How to curb greed?

In Okinawa, Japan, many practice a dietary habit of eating until they're 80% full. This is one of the key principles of the local diet, which is often credited for the longevity of the Okinawan people. 

This concept, called "Hara Hachi Bu," translates into eating until one is 80% full, a cornerstone of the Okinawan diet. Scientists believe this practice helps prevent overeating, maintains a healthy weight, and improves overall well-being. 

If we can agree with that view, and I personally do, we can extend it easily to other aspects of our lives, like wealth and asset accumulation, a hallmark of modern capitalistic society in which there seems to be plenty of room for improvement! 

While "Hara Hachi Bu" might not be directly applicable in the same way as it is to food consumption, the core idea of moderation and mindful consumption can be adapted. For instance, it could be applied to the way we spend money. We ought to be more mindful about it and start by prioritizing needs over wants by focusing on essential expenses and avoiding impulsive purchases. 

Also, by systematically delaying gratification, resist it in the moment and instead, save for long-term goals. Creating a budget and sticking to it to track our income and expenses would be another way towards that 80% goal of moderation. The same could be said about diversifying our investments by spreading our risks instead of putting all our eggs in one basket. 

At the corporate level, our governments must reform their tax system to the point that dangerous individuals like Musk, Dimon (Chase) or Bezos (Amazon) can no longer purchase everything within their reach to control us and the world at their pleasure. Same consideration for our poor planet (emissions, overpopulation, etc.) 

It’s about time to curb and stop that Gilded Age 2.0!