Desire, Consumer Culture, and Beauty

Peter and Susannah talk with Dr. William Cavanaugh about his book Being Consumed.

What is the nature of the consumer economy? That’s what this short book seeks to explore. William Cavanaugh discusses his argument with the hosts, asking questions such as: When is a market free? Is our problem that we are too attached to consumer products? Should we be aiming at a local economy? Do we live in a world of scarcity?

Along the way they discuss Saint Augustine and stealing pears, Rene Girard, and whether an Anthropologie window display can point Susannah toward the kingdom of God.

They also discuss strategies for becoming more aware of the things we use, the production process, and the people who are producing them.