Memorable Story from Washington's Autobiography

The most memorable story from Booker T. Washington’s autobiography Up From Slavery that sticks out in my mind is when he was helping with missionary efforts in Alabama.  He visited black families and he was astonished to find that they had practically nothing.  Their living conditions were completely unsanitary.  They had to use their hands to cook, clean and eat because they had no utensils or cookware.  They lived in broken-down old homes, barely making a living.  What was insane was that these people were so poor and in debt because rather than spending what little money they had on food, clothing and the necessities of life, they spent their money on practically useless things like organs, clocks or sewing machines and other expensive items that they never really used.  This is memorable to me because many people are like that today, getting in debt for things they rarely use or cannot really afford.  For example, some people just have to have the latest and greatest new iPhone, video games, computer, electronic device, etc.  Or they have to have a really nice car or expensive clothes.  Why do they do this?  Because they want to look good.  They want attention and respect from others around them.  But that false respect comes at a very great price (pun definitely intended).  It is amazing how people are willing to basically sell their soul for anything to make them look better.  Having lots of stuff, even if it is “cool stuff”, won’t make you happy.  If anything, it makes you more greedy, less grateful, and stressed about how to keep affording a lifestyle you really can’t afford.  It is a vicious cycle that has existed probably since the beginning of time.