Our Character, Our Future: on Budget & Economy

Seeing people merely as consumers is bad for moral fiber

In both cases, the key insight comes from seeing people as producers, rather than passive consumers. When economic activity seduces people into seeing themselves primarily in the latter role, it’s just as bad for moral fiber as rampant welfare dependency.

Where consumption is the law and the prophets, self-discipline is heresy. The mass consumption economy needs full-fledged earners with desires untrammeled by any limiting sense of obligation to others. It thrives on people who acquire the skills to earn, but who remain emotionally single and self-centered.