More or Less Capitalism or How I Embrace Challenging the Promise of Consumer Culture

Take a step back, and drink in the landscape of a free market saturated with social media influencers and repackaged cable television fueled by artificial intelligence bots and empty promises of an American Deam. Take it in North America. Warmly embrace our world dominated by the relentless pursuit of more—more wealth, more consumption, more productivity and somehow also packaging a selling the idea of less as a romantic, quaint notion that also leads to us buying more, just in a different way. We find ourselves running on this hamster wheel, caught in this narrative that celebrates growth at all costs, human costs, the cost of humanity. Capitalism, we love it, we make movies about it, we write books about it. I mean that in a very real way when you take a look at the latest (and I mean latest by the last 40 years) blockbuster hits and New York Times best-sellers. It is the engine of progress. It presents itself as a promise of infinite abundance. It's the Fountainhead embodied as an individual aspiration that we can all pull up by our bootstraps to achieve greatness, and those who don't? Well, that's their fault. That's their problem to solve. That's their individual flaws and failures. But maybe, let's take a deeper peek at what is under this; let's peel back the layers of this shiny façade, so we uncover the profound contradictions that challenge our understanding of success and fulfillment. What are we really working towards? 

The Allure of Infinite Growth

I was born in 1981. I am an elderly millenial. I barely remember the 80s. But I still romanticize it as much as makes me feel uncomfortable. I was a kid. I only know that I experienced racism, sexism, and classism because I began to reflect on it when I reached my teen years, so much so that I really began to reflect on it when I majored in sociology and psychology when I got to university. That in itself was a given for me, a logical next step in my middle-class, child of immigrants life after high school. And here I am. Better for it? Maybe. Questioning who is harmed and left behind? Definitely. 

At its core, capitalism preaches a mantra of infinite growth, suggesting that our individual worth (and make no mistake, everyone is in it to win it alone) is tied to our ability to acquire and achieve. We learn this. We love this. We live this. This mindset infiltrates our lives, convincing us that success, fulfillment, greatness, happiness lies just beyond the next purchase, the next promotion, or the next milestone. But this promise of more is like trying to hold water. We live in a world with finite resources, and the consequences of our unchecked consumption are becoming increasingly evident.

As we chase after more, we miss seeing the things that help humanity: connection, compassion, community, and purpose. Research shows that after a certain point, increased wealth does little to enhance our happiness. More recent research is going even further to bust this myth. Instead, the relentless pursuit of more can lead to stress, anxiety, and a deep-seated sense of dissatisfaction. We must ask ourselves: what if we redefined success not by what we accumulate, but by the richness of our relationships and the depth of our experiences?

Dehumanization in the Name of Profit

The capitalist framework often prioritizes profit over people, leading to exploitation and dehumanization. In this endless pursuit for cheaper goods and higher efficiency, we obscure the harmful labor practices that underpin our conveniences. Workers, particularly those in low-wage sectors, bear the brunt of this system, often enduring harsh conditions for the sake of corporate profit.

This exploitation is not an unfortunate byproduct; it is a fundamental characteristic of capitalism. Wealth becomes concentrated in the hands of a few, while many struggle to make ends meet. It’s essential to recognize that true economic health is measured not by stock prices but by the well-being of our communities. When we embrace this perspective, we begin to challenge the very structures that perpetuate inequality.

Environmental Costs of Our Choices

The environmental toll of capitalism is another critical concern that cannot be ignored. The relentless drive for growth translates into the overexploitation of our planet’s resources, leading to habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. As we face the consequences of our actions, it becomes increasingly clear that the promise of more comes at an unbearable cost.

To build a sustainable future, we must question the capitalist paradigm that prioritizes short-term gains over long-term viability. This requires a fundamental shift in our values. We must recognize that a thriving planet and equitable societies are far more valuable than the accumulation of material wealth. By embracing a mindset of “less”—less consumption, less waste—we can forge a path toward a healthier future for all.

Redefining Success Together

Challenging the promise of more compels us to redefine what success looks like in our lives and communities. Rather than equating success with wealth or status, we can focus on well-being, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. This is a very nursy and nursing perspective. This shift invites us to seek fulfillment in the connections we cultivate and the positive impact we have on those around us.

Alternative models of business offer a glimpse into this redefined success. Cooperatives, social enterprises, and community-driven initiatives demonstrate that it is possible to prioritize people and the planet while achieving financial sustainability. These models challenge the notion that profit must come at the expense of social responsibility and provide a roadmap for a more equitable economy.

Cultivating Community and Connection

Embracing a more balanced approach to capitalism requires us to prioritize community and connection. In a society that often glorifies individualism, we have the power to reclaim the importance of collective action and solidarity. By engaging in local initiatives, supporting ethical businesses, and fostering relationships, we can create resilient communities that thrive on collaboration rather than competition.

Community-supported agriculture, local co-ops, and grassroots organizing exemplify how we can come together to address shared challenges. These initiatives not only promote sustainability but also strengthen the social fabric that binds us. When we shift our focus from competition to collaboration, we cultivate environments where everyone can flourish.

Where do we go from here? 

I am not an expert in alternative socioecomonic models. I am an expert in the history of psychiatric nursing in Canada. And, I can see how the continued pursuit of more leads us away from reaching a more compassionate and caring world. In confronting capitalism’s promise of more, we embark on a journey toward a more compassionate and just world. This critique is not a rejection of capitalism, but an invitation to reimagine it. By challenging the prevailing narratives of growth and accumulation, we can cultivate a society that prioritizes well-being, equity, and sustainability.

As we embrace the idea of “less” in terms of consumption and “more” in terms of connection, community, and purpose, we lay the groundwork for a future that honors both people and the planet. Let us move forward with intention, fostering a movement that values compassion over competition, and resilience over mere survival. Together, we can challenge the promise of more and create a world where everyone is valued, and every voice matters.