Consumerism Quote by Richard J. Foster
““Because we lack a divine Center our need for security has led us into an insane attachment to things. We really must understand that the lust for affluence in contemporary society is psychotic. It is psychotic because it has completely lost touch with reality. We crave things we neither need nor enjoy. 'We buy things we do not want to impress people we do not like'. Where planned obsolescence leaves off, psychological obsolescence takes over. We are made to feel ashamed to wear clothes or drive cars until they are worn out. The mass media have convinced us that to be out of step with fashion is to be out of step with reality. It is time we awaken to the fact that conformity to a sick society is to be sick. Until we see how unbalanced our culture has become at this point, we will not be able to deal with the mammon spirit within ourselves nor will we desire Christian simplicity.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster, 1978
Modern consumer culture creates a compulsive, reality‑detached pursuit of status symbols, leading to spiritual emptiness and psychological distress.
In simple terms: People chase unnecessary things for status, losing touch with reality.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and reject status‑driven consumption.
Themes
consumerism
spirituality
identity
conformity
psychology
Mood
critical
reflective
concerned
Type
philosophical
motivational
cautionary
When to use this quote
- personal budgeting
- mindful purchasing
- media literacy
- community discussions
- spiritual retreats
Key Concepts
materialism
psychotic desire
cultural critique
Christian simplicity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your sense of identity rely on possessions?
- What steps can you take to simplify your life?
A Different Perspective
The critique may overlook genuine needs for comfort and safety that can be mischaracterized as materialism.
