We often refer to previous decades as “simpler times,” and there is no exaggeration here. People were more content with living within their means, not worrying about purchasing anything other than their basic necessities. This was especially true before the 20th century, according to historian Dr. Kerryn Higgins.
“Frugality and thrift were more appropriate to situations where survival rations were not guaranteed,” Dr. Higgins wrote in an article for the BBC.
According to Dr. Higgins, it all changed in the 1920s when industry leaders realized that “mass production is only profitable if its rhythm can be maintained.” She quoted a passage from a 1928 book written by public relations pioneer Edward Bernays, which stated that businesses “cannot afford to wait until the public asks for its product.”
By “maintaining constant touch” through advertising, propaganda, and other means of mass communication, industries at the time believed that having a continuous demand could be profitable.
Pretty soon, the powers that be exploited the wants and desires of consumers, describing them as “almost insatiable.” It motivated them to create an endless cycle of “newer wants” as fast as the buying public was satisfied.
As Dr. Higgins further explains, people’s desire for material things only grew, even if they didn’t have the same resources as those living in affluence did. It was the beginning of consumerism as we know it today.
It may no longer be relevant to ask how we got to the current state of consumerism. Perhaps, the better question to ask would be, “What can we do to break the cycle?” According to finance writer and minimalism advocate Joshua Becker, having less desire to upgrade our lives constantly is one approach.
“Only an intentional rejection of excessive consumerism can silence the call to constantly upscale lifestyle norms,” Becker wrote in an article for Forbes.
#13 This Has Never Been More Relevant, To A Dying Planet Where Division And War Is The Norm
The quote is actually from an Abenaki filmmaker, Alanis Obomsawin. She's still alive at the age of 92, and has made documentaries about indigenous people since the '70s. Canadians can find her work through the National Film Board of Canada and Knowledge Network. People outside Canada can probably find her films by asking for them at their local libraries, especially if they have Kanopy or Hoopla. I especially recommend: Richard Cardinal: Cry from the diary of a Metis Child, Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance, and Hi-Ho Mistahey!
A generous act always goes a long way. Not only does it help the individual in a significant way, but it also brings a sense of gratification for the person who does the good deed. But as Becker also points out, it’s also an effective way to reject consumerism.
“When we begin rejecting the temptation to spend our limited resources on ourselves, our hearts are opened to the joy and fulfillment found in giving our personal resources to others,” he stated.
#16 It Just Seems Like The Wrong Way To Enjoy Nature, Period
#17 No One Bought These At $10.49 Per Dozen, So Now The Dumpster Gets To Eat Them
#19 A Perfect Illustration Of Why Gdp Is A Bad Indication Of The Quality Of Life Of A Population
