Does Impatience Always Lead to Debt?

This is a question that I have been contemplating lately. Obviously, we are forced to take on a certain amount of debt to pick up certain items that we cannot pay for out-right. Items like homes and new cars are only purchased with cash by the ultra rich, or ultra old and thrifty. Trying to "put away" massive amounts of cash has proved to be futile for the majority of the population, so why should I be any different?

While some parents may still pass on the idea that "patience is a virtue" to their children, are their actions speaking louder than those words of wisdom? Have they themselves fallen prey to the great "immediate gratification" culture of today? Do we really have to break out the credit card, or can we just wait another couple months for that flat panel TV?

The mainstream media seems to be most at fault for propagating these ideas that debt is part of the very fabric of our lives. The internet has connected billions of individuals to the same market place, and unfortunately, depending in online debt advice to steer the consumers of tomorrow into "smart debt" realms is like expecting teens to read the surgeon general warning on cigarettes before they light up.

Here's a few interesting articles on the tendency of consumers to take on debt for just about anything:

Debt-a-Holics find insane reasons to borrow

Studies show that many people take out loans to fund their tax bills

It is sad and unforgivable how we have allowed the media to convince us that all debt is good debt. Unfortunately, the "trend to spend" is deep rooted and I don't see it going away anytime soon.