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Rev Left Radio
Pure Excess: Capitalism, Commodity Fetishism, and the Promise of More
Mar 10, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Todd McGowan, a film studies professor and author, explores the deep links between capitalism and our psychology. He delves into commodity fetishism and how our desires often lead to existential dissatisfaction. McGowan highlights capitalism's illusion of fulfillment and the 'death drive' propelling relentless consumption. He also advocates for embracing lack and leveraging art as a means to critique consumerism, urging listeners to envision a life beyond capitalist confines.
01:28:46
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast explores how capitalism perpetuates a cycle of desire, leading individuals to chase fulfillment through endless consumption without true satisfaction.
- It emphasizes the psychological impact of capitalism on human subjectivity, conditioning individuals to equate self-worth with material accumulation and consumption.
Deep dives
The Endless Pursuit of Satisfaction
The podcast discusses the perpetual cycle of desire, highlighting how individuals often chase goals such as success, love, and material wealth, only to find that these pursuits lead to fleeting moments of fulfillment. After the initial thrill of achieving a goal, a new longing emerges, perpetuating the feeling of lack. This cycle is intricately tied to capitalism, which thrives on creating and maintaining a sense of dissatisfaction among individuals. In fact, capitalism exploits desire itself, convincing people that consuming and accumulating more will ultimately lead to contentment, yet this very chase often results in increased dissatisfaction.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode