Philosophy of futility: Difference between revisions
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'''Philosophy of futility''' is a phrase coined by [[Columbia University]] [[marketing]] professor [[Paul Nystrom]] to describe the disposition caused by the monotony of the new [[industrial age]]. Nystrom observed the natural effect of this malaise was seeking gratification found in frivolous things, such as [[fashionable]] apparel and goods. Nystrom (1938) theorized that this human proclivity in the modern world could be manipulated to induce a vicious circle of dissatisfaction and the desire for new consumer goods, thereby leading to the increased sales of fashionable goods and services. |
'''Philosophy of futility''' is a phrase coined by [[Columbia University]] [[marketing]] professor [[Paul Nystrom]] to describe the disposition caused by the monotony of the new [[industrial age]]. Nystrom observed the natural effect of this malaise was seeking gratification found in frivolous things, such as [[fashionable]] apparel and goods. Nystrom (1938) theorized that this human proclivity in the modern world could be manipulated to induce a vicious circle of dissatisfaction and the desire for new consumer goods, thereby leading to the increased sales of fashionable goods and services. |
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The following is a quotation from Nystrom's Economics of Fashion (1928), often cited by historians and analysts of [[marketing]], [[consumerism]], and [[commercialism]]:[i] |
The following is a quotation from Nystrom's Economics of Fashion (1928), often cited by historians and analysts of [[marketing]], [[consumerism]], and [[commercialism]]:<ref>[i]</ref> |
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One's outlook on life and its purposes may greatly modify one's attitude toward goods in which fashion is prominent. At the present time, not a few people in western nations have departed from old-time standards of [[religion]] and [[philosophy]], and having failed to develop forceful views to take their places, hold to something that may be called, for want of a better name, a ''philosophy of futility''. This view of life (or lack of a view of life) involves a question as to the value of motives and purposes of the main human activities. There is ever a tendency to challenge the purpose of life itself. This lack of purpose in life has an effect on consumption similar to that of having a narrow life interest, that is, in concentrating human attention on the more superficial things that comprise much of ''fashionable'' consumption.[i] |
One's outlook on life and its purposes may greatly modify one's attitude toward goods in which fashion is prominent. At the present time, not a few people in western nations have departed from old-time standards of [[religion]] and [[philosophy]], and having failed to develop forceful views to take their places, hold to something that may be called, for want of a better name, a ''philosophy of futility''. This view of life (or lack of a view of life) involves a question as to the value of motives and purposes of the main human activities. There is ever a tendency to challenge the purpose of life itself. This lack of purpose in life has an effect on consumption similar to that of having a narrow life interest, that is, in concentrating human attention on the more superficial things that comprise much of ''fashionable'' consumption.<ref>[i]</ref> |
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'''Philosophy of Futility and Retail Therapy:''' |
'''Philosophy of Futility and Retail Therapy:''' |
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Shopping in order to make oneself feel happier is a symptom that is referred to as “[[retail therapy]]” in the popular press. The term was first used in the Chicago Tribune of December 24, 1986: "We've become a nation measuring out our lives in shopping bags and nursing our psychic ills through retail therapy". [v] [[Retail therapy]], sometimes observed in people in times of depression or transition, indicates lack of personal purpose, and involves shopping as a therapeutic act that improves the buyer's mood or disposition; therefore, goods purchased during retail therapy are often referred to as "comfort buys." [iv] |
Shopping in order to make oneself feel happier is a symptom that is referred to as “[[retail therapy]]” in the popular press. The term was first used in the Chicago Tribune of December 24, 1986: "We've become a nation measuring out our lives in shopping bags and nursing our psychic ills through retail therapy". <ref>[v]</ref> [[Retail therapy]], sometimes observed in people in times of depression or transition, indicates lack of personal purpose, and involves shopping as a therapeutic act that improves the buyer's mood or disposition; therefore, goods purchased during retail therapy are often referred to as "comfort buys." <ref>[iv]</ref> |
