Consumerism creates growth in economies. LIfestyle may be the big question.

How can a world wide civilization create health, safety, enjoyment and pleasure of living without having to over buy stuff in order to feel healthy and happy and to make money move. This is a big question guys I think. Is it about balanced growth? I don't think going back to poverty and rural lifestyle is the answer. I don't know what the answer is. Moving lettuce across the country doesn't make sense either. Giving up my ipod does not please me or my internet connection. It is so interesting. But buying a macmansion is not of interest either.

There wasn't as much as an emphasis on what you had determining who you were. We had what we needed, and some extra stuff, but I had one Barbie Doll, today kids have several (as an example).

There wasn't as much pressure to buy more and bigger. My parents lived in the same house from 1949 until they died - no need to 'upgrade' although they could have easily afforded to. It was 'home' as opposed to a 'bigger house'.

I often think of my mom commenting on a friend's beautiful diamond ring. She didn't feel the need to compete, merely appreciated the beauty was happy with what she had. I think today we're in a competition to be 'better' than our neighbors, and our society has equated more with better.

We've lost touch with our souls.