This video produced by the Center for a New American Dream nonprofit was designed to show their findings. Their stated mission is to “help Americans to reduce and shift their consumption to improve quality of life, protect the environment, and promote social justice."
Psychologist Tim Kasser discusses how America's culture of consumerism undermines our well-being. When people buy into the ever-present marketing messages that "the good life" is "the goods life," they not only use up Earth's limited resources, but they are less happy and less inclined toward helping others. The animation both lays out the problems of excess materialism and points toward solutions that promise a healthier, more just, and more sustainable life. It is parallel to the mindset of all successful entrepreneurs: they love building and doing what they do, money comes later.
We also recommend watching: "Crises of Capitalism" and "Matthieu Ricard: The Habits of Happiness".
Tim Kasser is an American psychologist and book author known for his work on materialism and well-being. He received his Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Rochester in 1994, and accepted a position at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, where he is currently a professor of psychology.
Tim Kasser is an American psychologist and book author known for his work on materialism and well-being. He received his Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Rochester in 1994, and accepted a position at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, where he is currently a professor of psychology.
New American Dream: The High Price of Materialism