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The “vicious cycle” in Nystrom’s theory can be seen in many economic and philosophical arenas. Robert and Edward Skidelsky, in a father-and-son/economist-and-philosopher writing partnership, discuss that needs are finite and can be satisfied, but wants are infinite in quantity. [vi] [[Adam Smith]], a pioneer in political economy, states his [[Theory of Moral Sentiments]] that “Riches leave a man always as much and sometimes more exposed than before to anxiety, to fear and to sorrow.” |
The “vicious cycle” in Nystrom’s theory can be seen in many economic and philosophical arenas. Robert and Edward Skidelsky, in a father-and-son/economist-and-philosopher writing partnership, discuss that needs are finite and can be satisfied, but wants are infinite in quantity. <ref>[vi]</ref> [[Adam Smith]], a pioneer in political economy, states his [[Theory of Moral Sentiments]] that “Riches leave a man always as much and sometimes more exposed than before to anxiety, to fear and to sorrow.” |
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Advertising can manipulate those wants, and make them appear as needs by making consumers feel they are not whole or happy with their product. In his criticism of Christianity, [[Friedrich Nietzsche]] said "To act as a physician," he writes, "the priest must make one sick!" For Christianity to appear as the savior, people must first have a problem . Advertising can make their product be the savior of a consumer’s problem. |
Advertising can manipulate those wants, and make them appear as needs by making consumers feel they are not whole or happy with their product. In his criticism of Christianity, [[Friedrich Nietzsche]] said "To act as a physician," he writes, "the priest must make one sick!" For Christianity to appear as the savior, people must first have a problem . Advertising can make their product be the savior of a consumer’s problem. |
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==References== |
==References== |
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i Nietzsche, Friedrich Wilhelm, The Antichrist (New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf, 1918), p. 8. |
<ref>i</ref> Nietzsche, Friedrich Wilhelm, The Antichrist (New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf, 1918), p. 8. |
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ii Commonsense Media, “Junk Food Ads and Childhood Obesity,” http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/14/childhood-obesity/, accessed February 2014. |
<ref>ii</ref> Commonsense Media, “Junk Food Ads and Childhood Obesity,” http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/14/childhood-obesity/, accessed February 2014. |
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iii Story, Louise, “Anywhere the Eye Can See, It’s Likely to See an Ad,” The New York Times, January 15, 2007, February 27, 2014. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/15/business/media/15everywhere.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 |
<ref>iii</ref> Story, Louise, “Anywhere the Eye Can See, It’s Likely to See an Ad,” The New York Times, January 15, 2007, February 27, 2014. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/15/business/media/15everywhere.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 |
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iv Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood. “Transformers Marketing: Still not Transformed.” http://commercialfreechildhood.org/transformers-marketing-still-not-transformed-after-16-months-mpaa-still-ignores-ftc-staff%E2%80%99s-request, accessed February 2014. |
<ref>iv</ref> Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood. “Transformers Marketing: Still not Transformed.” http://commercialfreechildhood.org/transformers-marketing-still-not-transformed-after-16-months-mpaa-still-ignores-ftc-staff%E2%80%99s-request, accessed February 2014. |
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v Schmich, Mary T. “A Stopwatch On Shopping.” The Chicago Tribune, December 24, 1986. http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1986-12-24/features/8604060073_1_shopping-shaky-ground-festive-hat, accessed February 2014) |
<ref>v</ref> Schmich, Mary T. “A Stopwatch On Shopping.” The Chicago Tribune, December 24, 1986. http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1986-12-24/features/8604060073_1_shopping-shaky-ground-festive-hat, accessed February 2014) |
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vi Skidelsky, R., & Skidelsky, How Much Is Enough? Money and the good life. New York: Other Press, 2012. |
<ref>vi</ref> Skidelsky, R., & Skidelsky, How Much Is Enough? Money and the good life. New York: Other Press, 2012. |
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Philosophy of futility is a phrase coined by Columbia University marketing professor Paul Nystrom to describe the disposition caused by the monotony of the new industrial age. Nystrom observed the natural effect of this malaise was seeking gratification found in frivolous things, such as fashionable apparel and goods. Nystrom (1938) theorized that this human proclivity in the modern world could be manipulated to induce a vicious circle of dissatisfaction and the desire for new consumer goods, thereby leading to the increased sales of fashionable goods and services.
