Our Consumer Society

[@ThenNow]

Script & sources at: www.thenandnow.co/2023/03/21/our-consumer-society/ ► Sign up for the newsletter to get concise digestible summaries: www.thenandnow.co/the-newsletter/ ► Why Support Then & Now? www.patreon.com/user/about?u=3517018

[@fehadam]

Great video, appreciate the work you put into this.

[@EggleHegel]

Fantastic video! I loved it. Though, I am somewhat surprised you didn't bring up Deleuze and Gauttari's concept of the "desiring machine" as a materialist psychiatric explanation for consumptive desires.

[@numbersix8919]

First, let me say that your production values are simply world-class and ready for mass media. Also, I appreciate your coverage of major ideas around consumerism. But I'm afraid you've missed the worst effect of consumerism (Americanism) on the human being. I think it was Christopher Lasch that clued me in to it. Basically, consumerism quickly conditions people (by what effects is another discussion) into believing that everything is or should be selectable and customizable, and can be personalized. This extends to core beliefs, traditions, religion, philosophy, body morphology and other biological constraints, moods, feelings, attitude, and mental states. The end result is a life determined by "momentary interest" -- to borrow a phrase. The destruction of the planet by consumerism, and the other physical and social mayhem it produces, is incidental to capitalism. But then consumerism is a capitalist formation isn't it.

[@robm8067]

That was so well done. I’m an artist and have noticed that there are lot more of us. Thanks for explaining it.

[@Sunshinepati]

Delicate and precise analysis - beautiful job, Monsieur ✨🌸👌- many thanks 💖

[@flovv9357]

I think it's important to mention that people also buy things out of boredom. Boredom is a big part of consumerism.

[@cbcsucks2205]

Novelty

[@coffeepeachesplans]

People can do anything. Especially for boredom.

[@spiral-viper]

"When people can find no purpose, they distract themselves with pleasure."

[@unsrescyldas9745]

The solution is suffering, when one suffers, and is then grateful for the end thereof, he will think twice before consuming as he ruminates over what he had went through. I had that thought yesterday, I went down to buy milk, which was the sole thing sustaining for about a week now, and as I was in the supermarket and had extra money I also had the desire for eggs, but then I remembered the last time I had eggs I just took them and threw them all away. for that I was grateful perhaps.

[@mikebanks4935]

Indeed, you can spot people shopping out of boredom (even yourself), which culminates in the purchase of items which they had no awareness before the shopping expedition commenced.

[@heraclitedephese9341]

"We buy things we don't need, with money we don't have, to impress people we don't like."

[@lucasc5622]

wow so deep

[@Bill-ou7zp]

I roll my eyes whenever someone says something like this about consumerism like it’s some profound point

[@Kaygovegan]

I bought the unicorn snow globe for me!!! With money I have!!!!

[@hardlyworking_]

@@Bill-ou7zp then why the fuck are you here, did you watch the video

[@user-gz4ve8mw9l]

Speak for yourself I buy what I need 95% of the time. Only with money I have for 99% of all purchases. Impress people nope that's quite delusional and shallow. People will believe what they want. Hear what they want, see what they want, read what they want. So it's quite futile to so much as even converse with the majority of people. If you wasted effort attempting to 'impress people. That tells me everything I need to know about the kind of person you are. A sign of insecurity and definitely not a positive notion in the slightest.

[@jasmine_5169]

I appreciate the fact this video does not contain ads.

[@yagga8885]

The fact that “unboxing” and a “haul” is something we watch or invited to watch is telling.

[@cessposter]

unbocings are useful, they let you check if the headphone you buy comes with the cables, and what the missing sticker at the bottom of the thing you are attempting to repair says

[@rickyiglesias5384]

BUT, is it possible that by watching unboxings and hauls, some folks get their dopamine hit THAT way, instead of buying? I bet there at least some people out there who don't overconsume because they realize (most likely subconsciously) that they can get the same effect by merely witnessing someone else consume.

[@turtleanton6539]

​@@cessposteryes🎉

[@turtleanton6539]

​@@rickyiglesias5384yes it is very real and possible 😅

[@Gakamaloo]

It's odd!

[@matthewking4098]

"Advertising has us chasing cars and clothes, working jobs we hate so we can buy shit we don't need" - Tyler Durden.

[@avamasquerade]

Can't y'all just shush and let us tire ourselves out already?? Like God, as if Tyler. Fkin'. Durden. and his greasy sheepskin coat lookin' like some overcooked steak with his dandruff-riddled 3 day old pomade hair and bags of lipo juice is some paragon of happiness, and fulfillment or whatever...

[@bulldogfightingforfreedom]

It’s just as choice, no one pointing a gun to your head to force you to buy a BMW m4. My college brought one and i think it’s cool but do I want it or need it? Nope

[@matthewking4098]

@Bulldog Frights for freedom I agree, it is a choice. But most people don't have the strength or temerity to resist the gigantic psychological warfare machine that is consumerism. It trades on the individuals very deep need to fit in and be accepted... but if you do, more power to you!

[@idkwhybut...]

​@@matthewking4098 Most people don't need strength to fight it since many aren't even aware it is something we need to fight

[@matthewking4098]

@idk why but valid point, well made!

[@TheDOmerzu]

It's not about producing goods for your needs anymore, It's about producing new needs for goods

[@moalston4203]

we need to create more and purchase less

[@catatonicable]

Its all about money..

[@annabell3385]

@@moalston4203 Just stop buying things you don't need. It's not hard.

[@moalston4203]

@@annabell3385 true well all need to be on board with this

[@sten260]

literally everything being produced is needed by somebody. Otherwise if you produce garbage that nobody wants you go bankrupt. It's hard to produce things while making 0$ money, where do you get free labor?

[@SanguinarySun]

This is better than many or even most of the television documentaries I’ve seen throughout my life. I had a significant experience consuming this, I say.

[@stupifyingstupedity2112]

Mium mium medium

[@degz1s]

say what

[@theharshtruthoutthere]

@@degz1s kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZq5maSnm9-af6M

[@TokyoShemp]

typical conformist social media comment

[@waferty6027]

Lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll lol llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllplllllplllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllooooooooooloooooooooooooooooooooooooooolooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooôoooooooooooooooooooooooooooôôoôôôôôoooôooooôooooooooôoôooôoooôo

[@monilangeKootenays]

Simple small footprint homesteader here. I left city life a decade ago. Prior to leaving, I let go of "stuff" and have never felt freer and happier as I am now. Thank you for this fascinating history.

[@RolandKoller90]

I think control is the key here. It’s ok to buy things. We’ll never stop buying things. But to slow down, enjoy life, save our money, and spend when our budgeting allows. The problem is control.

[@gameratortylerstein5636]

Yes, everything requires a level of moderation, if one wants to live a healthy life and also not damage the environment. It 's just that moderation depends on what it is. For example, moderation for dangerous drugs means 'never do them' and moderation for nutrition means 'buy good food for a good diet'. Just examples; Moderation is necessary for everything in life. Of course it isn't a good idea to go on Temu or Wish and buy a bunch of junk there. It's not financially responsible and it is wasteful.

[@Katherine_xs]

Yes it is, its contentment also. Understanding that you are not lacking in anything.

[@stephenoverbury1748]

I was so wrong in my past belief that youtube offers nothing short of entertaining garbage. It is now evident this technology can offer brilliant insight into what plagues society and how to fix it. Thank you for reaffirming my belief in humanity.

