Is rationing the answer to consumerism?

[Norseman]

That is the question that's raised in this article.

The idea here is that we're secretly miserable due to our consumerism, always hurrying to spend more and more, and going deeper and deeper in debt. As a result both the people and the environment suffer greatly.

However all previous efforts to encourage people to voluntarily reduce spending have failed, people just won't listen. Therefore we should look to world war two, when the government managed to reduce private spending to a very great idea. Only the government can enforce a proper rationing system.

P.S. I think it's too long to quote in full (and there's fair use issues), especially since the comments are just as relevant.

[frigidmagi]

Post the whole thing Norsemen. Bits and pieces is bad manners.

[The Minx]

We're secretly miserable due to our consumerism...? No. That's a load of crap.


The premise is flawed, thus the "solution" is rejected.