> by "ascetic" i mean that i spent almost no money on luxuries, fine clothes, entertainment, and the like. in part this was the result of my inclination toward power. (to get by with a minimum of things is associated with strength and toughness; to wallow in luxury is associated with softness.) but mostly my asceticism was simply due to a lack of interest in the things that money can buy, but whenever i really want something, and can rationally afford it, i buy. for instance, when i lived in california and made a good salary, i wanted a car so i could visit wild areas of the state; so i lost no time in buying a new car. (a 1967 chevelle. it was a good car. i had it for about 7 years and developed a real affection for it.) for another example, when i went out with ellen tarmichael a few [s/o] months ago, i did not hesitate to spend $320 (including $50 tip) for a meal for the 2 of us in a gourmet-type restaurant. thus i am no miser. but i don't spend money for something unnecessary when i feel i will get no real satisfaction out of it ...
Romania