[@sk8razer]

There's nothing inherently wrong with "entertaining garbage". It's okay to just be entertained now and then. But the deep and educational side of KZbin has been expansive and popular for years. It's the subset of channels most commonly viewed by mid to older millennials. Several of the educational creators have started their own steaming platform called Nebula, if you can't stand the thought of inadvertently causing your smart J Crew slacks and argyle sweater to become soiled with the drivel of the ignorant commoners of KZbin. How foolish you were to write something you knew almost nothing about off in such an elitist manner? Hopefully you shan't be making THAT mistake again 🧐

[@brianp3570]

I have been dealing with a lot of existential depression. I started 2022 with it, got covid and ironically felt better, since it temporarily dropped me to the bottom of Maslow's hierarchy, giving me a more tangible struggle. A few months later it has returned. I'm going to start therapy in the near future, as I have finally conceded that the complexity of the world and the meta complexity of my experience of it is too dense for me to fully decipher without some help. I say all this to contextualize how valuable I've found your channel in the last week since I came across it. In a world where so often more emphasis is placed on the delivery mechanism of ideas than the formulation of the ideas themselves, you take care to deeply consider the topic, provide many ideas, perspectives, and pieces of evidence, and present them humbly. It's admirable. Thank you and best wishes!

[@Tetragrammaton22]

A therapist is more likely to ensure you continue (or return to) being a good worker and consumer, not to actually help you understand and conceptualize the world and your place within it.

[@brianp3570]

@@Tetragrammaton22 for me the big thing is being able to process difficult emotions in a more sustainable way. My parents both have some bottling up type tendencies. Where I think philosophy fits into that problem is that one's world view governs thought patterns, and thought patterns can create and perpetuate emotional feedback, which leads to more thoughts and actions, and so on. I'd write more in this reply but it's 11:40pm in my time zone so my brain is done for the night. Have a good one :)

[@baronvonlimbourgh1716]

@@Tetragrammaton22 yeah, i tried a therapist once. After 2 meetings he asked me not to return brcause i was depressing him lol. Apperently he was blind to the world around him just like everyone else. They are fine if you want to learn how to adapt to social situations or adress certain behaviour. If you struggle with understanding how the world works and why it almost always moves against logic or anything else exploring the core of society just forget it. Since i picked up social engineering as a hobby and learned more how the brain works and more importantly it's limitations and how that shapes human behaviour, as well as how it's shortcommings are can be and are exploited things have been a lot better. When you understand what makes you feel the way you do and why it happens it makes it a lot easier to deal with it. But go have a chat with a therapist. See how it goes. I also think you need to be lucky to find one that fits with you. Never hurts anyway. Just don't be disapointed when it doesn't deliver what you expected.

[@looper2129]

@@Tetragrammaton22 A good therapist provides a safe space and facilitates the client. They get so much bad press.

[@halestorm123]

Think I'm suffering with existential depression brought on by varies health issues, each day is a struggle and I dont think any therapist would actually be able to help me unless they had a magic wand to restore me back to health!

[@saltypepperbean1751]

Yessss THANK YOU for putting this together!! Our consumer society has always really bothered me, and while watching your documentary, it clicked that one thing I hate most about it is being told what to desire. We're being told what we should like and what is good by all the products, services, and media we consume. I have to make a concentrated effort to put all the noise aside and figure out for myself what I truly want out of life. Our hyper-consumerist society feels very inauthentic to me, and I think it leads to a lot of judgment, conformity, anxiety, and depression. Not to mention, all the ethical and environmental issues too!

[@christophermeade1532]

Well said. As a little side note, what do you like? Is there any pop culture you find worthwhile? Just curious based on this comment. Thank you for writing this.

[@monstergonads11]

Absolutely. Everyone being pushed to think and act the same, too scared to think for themselves. It is like that with everything, everything has to be so minimilistic and to the current popular standards or it is irrelevant. No self expression and actual uniqueness to be found anywhere anymore.

[@woodsmann7417]

Buy some land in the country side and build a house or something

[@detweiler]

that's my exact principle, been that way my whole life and just like what I like without general society's input. a recent example.. well sort of recent, was squid game. I didn't watch it because I didn't think I'd like it despite everyone and their mum around me asking if I'd watch it and why I havnt yet. it goes the other way though, if society enjoys something I'll check and evaluate it myself before consuming it. I'd have consumed it because it's what I wanted.

[@astilealavatica1404]

Very concerned with the "bystander" effect taking over throughout our planet. Humans need to stop infighting long enough to topple our oppressors Mitch McConnell is Emperor Palpatine Some of you will die, but that's a sacrifice I'm willing to make! - Lord Trump @Justin Y. Trump is evil. He ignored this virus until he couldn't ignore it...the steps taken have been deliberately slow to contain this virus, as the government has made huge financial gains in allowing particularly older, retired people to die...no more pay outs each month...voting, if still valid in this country...is our only peaceful, legal recourse...voting 3rd party is the ONLY WAY to get real humans in power, rather than dynasty families and career politicians. When we realize the 2 parties we are divided over LOVE the division among us...then and only then may America be great again... @Justin Y. Lack of knowledge of the deep state? I just accused our government of mass murder...I understand deep state...fact that you refuse to listen, only attack, says too much about you...clearly you haven't known hardship. Clearly none of this has impacted you negatively...you are part of the problem, offering zero solutions. @Justin Y. Calling me stupid really helps your case...Trump has very limited brain power, as evidenced by his rambling, generally repetitive, toddler talks...although most of us are sorely undereducated, Trump really amazes me every time i listen to his banter. Trump did not close the borders in time, many flights to the USA brought sick folk here. Action wasn't taken until very late February, and by then 15 confirmed cases were more than enough to basically allow what amounts to airborn, quickly lethal AIDS《why this? (Because this virus mutates too fast to create an effective vaccine, which may never get made), upon the world. This is dangerous because common behaviors of common folk, such as shoulder to shoulder events, shopping and sardine packed working conditions, helped this virus along...even as people died in China daily...America went forward 2 full months wothout any concerns...then...rather than force the hands of state officials, and put the population through a 2 month quarantine, we've been seeing states react, rather than prepare...and all at the natural stages this virus thrives on...complacency among enough of us to allow the spread to continue. You refusing to see this logic isn't a blight on my mental capacity, just proves you are as simple as our Lord Trump...and likely among those very few, who like many elites, don't even understand the plight of the masses, whom I speak for, in this contrived crisis...Trump is calm about the virus because he exists outside the bounds of common folk...Trump and other powerful people would never have to take the risk of infection seriously as they are all well protected by expendable servants or can at the least afford to continue living lavishly and distanced from peons such as myself. 9/11 was an inside job and this proves what I've feared since then...that the government can perform mass murder and the people will always just accept it, hire the next sociopath in line, whichever of the 2 evil divisionary parties they aspire to dwell in... Our educational system is archaic. We could be educating everyone from home...there are no valid excuses for our current broken schooling, and no teachers need lose jobs...as the internet is an amazing communication device... Taxes are broken. Your dollar earned gets hit so many times...and we all just accept that blindly. Medicine is broken. My grandmother died because her selfish daughter needed cable tv more than grandma needed diabetes medicine...and millions suffer from the inability to afford insulin, despite that drug initially starting out as a gift to humanity from a generous genius, privatized by evil and greed, priced beyond reality for most. Our 2 party system is designed to keep us bickering...division keeps us docile enough to accept our own government conspiring to murder us, with our acceptance. 3rd party candidates are generally real humans...that care about other humans, even, gasp, total strangers and foreigners... We are all on the same damn spaceship...Earth. I judge character...not race, not whatever religion folks are born into. I am old...I am tired of seeing disaster after disaster get slow attention from government, as poor people die in thousands due to delayed or nonexistent help. It's about time the many take control, with votes, to dethrone the sociopaths that control us, play games with our very lives... When there are only voluntary homeless, when the janitor is paid living wage, when a high school graduate can earn enough in food service, or retail, to support a modest home and essentials, while creating a nest egg...when veterans are given the same care as Congress, Senate and other positions of highest power, rather than left to suffer and die, when the lowest paying jobs are enough to survive on, then and only then, can America boast of being great... As it stands...I feel most of us are born into lies we have no control over...It's well orchestrated, as my points are made clear in every satirical broadcast about the plight of the expendable masses, world wide... Do I want peace, equity and kumbaya? Yeah...I do...are there sociopaths in power oppressing the common folk...yeah...there are...have good Democrats and Republicans existed? Yes...they get blocked by evil at every turn, often resigning due to unbeatable corruption. Do I pity the very people I label simple? You bet I do...I want this planet to be a better place for most...not some...for all...if ever possible... This covid virus isn't done. It mutates too fast to pin it down with a vaccine...and we haven't seen the end of it because we, as a planet, would have to agree on a few ground rules to consider being a functional society. That's my 2 cents...some of it...take it or leave it. Most of us just exist and watch, lazily, rather than get directly involved in change. @soaringvulture We don't seem to take note...we, the expendable masses, are being told to push through life ignoring this virus...it took ONE infection to start a Planet Wide Pandemic...and because we didn't quarantine from January 1st to February, we get to watch innocent and otherwise lives lost, daily...who are "we", in "we're in it together"? Certainly not the elite...they step on us to avoid harm...I'm furious with humanity as a whole...I'm furious we accept all this death and Trump's toddler talks...like a Ted talk without useful insight... Those of us suffering are many...while the privileged watch the show They created...when...when will the common folk unite against tyranny, through the only peaceful means we have...vote out career politicians and dynasty families in favor of fellow human beings, with consciousness and compassion for the lowest among us. We won't stop the cycle of abuse by trading Democrats and Republicans, two sides of the same evil, corrupt coin. Vote 3rd party...vote for real people, with flaws, that understand what struggle is...that have put time behind any of these so called essential, yet minimum wage jobs... This economy is screwed...always has been. The vast majority of work available is menial labor...food service, retail, janitors, grocers...a great many take their wages in government...which is far too big, complex and unsustainable... Until any job can offer a modest secure household, until the only homeless are those who volunteer to live "free"...until the pill giants are mandated to make life saving medicine reasonably priced...we are a selfish, horrid nation, divided by the very people that oppress us, yet too busy fighting amongst ourselves to take any useful action towards a better tomorrow for the MANY, not the FEW

