--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We have been very effectively pacified by…" description: "\"We have been very effectively pacified by the pernicious ideology of a consumer society that is centered on the cult of the self - an undiluted hedonis..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/053/chris-hedges-2131_able_we-have-been-very-effectively-pacified-b_830451.jpg" --- # We have been very effectively pacified by the pernicious… ![“We have been very effectively pacified by the pernicious ideology of a consumer society that is centered on the cult of the self - an undiluted hedonism and narcissism. That has become a very effective way to divert our attention while the country is reconfigured into a kind of neofeudalism, with…” quote by Chris Hedges](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/053/chris-hedges-2131_able_we-have-been-very-effectively-pacified-b_830451.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/053/chris-hedges-2131_able_we-have-been-very-effectively-pacified-b_830451.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/053/chris-hedges-2131_able_we-have-been-very-effectively-pacified-b_830451.jpg) > “We have been very effectively pacified by the pernicious ideology of a consumer society that is centered on the cult of the self - an undiluted hedonism and narcissism. That has become a very effective way to divert our attention while the country is reconfigured into a kind of neofeudalism, with a rapacious oligarchic elite and an anemic government that no longer is able to intercede on behalf of citizens but cravenly serves the interests of the oligarchy itself.” [Chris Hedges](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-hedges/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote argues that consumer culture masks deeper social decay, turning citizens into self‑absorbed individuals while power consolidates in a new feudal elite. **In simple terms:** Consumerism hides inequality and weakens democracy. Key Takeaway Recognize and challenge consumerist distractions. Themes consumerism political decay neofeudalism media manipulation elitism Mood critical concerned reflective Type political social commentary philosophical When to use this quote - political activism - media literacy - community building - policy reform - personal reflection Key Concepts hedonism individualism systemic oppression social alienation Questions to Reflect On - How does consumerism affect your sense of agency? - What alternatives to a self‑centered culture can you envision? A Different Perspective The analysis may overlook individuals who find genuine community and meaning within consumer culture. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Attention](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/attention/) [Consumers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/consumers/) [Country](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/country/) [Cult](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cult/) [Elites](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/elites/) [Government](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/government/) [Hedonism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hedonism/) [Ideology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ideology/) [Interest](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/interest/) [Narcissism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/narcissism/) [Oligarchy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/oligarchy/) [Patriotism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/patriotism/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) [Self](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self/) ## Related quotes > [Many humanists have argued that happiness involves a combination of hedonism and creative moral development; that an exuberant life fuses excellence and enjoyment, meaning…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-kurtz/many-humanists-have-argued-that-happiness-involves-a-combination-of/) [Paul Kurtz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-kurtz/) > [You'll live to be a hundred if you give up all the things that make you want to.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/woody-allen/you-ll-live-to-be-a-hundred-if-you-give-up-all-the-things-that-make/) [Woody Allen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/woody-allen/) > [“They are all about romance, about life's excitement and adventure and it's essential sadness and transience. 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