Before the recent rude economic awakening, the United States had a culture of social climbers. It was a United States with the motto “bigger is better,” each of us greedily vying to consume more. Not to say that I’m not guilty of wanting more and buying more, constantly satisfying made-up problems with a purchasable solution. But now is a time to change the twisted mentality that more stuff will make me more satisfied.

Instead of spending time searching the Web to improve my wardrobe with Burberry rainboots and a new Diane Von Furstenberg coat, I’m going to take the time to read more about what is going on in the world, and not in a superficial way. I won’t just scan The New York Times for headlines. I’ll read about the wonderful things happening all over the world, and even the conflicts. Then, I’ll take some time to understand the people in those stories, their cultures and world views. I know it will be more satisfying to educate myself than to try to stuff another shoebox into my closet. The knowledge I will gain will stick around longer than the time it takes for the boots to go out of style.

Instead of buying a super-fast sports car with tinted windows and a thumping sound system, I’ll take some time to ride my bike. There is beauty to be seen all around — especially in Seattle. Flowers are blooming, the wind is blowing, the lake is shining, birds are chirping and kids are playing. All of this is missed in a darkened car that blasts loud, predictable chords.

There’s no reason to change my bedroom curtains more frequently than the vernal equinox. That’s pure unnecessary consumption masked as creative decorating. Why not use my creativity to build a home for someone less fortunate? In all of this rage to consume, I have almost forgotten how rewarding it is to give to others.

Many people can appreciate my creative work for a long time, rather than only me and my stuffed panda. If you try this, you’ll be elated that you touched people’s lives.

I won’t spend money on the newest computer so I can Facebook-message my friends the latest viral Youtube video. And you shouldn’t do it to play World of Warcraft with your new buddy in Jamaica, either. No. I’m going to get into the habit of picking up the phone, calling friends and spending real time with them. We’ll go out for coffee, cook dinner at home, go for a hike, do whatever we like — just do it together.

Much of this mess we’re in today is because of the lack of face-to-face socialization. Our society became more fragmented, each person more isolated. Because of the lack of interaction, people stopped being people. They became mere vehicles to earn more money. And now it’s time to become a community again, to interact with one another, and to truly understand what it means to be an American.

Reach opinion editor Natalie Sikavi at opinion@dailyuw.com.