[@clgraff76]

we are left with nothing else besides consumerism. Buy your ticket or stay at home, if you have a home. The community pool, the community dance, the community itself is a thing of the past. Society has closed its doors in fear of getting sick or getting sued. People used to know who the mayor of their town was, today many people don't know their next door neighbor.

[@rogeranimates3357]

Ur not right!*reads more* oh,oh you’re right

[@turtleanton6539]

For sure😊

[@suziecreamcheese211]

Society has closed it’s door because people fear getting shot.

[@gamd666]

shift in culture my guy. It's my turn to be the grumpy oldhead who doesn't understand how change works 😈 may I have your blessing?

[@kalifa______]

This really resonates with me. Same reason America is now banning social media as if that's gonna help

[@worldofsarthak1628]

There is great satisfaction in buying, keeping and using something durable. A 20 year old watch, 7 year old laptop, 10 year old suit, feels a part of oneself. Unless one degenerates oneself to keeping up with the trend just for the heck of it, its fine...An individual conscientious consumer cannot know all the details. But a community of conscious consumers ensure broader changes in social outlook, policy which goes beyond what any single individual can know or do.

[@grahamyodude]

The concepts of "use value", "exchange value", and "sign value" are things so many people genuinely are unaware of. Just because the price of something is what it is, doesn't mean its actual use value is what the price says. For example, you can have two pairs of sweatpants that are exactly the same but if one has just a small Puma or Adidas logo stamped on it all of a sudden its worth 4x the price.

[@grayk02]

Love that youtube inserts ads just as you're hammering home a really good point on the sickness of consumerism.

[@josephneuwirth]

I’m absolutely blown away by the insightfulness quality in every aspect of this video. I’m in disbelief that I get to be educated like this without having to pay for a class. This is incredible. I’m going to watch all your videos. Thank you so much.

[@ThuyTran-ci2et]

This video goes deeper into the reasons why consumerism exists. Thanks for such a thoughtful video.

[@thumper84]

You mean hypocritical video. They got paid big bucks for producing this propaganda. Without consumerism you would starve

[@spermwater]

If consumerism didn't exist 60% of jobs would not either

[@wildmiloko]

So refreshing to see a documentary that isnt condescending and says something new

[@EmL-kg5gn]

“Mass production is only profitable if its rhythm can be maintained. A business cannot afford to wait until the public asks for its product; it must maintain constant touch, through advertising and propaganda, in order to assure itself the continuous demand which alone will make its costly plant profitable.” That quote changed something in my brain, and the full quote was worth finding too so I recommend people look it up. Something interesting I noticed that you didn’t mention is the way these images are constructed, there’s a difference in how the consumable products are presented and how the consumer is presented within any given image. Women are sometimes presented as the consumer, but sometimes as if they are a product in these photos and videos, this wasn’t true for the men. Men were represented as the consumer. I think that says a lot about our culture and I definitely notice men interacting with me more as if I was a product than as if I was another person irl.

[@brianhawes3115]

I’ve made most of the items in my house, and l’ve made the house itself. It has helped me understand the laws of physics and the need for quality tools. I’ve refined my consumerism to look for the best made and most well thought out items. I now can wait between purchases to be frugal and not I “blind” consumer

[@giggiddy]

Well done my friend. You've found the key to happiness and you have the discipline to fight the enemy. O would give anything to be able to make everyone else see that they are being played.

[@YXNGSHARK]

This video is basically a major pillar of understanding consumerism and it's modern very hedonistic counterpart as a whole and how our society and our brains have been wired by companies on the rise to maximize their profits whenever they can and could. Truly a gem of a video, thanks for all the hard work we..I really do appreciate tho! This is all real valuable knowledge once again thank you for your dedication! 👑 :') ⚡💫

[@RakedLeaf]

just wait until you find out about the vans and the coinstant handling of information

[@newagain9964]

Not even hedonism. It’s the opposite. It’s dependency on brands and goods/services to give life meaning. True Hedonists don’t need

[@whyyouasking9744]

​@newagain9964 that is depressing, but hold on.. we have a product for that

[@redalchemy7322]

"You got what you want, but not what you need" Mama Odie But seriously, this was a very insightful and nuanced look into consumerism. Well done!

[@LadyCoyKoi]

Yes!

[@haroldfridkis3536]

Agreed 👍

[@bobhill9845]

Sounds more like a personal problem than buying shitty shirts made in thailand

[@joycegeertsma7115]

Vanity and materialism=the capitalist's wet dream. I have been buying second hand clothes mostly for over twenty years, and avoid buying stuff I know I don't really need. George Carlin did a great bit on consumerism and "stuff", and a scene in Fight Club about consumerism came to mind where Tyler says "The things you own end up owning you..". Thanks for this!

[@thumper84]

Yet you have a device to watch this propaganda on. Hypocrite

[@nanwilder2853]

Dear Then and Now : This is just a quick note to express my gratitude for “Our Consumerist Society”. It popped up in the feed, and after watching I immediately subscribed. I’m looking forward to re-watching, as I’m too distracted by Fibromyalgia/Arthritis right now to do much mental processing... It was bittersweet to be reminded of how deeply I cared about how pathological our Capitalist system is, in my youth. I loved Albert Camus (and Surrealism, Dada, Pataphysics), and hated the automobile, racism, sexism and ageism. Somehow, I’m now having to AGE as a disabled, solo female, in a society no less dysfunctional (or sexist, or ageist), than in my youth-still proud to say that I never owned a car, while having more trouble getting around than ever, on my own two feet. So much for my quick note, eh ? Be well and keep up the good work !

[@tobazko5491]

I love you

[@anyone1111]

Wow you sound like such an incredible person! That’s amazing that you’ve never owned a car! I wish I could- sadly in suburban areas we don’t have places that close to walk to, and if so, there isn’t like sidewalk to walk on which is pretty weird! And public transportation sadly doesn’t reach these areas. How odd especially when gas prices are as high as ever! Anyways I hope you’re feeling good today in more ways than one, and that you find many things that make you smile & make you happy today!☺️

[@miaferrari958]

This comment felt like it was written by future me. Eerie and beautiful at the same time.

[@LadyCoyKoi]

Don't feel bad. I don't have a car, but I do use Uber. I think the rise of carless people soon will be the same as childless individuals. From my perspective, I see it this way, if there is no absolute need for it, why bother. Also, my dads' death has shown me that even with kids and grandkids you will still be at the mercy of a corrupt medical system, strapped to a soulless machines for a few months and then died in an empty, windowless, four white walled room ALL ALONE. 🥺💀 Realization of having kids and none could see your final days is far worse than being childless, so f^

[@pavell8074]

Props to you for staying true to yourself (and not polluting the planet)!

[@phoenixxavier9615]

Only buy/consume what you need. Do your best to ignore what you are told to want. You will then be far more happy with your life.

[@wilfredsterling2124]

My thoughts are that the mass consumerist world we live in ought to be researched, discussed and ultimately taught across societies. It rules lives from the day we are born (in most societies). As soon as a child is out of the hospital it is exposed to mass media in the home and elsewhere. By the time a child can observe it is handling mass consumed products, encouraged by TV commercials, and developing identities based on influences that have been influenced and reproduced through the goals of consumerism. While beyond the reach of the child are marketeers making predictions about people in order to target them with images that they might profit from. In this process estimations about a child's market values will be estimated based on social class, gender, current trends ect. But the whole point of consumerism is to hide ideology and replace with illusions that create incoherence so that reality and normality become more complex to analysis and question. Whereas, cultural evolution requires exploration and discovery to build on meaning, for the purpose of survival and preservation. If the existentialists are correct in arguing that the humans main sense of actualisation is to create meaning in an on-going quest for more meaning, then contemporary consumerism is in the most part in opposition to humanities needs. I believe this was also argued by psychoanalysts such as RD Lang. An engaging and helpful documentary.

[@2FadeMusic]

Dystopian

[@wilfredsterling2124]

@@2FadeMusic When MASS consumerism with all its data collecting, aggressive marketing and alternative facts merges with authoritarianism, then we are looking at a world built on a Chinese or Russian model. Mass consumerism creates a highly conformist society with the illusion of choice and free will,. Really those choices are determined by exposure, education and cultural pluralism. Hence, in my initial comment I said we need an education system that helps people understand how information technology manipulates their decision making and beliefs. Perhaps there needs to be children versions of 1984 and Brave New World. However, there is a movement in the UK seeking to stifle debates that are increasingly concerning young people about the future. It is not in the interests of mass consumerism to have such debates as it threatens financial and political power. The earth has finite resources which doesn't fit the needs of profiteers seeking to sell more and more stuff. Are we heading for a dystopia? I think people are waking up and positive change is possible. The meaning of life may not be reduced to shiny materials and robot friends.

[@Minty_Aqua]

Your name goes together perfectly with your comment.

[@fdfdfddfh6430]

tldr

[@0taxz550]

@@fdfdfddfh6430 found the short form content viewer

[@ПолинаКохно-е4ы]

I have one question: what's the alternative??? My parents lived in USSSR and they were not so happy as you would think. A new pair of western jeans was more valuable than any social ideals they were teaches in school. Wide variety of goods at the local supermarket nowadays was an unttainable dream for my parents! It was common to spend 2 hours just to buy milk and meat for dinner😢 Long lines in shops, empty shelves...No garbage, no plastic waste. And no women hygiene tools - pads, tampones. In Russia we say ''When you give critiques, give a better idea". ''Критикуешь - предлагай!'' It means there is no point of saying how bad is consumerism, if you have no ideas how to fix it, without dropping life standars below a certain level.

[@shininio]

What a great film. I loved the fact that it never kept a unique narrative, it confronted several ideas and concepts. Lots of respect to the author and creators

[@stevenwilgus5422]

I've been here for 68 years. I was raised in a metropolitan area so my classmates were bombarded with commercials all my life. Understand one thing about our culture-- the generation of discarded items is staggering. A lifetime from now, for me, would place us in 2090. There is no possibility that our waste can support our desire to continue exploiting the environment.

[@turtleanton6539]

Too true😊

[@AllahIsTheOneAndOnlyUnity]

Waste not, want not

[@ShobeirSheida]

I'm so glad that some relatively young film makers are following the footsteps of the legendary Adam Curtis (even using some of his favorite soundtracks). I owe my personal awakening partly to him and enjoy every work in that general direction.

[@SgtVeritas]

As much shit as KZbin gets for its clickbait/0 substance bullshit content, it needs credit for giving amazing voices like this a platform.

[@lijauju]

@@SgtVeritas KZbin deserves zero credit...they are merely a platform which often steals money from creators (besides all the profit they get and little is given to creators). The ones creating are the ones who deserve a huge amount of credit and praise.

[@SgtVeritas]

@@lijauju without this (granted exploitative) platform, I would be much less informed than I am now

[@newagain9964]

@@SgtVeritas u know there were things called books, magazines, zines, prose poetry, etc before YT/internet, right??

[@SgtVeritas]

@@newagain9964 were there?? No way!! That's nuts man!

[@ViceHacks]

This is one of the most important pieces of media I've ever consumed for helping me understand the world around me and myself, thank you for putting so much effort and passion into this.

[@brent4209]

One of the best things I did when I was in my early 20’s was go an entire year without buying non essential items. It’s mind blowing what people waste money on. It will change your perspective on capitalism and greed. I know people who complain about their financial situation, but have 20 different pairs of sneakers. When it came to materialism I just didn’t care what others thought about me , and I’m much better off financially for it.

[@AnAnonymousObject]

Don't be just a consumer. Get out into your community and work. Bring dignity to whatever position you hold and treat others in service roles with the same dignity. We can uplift each other, because at the end of the day all we have is the community we grew up in and the people we grew up with. Follow the ladder upward and move up from a service to a trade or a degree. Only we can make our home a better place.

[@engihere5434]

For real, i take great pride in my work, even though im a custodian in a casino lol

[@spiritualanarchist8162]

Minimalism is freedom

[@mardikermardiker8514]

Freedom from what?

[@spiritualanarchist8162]

@@mardikermardiker8514 stuff.

[@ANTINATALIST_lewis]

Stuff you dont need.​@@mardikermardiker8514

[@aturchomicz821]

24:39 Yeah the Private Automobile, what a great Invention. It only destroyed our Cities as we knew them a little bit with Highways😭😭 Great video as always💚

[@hashiramasenju6058]

Exactly, now Americans spend, on average, $9,282 a year on cars, insurance, gas, etc. If we build more walkable/bikeable cities with public transit, we would save so much money.

[@aturchomicz821]

​@@hashiramasenju6058 As that random chap said at the 30th of June 2022s Social Democratic Party of Austria's Parteitag; "We need to realize that the Private Car is the transport of the rich"😩 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGXKdJiHe9iBmtk

[@winnd44]

I am doing my masters in urban planning, and I'm despising driving and the car-centric world we live in more and more

[@nuvisionprinting]

@@winnd44 the Dutch model on this is actually really good.

[@tammesikkema5322]

@@nuvisionprinting i agree, but i am not sure how it would work, if at all, in those huge cities in the US.

