[We are] persuaded to spend money we don't have on things we don't need to create impressions that won't last on people we don't care about.
On the mathematical side, you could in principle build a society in which people were fulfilling their needs and flourishing as human beings in a higher way than in a consumer society, provided you had the right investments in the opportunity to flourish in less materialistic ways.
There is a real fear around shifting from our existing economic system because people believe it gives us social organisation, a sense of freedom, and the ability to be nice to each other. Growth is seen as a social lubricant that allows us to be socially responsible.
An elections official who is directly accountable to the people will make the changes desired by the people and the public.
As the prices go up, people start looking for the smaller vehicles. That's what they're doing now.
People are looking for that lifestyle. They're tired of driving a long way to work, and they want something to do at night. That market demand is there.