The Relationship Between Production, Consumption, and Self-Expression

The disconnect between individuals and their creative outputs contributes to a profound shift in how people experience fulfillment, emphasizing a historical context where personal production and consumption were intertwined. In pre-capitalist times, people were closely linked to their work, whether through agriculture or craftsmanship. This intimacy contrasts sharply with modern fake jobs that drive a superficial search for meaning through consumption. The phenomenon of becoming 'hungry ghosts,' as described by River Selby, suggests that the detachment from personal production leads to an insatiable quest for material goods. This need for instant gratification often manifests as a desire for quick dopamine hits from purchases, overshadowing the deeper nourishment that comes from authentic creation and self-expression. Re-engaging with making and producing could address this imbalance, fostering a more meaningful relationship with consumption and reducing the perpetual craving for superficial acquisitions.