[@adrianpiedra1226]

I’ve been dealing with this dilema, living in Los Ángeles, a beautiful city, but I’ve been wanting to explore, find recreational waysto spend time, I’ve been disappointed by the fact that most activities revolve around consumerism, sure there are public parks, museums, etc, the large majority of activities are based on spending money.

[@jacobwells77]

"what is depth" This video is a perfect example of that, it is much easier to watch 5 second videos, one after another, but sitting through this and being engaged to find understanding. Still consumption but i would argue a healthier alternative

[@Astillion]

The way I fight consumerism is simply by not consuming so much. As it turns out, this has a massive upside - I have loads of money left over for other things. I've used it mainly to own my time. Thanks to my low expenses I was able to quit my job two years ago, and now I have the time I always wanted, to spend on my passions. One of which is to try and inspire others to do the same. Because life is so much better when you don't "need" to consume so much. And it's great for the environment too.

[@Autumnleafinthewind]

Thank you for sharing this valuable information!

[@andrewbenbow9257]

This is one of the most important videos on KZbin at the moment, due in no small part to the clarity of message and style. The ideas presented may not be new, as many of the philosophies presented have been around for decades, but the way in which it is presented, via context and the visual/auditory medium is paramount to the accessibility to the material. Well done, I will be sharing this to spread the understanding of our world.

[@paingoingcrazy6997]

This is just the video I've been looking for - these topics have been floating around in my head without much cohesion. Thanks to this video, I learned the term "romanticism," which describes my own life philosophy - approaching the world by feeling; seeking out experiences that feel "colorful" and "musical." I've wanted to do more of that. I also appreciate the mention of social mimicry and the human desire to be cool and trendy to fit in. This is something I struggle with, but have noticed other people excel at. I've heard the teenage brain is especially keen on fitting in, but now as an adult, I'm not even sure I want to. I'm not sure who I want to be or what my place is in this world. It feels like so many of us human beings are the same, because the consumeristic society we live in doesn't give us much room to grow as unique individuals. If I told you my favorite scents and perfumes and dishes, I wouldn't be much different from 5 billion other people in the grand scheme of things. The best I can be is ordinary, and that's always nagged at me.

[@lazurust]

I feel you. There is a sense of liberation that comes with realizing you have no obligation to anyone, god or yourself, to be extraordinary. Often times the pressure to “matter” can drive people into acts of cruelty and self destruction. And as I age there is a new type of pleasure to be had in self-awareness and discovery. Sometimes these inward journeys are only possible once you experience (not just “see”) that commodities are often interchangeable.

[@paingoingcrazy6997]

@@lazurust Story of my life. Done a lot of cruel things to myself over the past few years, just to feel like I mattered. If I could help it, I would focus my love and energy on the people who don't want me to suffer, but instead I was driven to extremes by people who thought I wasn't special enough to deserve any sense of comfort.

[@surfside75]

Be different, be eccentric, be genuine.. God love's you and so do i💙

[@dianarune9704]

I'm so lonely. 💀

[@sarahbenyoub3839]

You are different and unique. Every human is unique in the perspective they hold, we may live in the same world and like the same things, we may even feel similarly as well but our relationship with these thoughts is what makes us different. I felt the same way when I was younger, there is a comfort in finding community in similarity with others but a beauty in what you decide to do, thing and treat others using your unique perspective ( a combination of your life, experiences, people you meet, things you have felt, social norms and education). My only advice to anyone in this life is keep learning! Whatever it is, keep learning about things and people.

[@thekushness]

It’s weird but at this point I think KZbin reads my mind and somehow what I think about, will pop up on my feed. Thanks for literally making a doc on exactly what I’ve been looking into. Seriously incredible

[@savedbygrace5422]

This literally just happened to me with this exact video

[@miilodude_8529]

The algorithm is crazier every year i swear.

[@surfside75]

KZbin is Google😑 owned and operated by.

[@jessicapatton2688]

Omg!! I have felt that too. Made me feel a little insane but it does seem like it’s already in our heads!!!

[@treelady5560]

KZbin, listen; THIS is the type of content we want. Stop treating us like mindless cadavers.

[@willy4170]

KZbin is not treating you in any way, just showing in your home video based on your interest and things you watch the most.

[@DanSepulveda]

@@willy4170”youtube LISTEN” lmao bruh got beef with his own algorithm that he influenced

[@abelflores1593]

If the government can't get you using drugs to control you! The government will use consumerism to control you same thing different drug

[@VictorJoseph-lu2rs]

​​@@willy4170you are all acting high and mighty, but go ahead and search for something you are really interested in like "minimalism", kid you not after the first 4 results there are two "you would like this" videos from creators I am totally not interested in, with a topic that is completely different fron what I was searching, yeah right it's my fault. Several times I have pressed, I don't like this, they still recommend, then I click don't recommend channel only for KZbin to sneak it back into my recommendations in a few weeks

[@trustedroot]

it's your algorithm dog, you influenced it

[@nonamehere-y2t]

Oh, this is why I really like the narrator: he is a fan of philosophy. I watched him discuss metaphysics on Immanuel Kant. May the Almighty bless him for helping the common folks abroad. We need more folks recieving a good education from people like him... doing good to do good. 🎉

[@oona4787]

Reversing the course of consumerism is and will be difficult due to how long it has been going on. In the past years I have tried to adopt more habits of my grandparents' generation by learning handcrafts, limiting meat consumption and cooking more home-made meals, buying quality instead of quantity, etc. But watching this documentary truly made me realise that even the times when my grandparents lived was already a consumerist culture. Learning from our grandparents is already difficult as is, but going back to the attitudes of our grand-grand-grandparents is a whole other story.

[@vivvy_0]

maybe you need to go forward

[@sisyphus_strives5463]

It is definitely not going anywhere. Unless everyone simultaneously adopts some sort of ascetic Buddhist practice. The incentives for consumerism are many for every nation, what is needed is new culture, moral principles or 'common sense' that disparage mindless or destructive forms of consumerism.

[@sisyphus_strives5463]

But I suppose even asceticism could become a consumer product

[@woozah8624]

@@sisyphus_strives5463 exactly, the mindset of capitalism have to change. It is a religion, nothing else

[@Metalgarn]

It won't be allowed to happen. The government has to have ever increasing rates of consumption to prop up the pyramid scheme we call the economy. GDP is 70% a measure of consumption, if people reduced their consumption the whole house of cards collapses... and the elite ruling class would lose their grip on power. They would literally pass laws requiring you to buy things you don't want before allowing that to happen.

[@aprole87]

Another great video! Ideas from various philosophers are tied together in such a seamless and coherent manner. I especially liked: "If consumerism alienates but there is no true self anyway, on what basis can consumerism be wrong? I think this is true, but it doesn’t mean we can’t be alienated from our true needs, that certain things have a negative effect on us and the world, and other things a better effect. That some states of affairs in the world are more desirable than others. I want to quickly draw from two philosophers - Sartre & Spinoza - to make the case that to challenge the negatives of consumerism, we should aim to turn the depthlessness that is central to critiques of it into its opposite: depth. In turn, we aim to turn an alienated life into a more fulfilling one." I appreciate how this recognizes "human nature" as something that must be considered within specific historical and cultural contexts, but also the existence of fundamental human needs. I also like the suggestion of imagining ways of inverting the shallow, alienated properties of contemporary life into something perhaps more authentic.

