It seems that our endless western need (addiction) to buy discretionary items is what makes us all happy if only for a short period of time.
The downside to this of course is that it's keeping most of us poor and ensuring that we remain on the debt merry-go-round.
Imagine the impact on our economy and of course China's if everyone suddenly spent even less than they they've begun doing in recent times. Yes it would cause those working in retail, advertising/marketing to name but a few, some pain but it could indeed lead to much better things.
Firstly we wouldn't be compelled to work long hours away from our family and social life,
Secondly we would learn to adjust to living with less, believe it or not it can be done.
