Humanity's tendency towards commodification of things ought to be resisted.

What is commodification? Why are things commodified?Commodification is the transformation of goods, services, ideas and labor into objects of trade. Trade originated with human communication in prehistoric times. People trade because it adds value to their lives. It makes things much easier and provides the opportunity to have access to better goods and services or many things that one could not provide for themselves. Commodification does not just allow us to live -- it allows us to thrive. Does commodification leave us better off? If so, how?We are undoubtedly better off for commodifying things that we need or appreciate. Bartering allows us to exchange things with other people. Yet often people are more willing to trade (or provide better things in trade) when they have an incentive to do so. Commodification provides incentive to trade. People trade because it improves their quality of life.There are many jobs that we in society benefit from, that people would not want to do if they did not receive something in return i.e. compensation. By commodifying that task, we give people a reason to perform that job which not only benefits us overall, but helps that individual improve their life and trade for other things that they want or need. The only things we as human beings need to survive are food, shelter and water. Yet our lives are so much more full and filled with experiences because we have opportunities through commodification. Rather than spend my life simply surviving and providing for my immediate needs, I can do things such as travel the world, go to concerts, take an art class, eat fine chocolate, swim in a hotel pool, etc. specifically thanks to commodification. All of this is due in part to people trading with one another to provide the goods and services required to do these things. I couldn't travel the world unless a knowledgeable pilot (educated by others) flew me on a plane (that others built) etc. which they were all incentivized to do through commodification. Man produces to consume. Again, commodification does not just allow us to live -- it allows us to thrive. In many cases it allows us to survive. Perhaps most significantly of all, commodification has greatly expanded human knowledge through education. Consider the fact that years ago medical technology and insight was severely lacking. Thanks to the benefits of studying medicine (which certainly include financial) we have more doctors with better skill and expertise. We also have the necessary equipment, drugs and facilities to save lives. All of these things exist because people have worked together to provide them. People are compelled to work and provide things when they receive a direct benefit such as wages; otherwise they are slaves. What are some potential problems with commodification?Some worry that both nature and all aspects of the human experience can be commodified -- that is reduced to something with value that is only monetary. Yet value is entirely subjective. While one might look at something (e.g. artwork) and recognize it only for its monetary worth, another person might see it and feel completely moved. To the latter individual, the same art might represent something entirely different: not just dollar value but an emotional aspect of the human experience. Consider that a "blood diamond" might represent pain and suffering to someone in Africa, while that same gem could symbolize eternal love and happiness to the person it was ultimately given to as an engagement ring. Subjective experiences and perspective are an inherent, inextricable part of humanity and would exist regardless of commodification. A farmer, scientist and Egyptian who worships a sun deity might have completely different feelings and ideas about the sun for example. So we cannot expect people to assign the same value to everything. Whether it is one's religious beliefs, emotional feelings, political sentiments, familial values, personal views on risk vs. reward, etc. the fact is that people have different points of view. One social worker or employer might see a candidate as "just business," while another might take on the case or individual as very personal and develop an emotional investment. The point is that humans will ultimately have different values and establish those values for themselves. To some sex is a sacred act reserved for particular relationships and scenarios. To some sex is a commodity. We cannot shame or punish people for commodifying something (like sex) just because others place a different value on it. There might also be a tendency to exploit resources for profit. However commodification allows us to see nature as a valued resource. Most of the world’s agriculture and food production has already been commodified. As a result, people have an easier time securing food and have access to many more types of food than they would otherwise. Living in NYC, how would one obtain a Florida orange unless someone in Florida was compelled to pick the orange and make sure it was delivered to New York? Doing so would take up the Floridian's time, energy and resources. They would have no incentive to ensure the New York stranger received the orange, especially if the particular New Yorker did not have something specifically useful to the Floridian to trade for. Yet if the Floridian commodified oranges and made it possible to trade for them, the New Yorker (and many others) would now have the opportunity to try them -- and it would be as easy as going to the corner store. In turn the Floridian would have the option of trading with more people and society in general would improve. Is it possible we contribute toward pollution through commodifying oranges, i.e. by shipping them all over? Yes, but the benefits are obvious and must be weighed comparatively. Conclusion Ultimately commodification (like everything else) has its pros and cons. Just about anything on the planet can have positive or negative effects depending on perspective and balance. The question is should commodification be resisted and the answer is a resounding NO. Potentially negative circumstances are not enough reason to prohibit something. We don't avoid swimming just because we could drown. We don't stop eating because there is the possibility for choking. We don't ban cars despite the rampant pollution they cause. Overall, the commodification of resources has been invaluable toward the preservation and advancement of human society. Rather than resist commodification (that is combat or prevent it) we should take a more holistic and thoughtful approach to capitalism. On balance, commodification does far more good than harm, and human beings would be far worse off without the existence of commodities. Commodification in general should not be resisted.