[@daivambrosia6647]

Great analysis here! This is why I like situationism and social ecology so much. Anti-capitalist critique must go beyond mere deconstruction of the status quo; it must also reawaken *authentic* *self-directed* desires (desires not fostered by a top-down advertising apparatus), and be a creative force that builds a new world in the shell of the old and actively de-alienates us. (I argue that "de-alienation" is a central piece of the post-capitalist puzzle, alongside de-colonization and de-growth.) Situationism posits that this is possible through situations -- broadly-defined communal moments throughout life where people are no longer confined to capitalist realism and other oppressive mind prisons imposed from above, and where life can be experienced as a convivial adventure with others in a self-directed radical democracy. Social ecology speaks a lot about needing a desire-based society in a context liberated from consumerism, where desires are organic and strike a healthy balance between individual pleasure and collective joy. The end of capitalism will mean a lot fewer manufactured gadgets and gizmos being pumped out every year, and it will also mean a "bottom-up" reclamation of desire and leisure and public space. Let's hope we can defeat it before climate change makes the planet largely unlivable.

[@Cloudsurfer69]

great read, thnks fr sharing

[@jose.montojah]

Bernays is the WASP's nest of Agnotology! Do check out the literal book on Propaganda

[@elderscrolls8442]

Agreed

[@gunkwretch3697]

people can be selfless in a community, indeed communities work better that way, but alienation destroys community... Even if there is no true self, there is still self awareness, and capitalists lack it, in favor of alienation, because people dont spend social time together, or have honest relationships etc. Self awareness requires awareness of self in reference to others, and alienation destroys that, in favor of narcissism

[@albertoromo2012]

I m a consumerist of documentaries like this thank you

[@peklar79]

I have bought hiking shoes more than 10 years ago and value the quality and the experiences it helped me to have and landscapes I was able to see, a shoemaker recently renewed it and now I can use it again for years again. this for me is quite the opposite of depthless consumerism and it makes me happy as it is something useful and worthy from many perspectives😊

[@genjidora8742]

I like how when it's showing footage from back in the day there's so much space between people. People are mingling, hanging out at the checkout counters, and it just seems less stressful. Fast forward to today and you can barely breathe in a Walmart. Chances are, if you're an average person like me, no matter where you are, where you go, you are always surrounded by people. They're everywhere.

[@adamsnelson4689]

Generations of Endless breeding like Flys

[@WOKEFEMINIST]

Boomer

[@thomasr.7398]

A great - but not easily digestable - book which is very related to the topic: Guy Debord - The Society of the Spectacle. A book from 1967 which blew my mind in how eye-opening it was/is in regards to the roots of consumerism (while also being visionary concerning the ways we would be consuming, being manipulated by and getting addicted to (visual)-media with it's peak for now being "social"-media).

[@117Industries]

It’s almost like the elite who built our world in its current form knew it wasn’t going to last. So, what comes next?

[@leahflower9924]

I've seen Mennonite and Amish communities and I think hey maybe they're smart for rejecting the modern world

[@117Industries]

@@leahflower9924 Yes and no? It’s not like they rejected the modern world because they foresaw its specific problems (unless I’m wrong and there’s a wealth of Amish/ Mennonite literature doing just that). But I guess having these communities points to a way out if the system fails. There’s some hope so to speak.

[@haroldfridkis3536]

Also called"impulsive insanity"

[@OutragedPufferfish]

"The Lonely Crowd" by David Riesman is good too.

[@johnnybensonitis7853]

I can't believe I just so happened to come across this. It's my first visit to the channel and what an introduction this turned out to be. I've been watching an abundance of video game/movie content of various types so finding a channel full of what I think of as 'healthy choice content' is as refreshing as it is exciting! It's the sort of feeling you get when you've been eating garbage foods for a length of time and feel you're body react with elation when you finally eat some good veggies and such, maybe because getting some different knowledge activates your brain in a different way so it comes with a sort of rush. Or, maybe I'm just completely full of shit and don't realize it, but whatever the case this was a fantastic watch and I'm grateful to have come across this channel! I smashed that like button and slammed on subscribe so hard my neighbor felt it.

[@warrenchinn4114]

Of all the 'episodes' I've watched, this one is among the best. Often I've felt a faint moral sub-theme lurking in these docs, a suggestion we are flawed and "have room for improvement" in our nature. But this one left the topic open : A similar examination of material desire in Magpies, Rooks or other acquisitive animals wouldn't look out of place. It's part of existence and ours is highly complex. At least "most" of us are having a better time than, say, a medieval pauper, under a consumer system. Perhaps.

[@takke9830]

Most of us don‘t tho. Most places are still 3d world countries and there ppl live as bad if not worse lives than mideaval peasants. This world‘s modernism is a mirage. And it only works because the slave labour is outsourced so we don‘t see it.

[@theboyisnotright6312]

Don't feel guilty for having been a part of consumer culture. When buying something just ask yourself. Why am I purchasing this? And why now? If your honest with yourself, my guess is you will buy only half of what you did. That's what I've found. That and always pay cash. Have a credit card truly for emergency. About twice a month I use the card to buy things I need. I have the money, I just keep a balance of 50 bucks or so I carry month to month for the credit rating boost.

[@OutragedPufferfish]

There are plenty of paupers today, even in developed countries. Especially in North America.

[@evilweenie5743]

Most of the people talking grew up like this and can't live without it.

[@turtleanton6539]

4 sure🎉🎉🎉

[@mutecommercials]

This video was a banger, I've been struggling with the unrelenting to consume and buy things, hyperfixating from one new thing to another never truly happy with my newest acquisition...

[@austinharris5346]

Amazing work. You just summarized basically everything I read and studied over four years for a Philosophy, Politics, and Economics degree.

[@niamh4968]

Haha so interesting, I’m starting this degree in September and I’m watching it before. Any advice or anything would be appreciated!

[@austinharris5346]

@@niamh4968 The exciting thing to keep in mind is that with a PPE degree, you can do pretty much anything. As T&N often shows, the world as we know it may be made of individual people and their choices, but it is equally so the product of mass action, long-lasting theories, historical movements and institutions. Those are the things you study in PPE, and those are the things that really shape the capital W-World. Whatever you're really interested in, that education should enable you to understand how it works from the top to the bottom, and with that understanding, you should be able to do just about anything.

[@niamh4968]

@@austinharris5346 thank you so much, I want to go into politics and try to help our world do a bit better under this society. But I do get excited knowing how many routes are open to me!

[@Celestein]

Wow what a wonderfully in-depth, well-researched documentary! Adam Curtis's 'Century of the Self' is one of my all-time favourite, most life-changing documentary and this one feels like an updated version on the topic, with the same level of quality and observation. Thank you for the amazing work!

[@Srijit1946]

You should check out Prolekult, they make high quality films looking at world politics, culture and economics. Their first (feature-length) documentary "History Is Marching" takes a look at what the US terms "great power competition" analysing the rise in tensions between major powers across the globe, it's an excellent documentary.

[@hollyharte7831]

Agreed 👍

[@OutragedPufferfish]

Everything by Adam Curtis is good.

[@elainealibrandi6364]

The shallowness of society has become evident in social media and news media, where the big stories are basically gossip, what's trending, who tweeted what, and the resulting public indignation over it.

[@MegaJellyNelly]

Well that's not new, if you go to a small town in a non-western part of the world, they'll be talking about all their neighbours, the latest gossip, what everyone is doing or saying, etc

[@elainealibrandi6364]

@@MegaJellyNellyExactly! But social media puts it on a global scale.

[@opalbeetle1981]

This was thorough and very interesting, and im always glad to find you tubers that are well spoken, your manner of speech is measured and clear and reasonable. So many are not... they are hyperbolic, over emotional, intonation is confusing and often misleading, and they all sound the same and like they've been sped up

[@J5L5M6]

Among your finest work in production and contextual exposition of ideas. As ever, thank you!

[@scagalenz]

Thank you for producing this video, for deeply contextualising thoughts, observations and references on consumerism. well done to the creators.

