The Treadmill Of Consumption Summary

The Treadmill Of Consumption by James A. Roberts refers to the consumption of substantial goods in which people believe they will become happier just by acquiring enhanced material goods. People over consume and are never convinced with what they already have but, rather aim for more and considerable possessions. Under the Treadmill Of Consumption people grow into very competitive as well as rapacious and have the urgency to over consume in order to feel gratified. We no longer look at value as a virtue, but as a substitute we examine one’s goods to interpret their significance. James A. Roberts does an extravagant job justifying the Treadmill Of Consumption by conducting research, using relatable life controversy as well as quoting authorities. To begin with “We use material possessions to exhibit status, we may not know our neighbors, but we feel compelled to make sure they know we're the people of value” (Roberts 123). In today’s society we feel the obligation to compete with one another and James A. Roberts proves that to the reader by allowing us to relate to a …show more content…
As he quotes in the article “ Media Mogul Ted Turner put it this way: Life is a game. Money is how we keep score” (Roberts 126). He helped the reader get a clear understanding by quoting a popular saying. Robert found some other way to connect and make the reader comprehend using a few words. Furthermore he also uses one of Pateks’s advertising slogans to get the point across “You never really own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation” (Roberts 127). Robert makes the reader understand the statement is false, that you are buying the product to satisfy your own personal desire, despite what the manufacturer claims. Robert uses authorities to make matters more realistic and general. By doing this James A. Roberts helps the reader envision the idea of Treadmill Of