up Aston Martins, thrown guns, exploding Omega watches. Bond is issued his tools. They have their uses, and they're held until they die, get lost, or are upgraded. Returned to Q.
Bond lives the idea of Swedish Death Cleaning, quite literally. He is always prepared for his death. Double Os have a very short life expectancy.
So what can you learn from this to be more dangerous, more stylish, and living more harmoniously?
1. Respect the build
Bond is still a government employee. Waste is frowned upon. Research and development has gone into your luxury toolkit. So, treat your luxuries and tools with care, out of respect for the artisan, your wallet, and the society around you.
2. Trust the story
Heritage and story communicate that greats from before used this kit on their adventures. Whether it's stepping into a meeting in Crockett & Jones, submerging your Rolex Explorer in the sea for a viral shot, or wearing Arc'teryx on your next hike. Battle-tested tools instil confidence that Q has issued these before, and that you're not a guinea pig. Not unless you want to be, that is.
3. Check your motive
Do not be sentimental about items. They will run their race. They will outlive their usefulness. Progress is key. Consume mindfully, do not fixate. Love people, use things, to cite the wisdom of Joshua Fields Millburn.
Nothing leaves Q Branch without a brief attached. Bond isn't stocking a wardrobe for someone he might be one day. He's equipped for the job at hand. Buy for the life you're living and the second act you're heading into, not the version of you that lives in the feed. If it doesn't serve the mission, it's clutter, however good it looks on your shelf.
4. Let it patina
Let it wear in. Do not attain overly delicate or ornate tools with the purpose of using them on missions. They do not patina nicely without fuss, they require an exceptional amount of protection, and we have missions to get on with. Choose the pieces that improve through wear, and let them show where they've been.
Which brings me back to that Buy It for Life list. More on that soon.
Cheers.