[@LadyWithAKnife]

Health and loved ones should be #1 priority. But unfortunately working and excess shopping seems to have taken over. Only when someone loses their health or their loved one will they realize what's really important.

[@HadoukenBeats]

Thanks a lot, your film helped me to understand what was going wrong with my own life. Definitely a brilliant level of content, wish more people would watch this.

[@jennyhirschowitz1999]

Thank you for this carefully researched documentary……. I especially appreciate your mention of Thorstein Veblun. His “The Theory of the Leisure Class: An Economic Study of Institutions” is trenchantly particular and prescient to this conversation…… from beginning to end. Well worth finding a copy …… first and second editions still around (publisher: B.W. Huebsch, New York). With much appreciation, Miss Jenny

[@drake1636]

Sure there are things we can consume that make us more interested and engaged, but think about this platform. For every video like this one, with true depth and importance, how many superficial, distracting, and alienating videos are there? Depth is an uphill battle and possibly one that is getting more and more difficult.

[@baronvonlimbourgh1716]

People who care about it are also becoming more rare. Why must it be a battle? Just carve out your own niche with like minded people and let the rest enjoy their shallownes. You really don't need to accept them in your life.

[@sten260]

who cares? there are people who like pointless cat videos. Not everybody is looking for "depth" and knowledge and all this bullshit. Let people consume what they want, dont tell other what to do - thats what matters most

[@2minutes58]

@@sten260 It's ironic how videos like these are always preaching about how consumerism is always influencing people, but the same people who are against it are really doing the same thing.

[@imselfaware419]

@@sten260 WhY sO sErIoUs???

[@chihirostargazer6573]

@@baronvonlimbourgh1716 Why must it be a battle? Because it's literally a battle to save ourselves along with our environment. Otherwise we will have a true dystopian nightmare society with a very sh*tty quality of life... more so than now.

[@dylanharrington1318]

This deserves millions more views than it has received.

[@cloudboy08]

It can’t because kids nowadays cant look at a video longer than 10 seconds

[@jakobwachter5181]

Thanks for this. I had been thinking a lot recently of my role in consumer society and what metrics I should take to place myself within an ethical heirarchy. It's fascinating the way you've constructed this essay (more rather like a lecture on consumerism)--an easily digestible entry point into the muddled philosophy and sociology of consumerism. The variety of viewpoints on display are at service to a curious soul.

[@jakobwachter5181]

I also want to provide a perspective from a very different realm of thinking: namely, machine learning and stock algorithms. A recent interest has been taken within the world of computer science surrounding the utilization of machine learning to evaluate stock trends (maybe you have even seen a video or two on youtube before that is an attempt at developing one such algorithm). Predicting stock trends is an especially hard problem because the one piece of information given--the value of the company at a given time--is dependent on an uncountable number of variables that are shifting from day to day, not too unlike a liquid of interest bounded by the constraints of capitalism with movement governed by the pressures of social discourse. Within those uncountably large variables are, of course, the stockholders, which have for the longest time been people, and so necessarily constrained by the logics of humanity. But increasingly as machines begin to wield and address stocks, I imagine that their influence will begin to have impact on themselves; that is, machine learning algorithms buying stocks are among the variables that must be accounted for in order to develop an entirely accurate machine learning algorithm buying stock. The network theorist's headache, and a waking nightmare for one who fears machine rule. At any rate, this type of thinking provides an understanding: we are at the point now where capitalism has begun to not only service itself, but further itself as well. This self-iterative growth is an emergent system that could effectively be considered evolution: good strategies for increasing capital are proliferated once discovered, while bad strategies die out and are unused. What is helpful about this way of thinking is that we have detailed and rigorous models for generating evolutionary systems, and so with minor adaptation we could begin to simulate and characterize our economy. To me, consumerism provides context to every level of that interface--a strategy for making money only makes sense when applied in context to something being consumed. Likewise, if some element cannot be tied to an element of consumption, then it can only be an artifact of the current ecosystem for generating wealth. Accounting for such factors might help us characterize inflation and speculative bubbles.

[@chilidem]

This video legitimately changed my life.

[@amandazplace5663]

I've recently started volunteering teaching E.S.L. to new immigrants; mainly coming from war-torn countries. This video and my volunteer work have both radically changed my life. It's hard to be a gluttonous consumer of "wants" when so many don't have their needs met.🇨🇦♥️

[@cletus2199]

It's been 6 months. Is it still changing your life?

[@PhiTonics]

I appreciate the historical look at things, as the Indians said long ago, it looks like a shift into an age they call the Kali Yuga; a shift away from inward values to outward values. Great essay sir. 👏

[@dustinmj29]

I love how consumerism of different classes is so close to envy. Probably even a blurred line between the 2 actions.

[@santiagopalacio7875]

A video with a Savonarola "quotation" and a complete part only for David Harvey can only be excellent. Congratulations. I expect from you an urbanism video in the time ahead.

[@circledline3880]

I feel like there's a point where people desire so much that their desire shifts to seeking ethereal pleasures, experiences within the person themselves. In turn this leads them to do something more fulfilling for their lives, almost like a form of enlightenment.

[@jessicapatton2688]

Yes! That’s self actualization!

[@penepleto1210]

I find it remarkable that what you talk about towards the end-mentioning that we ought to think and find depth in what we consume and the ramifications of its origin-was almost exactly the same idea postulated by a TV show, The Good Place The key difference being that within the show, it was represented by a system of points for each one of your actions in your life that would determine whether you'd go to heaven or hell once you die. There's eventually a reveal that there hadn't been a single person making it to heaven for hundreds of years, because society had become so complex that, to exemplify, a kind act like gifting flowers to your loved one had a negative balance because those flowers' seeds were introduced in the continent 300 years ago, as a result of an international war that spread the plants there, which were then commercialized by a slave owner or something along those lines.

[@VultureXV]

Consumerism, at it's core, is essentially just the necessary social interaction between multiple parties which is one of the structures that allows advanced society to be advanced. At the bottom line, it can range anywhere from a farmer that trades it's extra produce for fine textiles or even an artist which is supported by the community for their fine craftsmanship. In essence, it is an aspect of life which allowed human specialization to escalate far greater than our ancestors who were mostly regulated towards agriculture, military, or construction. Technology advances and it reduces the work requirements of it's citizens, or is supposed to, to the point that people no longer have to worry 24/7 if their home garden isn't producing enough food to last a winter. Consumerism, thusly, could also be seen as a byproduct of advancement of society and humans as a whole. It is also slightly unfair to use ancient definitions of consumerism as the principle of 'consuming' goods has changed so dramatically over the years. Even fifty years ago, people wouldn't assume that home computers would be one of the most sought-after materials for everything from home business to social activity. The main problem is the principle of neoliberal addictive consumerism. This is primarily a trait of more advanced first-world societies where people have a lot of 'primary' needs met and thus are more concerned over secondary or even tertiary needs. I don't know anyone who struggles with hunger at home, or has an issue with clean water as a majority of the world sadly struggles with. Instead, first-worlders are run by addictive consumerism which has people chasing products for the sake of status that have very little intrinsic value to them. Neoliberal corporations see this as a massive boon, as it allows economic flourishing even for the sake of selling junk, but it actually has a massive impact on the psyche of individuals who are strapped into the working reigns of society who produce these quite literally garbage products while ushering a pittance for labor costs in order to constantly fuel the rush of addictive consumerism. People are driven by their dopamine rushes to always acquire the "shiny new thing" made by "company Y" because of pure status alone. A status, however, that is also set into place socially by the same companies which produce them. When you can buy two products which are exactly the same in nearly every manner, yet one is more expensive because of a brand or logo slapped on it you know you live in a society of addictive consumerism. This neoliberal byproduct of free-market capitalism has thusly created a more and more toxic environment by poisoning people's ambitions and driving individuals to spend their free time not on the refinement of the self (as their forebears did) but of the obtuse gluttony of the senses. This also creates a feedback effect, creating needs for more and more Edit: "Shopping for Definitions." That title fits the 'toxic' environment I mentioned perfectly. People, now living increasingly leisurely lifestyles, no longer simply consume and shop for the sake of acquiring a workable item to help assist their lives or make life easier but to purchase items that define their character and define their personality. This is also the reason why, in my honest opinion, there feels to be an increasingly strong lack of authenticity. When people base their personality on someone else, on someone else's creation, it is jarring and obvious and most importantly quite sad. It is not their 'True Self' but a 'Self' or 'Archetype' that has been placed on them manually by another source. It is an individual that has lost their personal superego to adopt a societal superego.

