These problems arise because we do not, under abundance, have a sense of what $10 is worth. And this ambiguity can leave us open to manipulation. Purchases can be made to look more or less attractive through judicious comparisons. Upgrading to a better room on your vacation is a pittance if you think of it as a fraction of what you pay in rent. But it can seem a fortune if you think of it in terms of the terrific desserts you could eat instead. Marketing agencies—and nonprofits—use this strategy. Supporting a child in Africa or buying a vacuum cleaner only costs you pennies a day. With slack,
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