The Issue with Compulsory Consumption
Does the societal norms that dictate what and how much we should buy?
“Consumption isn’t the problem: compulsory consumption is.”
By Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus in their book Essential: Essays by The Minimalists
In today's society, consumption has become a central part of our lives. We are constantly bombarded with ads and encouraged to buy more, consume more, and accumulate more.
However, is it really consumption that's the problem? Or is it the pressure to consume?
Compulsory consumption refers to societal norms that dictate what and how much we should buy, and how we present ourselves through our possessions. It leads to conformity and materialistic desires.
By recognizing this distinction, we can question the systems that enforce compulsory consumption and challenge the idea that our worth is defined by material possessions. Instead, we can explore alternative paths to fulfillment and happiness.
Promoting conscious consumption, where individuals make informed choices about what they truly need and value, can help break free from the trap of compulsory consumption.
Let's work towards a society where consumption is driven by personal preferences, not external pressures.