[@kiwiopklompen]

Brilliant! I particularly liked the choice of philosophers and theorists. This is a complex topic I have been studying for a long time in respect to identity formation rather than consumerism as a social mechanism perse. What i have observed is the difficulty to develop an identity and human community and connection in a physical world, that is always trying to get your attention, and show you the myriad ways you ‘could’ be. Consequently, without knowing how you fit in, where you belong, who your tribe is leads to a feeling of not fitting in, of being lost. And likely, it is this sense of loss contributes to the prevalence of anxiety and depression, which could be the true cost of consumerism. The philosopher I have found the most helpful, personally, to navigate this understanding of depth and identity, connection and loneliness is Albert Camus. He offers an understanding of the depth aspect, while finding joy in the frivolity of consumerism. He was able to see the world for it’s craziness, and yet, rather than despair, he choose to enjoy it. I think this could mean, using the purchase of a souvenir as an example, that I can find depth in knowing the souvenir is manufactured, and trivial and a consumer product, but also I can delight in displaying it, signifying to people that I have been to London, and it helps communicate a part of my identity: am a traveller, I like little things to remind me of good times, of smells and sounds I enjoyed. I am someone who is comfortable showing this side of me, this aspect of my identity. I am even proud of my achievements, leading me to be able to go to London, to buy the souvenir and so on. Anyway, just adding some thoughts here on this topic. Again, love your work, well done!

[@NewtNuke]

Another in a long line of ever-improving, informative, and entertaining videos. Cheers.

[@Angelhaswings555]

Society starts at the individual level, if each one of us Carries ourself in a humble way, rejecting consumerism, we can change the way society operates

[@nickmagrick7702]

I loved basically everything about the way you explained all this in the documentary. I almost never say that, I almost always end up taking issue with something even in the way its said

[@jimmyhuesandthehouserocker1069]

I'm glad I've always been a humble person of simple basic desires and I never got caught up in materialism or the belief I had to impress people. People you have to impress with your personal wealth, are not people you would want to have as friends. Or I wouldn't want them. Honest and sincere people of simple tastes, impress me the most. I don't know where the idea comes from, that you need a lot of money to impress people in order for them to accept and like you, especially men with women, I can only say, there's a lot of those people out there.

[@tomboyraider1015]

Yep. I find the overly wealthy to be shallow and all they care about is material possessions and what other people have.

[@paulstoeckle7873]

This is thought provoking, not overly negative (as one might expect for the subject matter) and also very well put together. Nice job.

[@ReynaSingh]

Really appreciate the work you do on this channel. Your videos are very informative. Keep it up

[@spencerdavidson7397]

This is high quality and relevant and deserves more likes and views

[@ionia2376]

This is so good and goes so deep into rhe nuances of consumerism. The explanation of the link between social liberalism and the growth of consumerism in the 60-80's is so good. It shows why it's so hard to tackle over consumption. There is no shame in exploration, curiosity and the desire to create, these are good things. Combined with the fact that we cannot see the social cost and negative externalities of the things, it can feel like a sin to suggest people consume less

[@kerrypattison-christie1166]

Thanks for your brilliant video. I started watching b4 Xmas and it helped me choose presents wisely. I hold your words in my mind, I’ve told others. I am vegan , now minimalist and your video was just what I needed to help me take it a step further and consciously consume and support worthwhile companies. Thanks 😁✌️🤩. Happy new year !

[@JSkreech]

You are THE most underrated Leftist on YT my friend. Great work!

[@entropyinreverse]

This should be mandatory viewing. Brilliant essay 👌❤️

[@cristianmolina8148]

Quality channel here...very good documentary of a not well explored society issue

[@tuathaigh-aa]

I have found my university experience really isolating. My hobbies include long-distance running, traditional Irish music, local wildlife, planetary science, languages, and the history of my family's village and our part of Ireland. I have found it really hard to meet people whose interests and conversation doesn't revolve around going to the club, TV shows, booktok, fandom, D&D, or video games. I don't want to denigrate them but I feel like I can't relate at all. I want to go back to my parent's village. Even though all the talk is about dairy farming it's still more interesting, and I am popular for my music.

[@cameronking3551]

This is brilliant and I wish there was more documentarys on this subject as this is a very complex topic.

[@isaacwick9522]

I can't believe the immense quality of this documentary. I'm shocked it's on youtube, for free, for all to watch. Thank you so much for the effort you put into this very thought provoking video!!

[@nuvisionprinting]

Your videos are stupidly in-depth and balanced that it really is difficult to find another channel that even comes close! Also your wide ranging topics always keep me interested and waiting for the next!

[@matthewstewart5113]

Do we truly want a just society? Despite our aspirations for fairness and equality, our actions often fall short. How many of us recycle, advocate for public transportation, or actively work to bring about change? We are taught to believe that someone or something will come to save us from the consequences of our actions, but true change begins with ourselves. Consumerism, in and of itself, is not negative, but the emphasis on material possessions as a measure of success is. As a human race, we have achieved great progress, but in doing so, we have lost sight of what truly matters. We have shifted from a collective "WE" mentality to an individualistic "ME" mentality. No amount of money can replace the value of knowledge, and no amount of clothing can substitute for true inner peace. The war we are currently fighting is not with nature or a lack of resources, but with ourselves and the desire for control and power. When we gaze upon the vast expanse of the night sky, we are reminded of our limited understanding we possess about our existence. We have the technology to run the world at 98% efficiency, but we often prioritize short-term pleasure over long-term societal well-being. Thank you for the video. Great work.

[@workinprogresssince1974]

Absolutely fascinating. I think about this sort of thing a lot, as someone who has tried to push back against a consumer lifestyle, albeit in a small way.

Your best content by far. Very informative, great point of view in context of history.

[@meaniebeannie]

this is the first video I've watched on your channel and I subscribed right way!! Wonderfully done!!!

[@alkaloitongbam6684]

Thank you so much for the massive work you put into this video, it's a beautiful and well informed documentary

[@rosainecalmeyer4428]

I’ve read PhD theses that are not half as well-researched or presented as this. You’re admirable!

[@StigguLePetit]

This is the best documentary I ever watched on youtube and I watched thousands! Thanks!

[@MrShaclakclak]

My father owns a funeral home. I got to see the homes of a lot of people after they move on. The amount of shit we leave behind is insane. Then spend most of out live ignoring ourselves. Ask yourself Do I need this? How long till I forget about it?

[@emilianoamadei2629]

Great video and content! It is my favourite KZbin channel. Thank you. My perception is (or at least is how I justify my consumer habits) is that in our post modern society we consume unnecessary things to create meaning in our lives and try to escape the inevitable path towards nihilism. It is a gross simplification, but in a world where existence precedes essence, the easiest (in the intelectual sense) path to create meaning is use collections of things (clothes, books, art, household appliances, music) to elevate superficial concepts into something unique and meaningfull to us. To others it may still seem superficial, a futile attempt to create uniqueness and differentiation in a homogeneous society, but to not try it is death.