I've always been curious about why many people chase after fashion. It would be one thing if a new item were several generations newer than what you already have. For example, the iPhone 14 is certainly more modern than the iPhone 8. A 2020 car is generally more comfortable and safer than a car from 2000 or even 2010. However, there are people who are willing to change their gadgets or cars every year. With a great deal of stretching, I might understand them. But I could never comprehend those who follow this logic when it comes to clothing. A jacket made this year is no more comfortable, warmer, or practical than a jacket made two years ago. In one of the books primarily related to financial well-being, an interesting psychological issue was addressed that really clarified things. People who feel a "need" for fashionable items are often highly susceptible to criticism and, moreover, they likely faced significant criticism in their childhood. Below is a good excerpt directly from the book that is hard to disagree with.
It is well-known that a thief will criticize the person from whom he stole; he does this to justify his low act. And think about elections! Often, if not always, to win, politicians talk not about their programs, plans, and abilities, but fervently criticize their opponents, berating their shortcomings. Who is not afraid of criticism? Clothing manufacturers! They change the models they produce every season. But who dictates fashion? Certainly not the buyer. It's the manufacturer! So why does he complicate his life with constant changes in style? The answer is obvious. By making changes, he gains the opportunity to sell more clothing, and therefore achieve greater profit. The same goes for car manufacturers, who operate under the same reasoning. No one wants to drive an outdated car model. Why? Because the owner of an outdated car fears criticism from friends who are already driving around in shiny new "Mercedes" or "Citroën" vehicles.
The author then also describes seven symptoms of the fear of criticism:
The destructive influence of this form of fear is explained by the fact that the fear of criticism deprives a person of initiative and imagination. The main symptoms of this form of fear are listed below.
- Excessive Modesty: This usually manifests as nervousness and shyness when interacting with unfamiliar people, as well as awkwardness and clumsiness in movements.
- Unsteadiness: Typically expressed through abrupt changes in voice, nervous breakdowns, poor posture, and memory issues.
- Weakness of Character: Essentially, weakness of character consists of the following aspects: insufficient firmness in decision-making, inability to express one’s opinion clearly, a tendency to procrastinate in solving problems, and thoughtless agreement.
- Inferiority Complex: This is expressed through excessive talkativeness that is not backed by actions; the use of "loud" words, the meanings of which are sometimes unknown even to the speaker, in an attempt to impress the audience; imitation of the speech and gestures of others, as well as their dressing style; boasting of fabricated achievements. This can sometimes leave an impression on listeners.
- Profligacy: This is nothing more than the result of the desire for everything to be "like the Joneses"; living beyond one’s means.
- Lack of Initiative: Inability to seize opportunities; fear of expressing one’s opinion; insufficient confidence in one’s ideas; evasive answers to questions from people in higher social positions; hesitation and dishonesty in words and deeds.
- Lack of Ambition: Mental and physical idleness; procrastination in decision-making. A person devoid of ambition is easily influenced; they often criticize others behind their backs while preferring to speak flattering words to their faces; they accept defeat without resistance. Such a person is suspicious of everyone, behaves tactlessly, and never admits their mistakes.
You may not have thought about this before, but if you tend to follow fashion in clothing or other things, and at least a few symptoms of fear of criticism resonate with you, then it is likely that you have issues related to criticism, and you should do something about it.
