The route of the pioneers heading westward was strewn with tossed possessions to lighten loads. Items valued by them in the beginning of their journeys proved burdensome as they progressed. To survive, they learned new ways of doing things as well. They built sod houses instead of log, for example, because timber was scarce, not like where they had come from.

On the other hand, certain skills learned in the past continued to serve them: hard work, honesty, and a willingness to listen to new ideas.

How well do we adapt to change? Do we recognize the need for change when it comes? Can we jettison outmoded mind sets without losing core values?

For example, employment patterns have changed drastically in the U.S. as rapidly developing countries like India and China prove their ability to produce quality goods and services once reserved for developed economies.

http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/67874/michael-spence/globalization-and-unemployment

In order to retain our ability to compete, we must, we are told, develop a more educated work force. Thus, we must spend more resources on education and training and less on personal consumption like houses and cars and entertainment. This requires an emphasis on the ago-old virtue of giving up present pleasure for future gain.