Why do we want what we do not need?

Question

As I emerged from the local Chapters bookstore today, I saw customers coming out with bags full of stuff from the various huge department stores that made up the strip mall. I suddenly got the urge to go spend money which I did not have (credit card), on something that I did not need.

We live in a society of so much excess, getting ourselves into so much debt. We think that we must have the perfect home or the perfect dinner party to make our friends go "ooh" and "aah", when all we really need is shelter to keep out the rain, a strong sense of hospitality, good food, good drinks, and great conversations to entertain our guests. But we think we need the mansion, the nice car and the silver and crystal...

Why?

Is this Capitalism at its best or worst?

Answer 1

When you grow up in a society where everywhere you look there is something new to buy, it is next to impossible to resist the urge to splurge.

People of today act like the conquering countries back when the world was just being discovered. Then, land meant power, and the more they had, the more respect they received. Today, money is power, and how much you have and what you can buy with it basically defines who you are.

Stuff=Status

And everyone wants to matter, even if they are hopelessly in debt.

Answer 2

Each person is programmed from the cradle to the grave to consume. The economy would collapse if everyone stopped consuming. The good thing is YOU can stop right now and be happier for it. You just woke up while you stood outside the mall.

Answer 3

"We want what we are taught to want." There's a box in just about everyone's living room that's sole purpose is to get you to buy stuff you don't need, don't want, and can't use. It doesn't take much to outsmart it. It has an "off" button. Use that button and grab yourself a book, or two...

Capitalism at it's worse would be the above box in EVERY room, and no off button...