Car designers are just going to have to come up with an automobile that outlasts the payments.
By: Erma Bombeck
Imagine a world where the things we buy are built to last, where the car you drive is designed not just for the fleeting moments of new-car smell and spotless interiors, but for the long haul, the countless journeys, the memories created over miles and years. This is the vision that humorist Erma Bombeck once hinted at with a touch of her characteristic wit: “Car designers are just going to have to come up with an automobile that outlasts the payments.”
It’s a simple statement, but it carries with it a profound truth about the society we live in and the values we hold. We live in a world of instant gratification, where the new and shiny quickly becomes the old and outdated. But what if we shifted our focus? What if we started valuing longevity over novelty, durability over disposability? This idea doesn’t just apply to cars; it’s a metaphor for life itself.
Just like a well-built car, a life with purpose is one that outlasts the superficial highs of short-term achievements. It’s about setting goals that don’t just serve the moment but pave the way for a future that’s rich with meaning and fulfillment. When we align our actions with our deeper values, we create a life that’s built to last, one that continues to bring joy and satisfaction long after the initial excitement fades.
When we choose quality over quantity, we’re making a decision to invest in things that endure. Whether it’s a car, a relationship, or a career, the principle remains the same. It’s about putting in the effort to find something that’s truly worth our time and energy, something that will stand the test of time and continue to serve us well into the future.
Any car owner knows that even the best vehicle requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Similarly, the various aspects of our lives need ongoing attention and care. Our health, our relationships, our skills—all these need to be nurtured and looked after if they’re to sustain us over the long term. It’s not enough to simply make a good choice once; we must continue to make good choices every day.
Of course, even the best-made car will eventually face the wear and tear of time. Roads change, technologies evolve, and what was once cutting-edge becomes obsolete. The same goes for life. We must be willing to adapt, to learn new things, and to let go of what no longer serves us. This doesn’t mean giving up on longevity; it means understanding that true longevity is flexible and responsive to change.
Ultimately, the things that outlast the payments are the things that we leave behind for others. It’s the impact we have on the world, the way we touch the lives of those around us, and the legacy we build through our actions. When we focus on creating something that lasts, we’re working toward a future that’s not just bright for us, but for the generations that follow.
Erma Bombeck’s quote may have been about cars, but it’s a reminder to look beyond the immediate horizon, to build and live for the long term. It’s a call to action to create a life that’s not just about surviving the payments, but thriving beyond them. So let’s take that wisdom and drive it into every facet of our lives, creating a journey that’s worth every mile.
Erma Bombeck was an American humorist who gained fame for her syndicated newspaper humor column that described suburban home life from the mid-1960s until the late 1990s. She also published 15 books, most of which became bestsellers.
Erma Bombeck’s quote suggests that car designers should focus on creating vehicles that are durable and last longer than the time it takes to pay them off. It’s a humorous take on the frustration many feel with products that seem to be designed for obsolescence.
The quote can be seen as a metaphor for building a life of purpose and quality that endures beyond the short-term. It encourages investing in things that have lasting value, whether that’s relationships, careers, or personal growth.
Investing in quality means choosing to spend time, energy, and resources on things that are well-made, meaningful, and will stand the test of time rather than opting for cheaper, less durable options that may need to be replaced more frequently.
Maintenance and care are essential for longevity because they ensure that whatever you’re investing in—be it a car, a relationship, or your health—remains in good condition and continues to function well over time.
We can adapt to change by being open to learning new things, being flexible, and willing to update or alter our course as necessary while still keeping our long-term goals and values in sight.
A legacy is something that a person leaves behind to be remembered by, often affecting future generations. It relates to longevity in that it’s the lasting impact of our actions, which can continue to influence others long after we’re gone.
Building a legacy could involve being a mentor to others, creating a body of work in art or literature, establishing a charitable foundation, or simply being a positive influence on your family and community.
It’s not enough to make a good choice once because circumstances and conditions change over time. Continuous good choices are necessary to maintain and improve upon the initial decision, ensuring its relevance and benefit over the long term.
To ensure our lives are “built to last,” we should focus on developing a clear sense of purpose, investing in quality relationships and endeavors, maintaining our health and well-being, adapting to change, and working towards creating a positive legacy.
