Did you know that Google pays Apple more a million dollars an hour to be the default search engine on their iPhones?
I’ve been thinking about that extraordinary amount in terms of what any of us might be willing to pay for something – a ticket to a concert, a meal at an airport, cage free eggs.
In an article that reflects on why we purchase certain things and not others, Lawrence Samuel offers his readers an interesting phrase, “ownership of the unnecessary.”
Meaning, sometimes we all purchase something we don’t need. Why? It can make us feel good in the moment. Provide a sense that we have agency in our lives.
But if we tweak that phrase and ask ourselves what is the “ownership of the necessary,” that raises a different set of observations and questions.
For Google it is clear “owning” the search engine on Apple’s iPhones is necessary and therefore they are willing to pay whatever is necessary to purchase it.
How would you define what is “necessary” in your life?
What are you willing to pay for what is necessary?
These two questions are helpful ways to assess our priorities.
——
f you have been forwarded this email and like to join a community of people pondering how to feel better you can subscribe and receive a daily email here. If you would like to get in touch please email us at info@on-emotions.com.
On Emotions 