Actions Speak Louder ThanThings

"Not what you possess but what you do with what you have, determines your true worth."

-Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881)

I have been taught since I was young that it's not what I have that makes me special, but how I act and present myself that determines my worth. Americans used to think that material possessions didn't really matter much, but now it seems that we are obsessed with owning the latest electronic device or wearing the latest designer outfit or even driving the nicest most expensive looking car. This may be the case for most Americans, but Thomas Carlyle is true with what he says.

Carlyle is saying that the way you present yourself and how you use the things you already have to benefit your life and other persons is really what matters. Most Americans think that the more they have then the more people will love and respect them, but that is not the case. People truly respect one another based on character.

If Americans would stop being obsessed with impressing people with material items, then that would solve the over consumption problem. Not as much things would be bought because Americans wouldn't be worried about impressing people with material items.

An Emotional Experience

Retailers these days are now having to renew the experience of buying things and bringing back the emotional feeling when buying an item. Honda has very successfully done this. To sell the new Honda Odyssey 2011, Honda is applying to the senses of families, but more directly, the parents.



Honda says the Odyssey is like "no van before," with its V-6 engine, 16.2 inch screen for DVDs, and wonderful 28 HWY miles per gallon with comfort and safety to go with it. To sell the van, they show commercials that show they van hauling children around and the mother has a smile on her face and looks at ease. If I was a mother, the thought of that would instantly cause a smile on my face. Mothers have it hard, and Honda uses that to make the van look like it would take a load off their shoulders, thus making it more appealing and causing an increase in sale.



Showing the whole family in the van, laughing along with each other, and having a marvelous time, also appeals to the families that yearn for that again. These days many families do not connect like that anymore and parents want that back again. Honda shows the whole family having a great time in their new van appeals to families who are looking for a way to make that happen again.


Honda has used the pathos technique to appeal to the emotional side of many people. If I was a mother or any other adult, then this van with plenty of room and entertainment for the whole family would be the winner.