My Thoughts on Ch. 2

Chapter 2 talks mostly about the automobile and the changes we have seen in it over the years. When I first read about Henry Ford and his “Tin Lizzie” I was shocked at the extent he went to, in order to keep his car the exact same. Usually when someone is in competition with others, they try to make changes to their product in hopes of bettering their work, but Ford definitely was not interested in change. I actually laughed when I read about the look and condition of the Tin Lizzie as compared to cars from other dealers who were keeping with the times and making improvements. On the other hand, I do know that something about the Ford car must have been right because it was able to continue selling for longer than any other car had, at this time. Even while GM was coming up with new versions of the automobile, Ford stuck with the same car and pushed for its ability last, which I really admire.

Reading about the Ford’s stance on not wanting to upgrade when their product was still in good working order makes me realize how unnecessary certain objects in life are today. If only people would take the same outlook on items such as the cell phone, TV’s and clothes as Ford did with their Tin Lizzie, I think we would be much better off, both presently, and in the future. Chapter 2 has made me realize all the items in life I can reuse, or just use longer instead of throwing it away for a newer version. If something still works, why throw it away? I almost feel silly about not realizing it before, but I waste too many good items in my life, that could be used for much longer or given to someone less fortunate.

The section in Chapter 2 about “Designing for style” still sticks with so many people today who are constantly in need of the next best thing. Although some aspects of the Tin Lizzie may not have been the best, that fact is, it still worked and did what it was meant to do. Overall, from this chapter, I got that looks are not always the most important, but rather quality and usage of items are.