Life as an Act of Consumption

In the first post of this series, we are discussing an element of the so-called “Homo economicus.” This term describes human beings as acting rationally, making decisions that provide them with the highest utility or satisfaction. However, humans are not guided only by reason and self-interest. They are influenced by many factors, including emotions, biases, and societal pressures, which can lead to non-rational decisions.

Economic models, based on the concept of “Homo economicus,” often equate growth and prosperity with increased consumption. Sure, a major part of our lives revolves around expenses, from weekly grocery shopping to those late-night online deals. But what happens when this perspective is taken to an extreme? What happens when we equate our existence with the act of consuming? We end up guiding our lives based on what we can call the “consumer mindset.”

The consumer mindset is the combination of thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors that are primarily oriented towards consumption, emphasizing the acquisition and use of goods and services. It can influence our perception of experiences and self-worth, leading to a culture of disposability. Objects, experiences, and even relationships are discarded as soon as their perceived value diminishes, like they were products with an expiration date.

The consumer mindset is all about instant gratification. We want things right now, sometimes forgetting about long-term satisfaction. To get the “quick fix,” the consumer mindset pushes us to incessantly seek external validation. We are encouraged to derive our self-worth from sources, such as the number of likes, shares, or comments on our social media posts, rather than from inner conviction and self-assuredness.

Another characteristic of this mindset is the chase for the newest product. There is an ever-persistent search of the “next big thing.” This tends to overshadow the importance of the present moment, always keeping us in a state of want rather than contentment. Living life as an act of consumption is also alienating. It distances us from our true needs and from each other, while keeping the economic system running smoothly.

Consumption is a part of human life, but an unchecked consumer mindset can have significant personal, societal, and environmental consequences:

1. Existential Emptiness: Consuming for the sake of consumption can lead to a feeling of emptiness. If one’s life is centered around acquiring things without deeper purpose, they may find it unfulfilling in the long run. Similarly, tying one’s self-worth to material possessions can lead to a constant need for external validation, making it harder to find intrinsic motivation.

2. Mental Health Issues: Constantly seeking the next thing to consume can lead to dissatisfaction, anxiety, and even depression. Comparing oneself to others based on material possessions can also contribute to feelings of inadequacy.

3. Diminished Personal Growth: If one is always consuming, they may spend less time creating, reflecting, and growing. This can hinder personal development and limit the cultivation of skills. Similarly, there can be a push towards conforming to popular trends, leading individuals away from discovering their true selves and passions.

4. Shallow Relationships: The consumer mindset is not limited to objects. People might start viewing relationships in transactional terms, which can lead to shallow connections and a lack of genuine intimacy.

5. Environmental Impact: Unchecked consumerism can lead to environmental degradation, with the “throwaway” culture being a significant contributor to these environmental issues. Additionally, consumerism often overlooks the conditions under which goods are produced, like exploitation, poor working conditions, or child labor, resulting in ignorance or indifference towards these pressing issues.

Philosophers, from Aristotle to Jean-Paul Sartre, emphasize our intrinsic freedom and the responsibility of self-definition. Aristotle’s concept of “eudaimonia” suggests that true happiness arises from deep engagements, personal growth, and a sense of purpose. True fulfillment stems from the depth and authenticity of our experiences and the intentional choices we make.

In our consumption-driven society, material rewards and external validation offer temporary solutions to deep existential questions. True satisfaction comes from acting in line with personal beliefs rather than societal pressures, prioritizing authentic relationships, self-reflection, and purpose over external metrics.

Moving away from the consumer mindset requires an intentional effort to cultivate a more mindful and value-driven approach to life. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Self-awareness: Begin by acknowledging consumerist tendencies within yourself. Reflect on your motivations for wanting certain things. Is it a genuine need, a passing want or something else? Consider the longevity of the item and its overall impact on your life and the environment.

2. Define Personal Values: Understand what truly matters to you. What are your core values and beliefs? By having a clear sense of your personal values, you can make decisions that align with them rather than being swayed by external pressures.

3. Limit Exposure to Advertising: Ads are designed to create desires. By limiting exposure to commercials, social media ads, and other forms of marketing, you can reduce the influence they have over your decisions.

4. Practice Gratitude: Regularly appreciating what you have can reduce the constant longing for more. Consider keeping a gratitude journal or setting aside time each day to reflect on your blessings.

5. Build Deep Relationships: Prioritize meaningful connections over transient ones. Value relationships for the depth of understanding and genuine connection rather than what they might offer in material terms.

6. Seek Experiences Over Possessions: Research suggests that experiences bring more lasting happiness than material possessions. Travel, learn new skills, or engage in activities that enrich your life and broaden your perspective.

7. Community Engagement and Advocacy: Engage in community service, join sustainability groups, or participate in activities that promote non-consumerist values. Share your perspective with others and encourage discussions about the impacts of consumerism. Awareness can lead to collective shifts in mindset.

By integrating these strategies into your life, perhaps you will be able to prioritize genuine fulfillment and meaningful connections over immediate rewards and external validations.

True authenticity calls for introspection, seeking meaning in our actions, choices, and understanding of the world rather than a consumption-driven existence. It is essential to balance the influences of an economic perspective with other human dimensions to build a more sustainable and holistic way of living.

Until next week, when we will share the second post of this series: “Life as an Act of Creation.”