From Rags to Redemption: a Homeless Dumpster Diver's Tale of Salvation

Introduction

The essay “Stuff Is Not Salvation” by Anna Quindlen attempts to explain seemingly inexplicable consumer habits. However, for some individuals, especially those who have nothing, material possessions can indeed be a form of salvation. This idea is further explored in the essay “On Dumpster Diving” by Lars Eighner, which details the life of a homeless dumpster diver who finds salvation in discarded items. While I would love to agree with Anna Quindlen, after reading Eighner’s work, it becomes clear that for him and many other homeless individuals, material possessions are indeed a form of salvation.

Material Possessions as Salvation

Homeless individuals often rely on the discarded items of others to survive. As Eighner (1993) states, “Yes, we ate from them. Except for jeans, all my clothes came from dumpsters. Boom boxes, candles, bedding, toilet paper, a virgin male love doll, medicine, books, a typewriter, dishes, furnishing, and change, sometimes amounting to many dollars—I acquired many things from the dumpster” (p. 277). This abundance of items, which many people consider waste, becomes a lifeline for those in need. It highlights the stark contrast between society's tendency to overconsume and the resourcefulness of individuals like Eighner.

The Happiness Paradox

One point I do agree with from Quindlen (2008) is her observation that “The happiest families I know aren’t the ones with the most square footage, living in one of those cavernous houses with enough garage space to start a homeless shelter” (p. 428). This is absolutely true, as Eighner seems to find contentment with very little. Instead of accumulating unnecessary items, he has learned the value of truly important things. This perspective challenges the notion that happiness is directly correlated with material wealth and emphasizes the significance of appreciating life's essentials.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is clear that for some, material possessions are indeed a form of salvation. For those who have nothing, like the homeless individuals Eighner describes, these items can mean survival and, in some cases, even happiness. While we cannot speak for those with ample means, it is crucial to recognize that their motivations for acquiring things may also be rooted in a search for salvation. Thus, it is important not to judge shoppers or dumpster divers, as we can never fully understand the personal struggles and pursuits of others.

References

• Eighner, L. (1993). On Dumpster Diving. In Travels with Lizbeth (p. 277). St. Martin's Press.
• Quindlen, A. (2008). Stuff Is Not Salvation. Newsweek, 428.