The following is a quotation from Nystrom's Economics of Fashion (1928), often cited by historians and analysts of marketing, consumerism, and commercialism:[1]
One's outlook on life and its purposes may greatly modify one's attitude toward goods in which fashion is prominent. At the present time, not a few people in western nations have departed from old-time standards of religion and philosophy, and having failed to develop forceful views to take their places, hold to something that may be called, for want of a better name, a philosophy of futility. This view of life (or lack of a view of life) involves a question as to the value of motives and purposes of the main human activities. There is ever a tendency to challenge the purpose of life itself. This lack of purpose in life has an effect on consumption similar to that of having a narrow life interest, that is, in concentrating human attention on the more superficial things that comprise much of fashionable consumption.[2]
Philosophy of Futility and Retail Therapy:
Shopping in order to make oneself feel happier is a symptom that is referred to as “retail therapy” in the popular press. The term was first used in the Chicago Tribune of December 24, 1986: "We've become a nation measuring out our lives in shopping bags and nursing our psychic ills through retail therapy". [3] Retail therapy, sometimes observed in people in times of depression or transition, indicates lack of personal purpose, and involves shopping as a therapeutic act that improves the buyer's mood or disposition; therefore, goods purchased during retail therapy are often referred to as "comfort buys." [4]
The “vicious cycle” in Nystrom’s theory can be seen in many economic and philosophical arenas. Robert and Edward Skidelsky, in a father-and-son/economist-and-philosopher writing partnership, discuss that needs are finite and can be satisfied, but wants are infinite in quantity. [5] Adam Smith, a pioneer in political economy, states his Theory of Moral Sentiments that “Riches leave a man always as much and sometimes more exposed than before to anxiety, to fear and to sorrow.”
Advertising can manipulate those wants, and make them appear as needs by making consumers feel they are not whole or happy with their product. In his criticism of Christianity, Friedrich Nietzsche said "To act as a physician," he writes, "the priest must make one sick!" For Christianity to appear as the savior, people must first have a problem . Advertising can make their product be the savior of a consumer’s problem.
Advertising can be particularly influential on children. Between the ages of 2 and 5 children are unable to distinguish between advertising and scheduled television broadcasts . Many countries have banned advertising targeting children to help avoid marketing saturation, and to allow them time to develop an identity beyond that of a consumer. Child advocates have condemned ads from children’s cereals for their lack of nutritional value leading to child obesity to advertising campaigns for action figures based on adult movies or themes. With the average US youth seeing anywhere from 2000-3000 ads a day , the content and intent of those ads has increasingly come under scrutiny.
Spanish Translation
Filosofía de la futilidad Filosofía de la futilidad es una frase desarrollada por el Profesor de Marketing de la Universidad de Columbia Paul Nystrom para describir la disposición causada por la monotonía de la nueva era industrial. Nystrom observado el efecto natural de este malestar estaba buscando satisfacción encontrar en cosas frívolas, tales como prendas de vestir y artículos de moda. La teoría de Nystrom (1938) describe la propensión humana al consumo podía ser manipulado para inducir a un círculo vicioso de la insatisfacción y el deseo de nuevos bienes de consumo, llevando así al incremento de las ventas de productos de moda y servicios.
Nystrom en su trabajo Economía de la moda (1938), a menudo citado por los historiadores y analistas de marketing, consumismo , y comercialismo :
Visión y los propósitos de vida de un individuo podrán ser modificados por la actitud de ese individuo hacia bienes que la moda presenta como importantes. En la actualidad, no son pocas las personas que en las naciones occidentales han salido de las viejas normas de la religión y filosofía y al no haber logrado desarrollar vistas contundentes para tomar sus lugares, sostienen algo que puede ser llamado, a falta de un nombre mejor, una filosofía de la futilidad. Esta visión de la vida (o la falta de una visión de la vida) implica una pregunta sobre el valor ,los motivos y los propósitos de las actividades humanas. Hay siempre una tendencia a desafiar el propósito de la vida misma. Esta falta de propósito en la vida tiene un efecto sobre el consumo similar a la de tener estrechos intereses, es decir, concentrando la atención humana en las cosas más superficiales que conforman gran parte del consumo de lo que esta de moda. [1]
Este síntoma se conoce también como " terapia de consumo "en la prensa popular. El término primero fue utilizado en el Chicago Tribune del 24 de diciembre de 1986: "Nos hemos convertido en una nación medir nuestras vidas en bolsas y tratar nuestros males psíquicos a través de terapia del consumo" (Schmich, 1986). Terapia de consumo, a veces observados en personas en momentos de depresión o de transición, indica falta de propósito personal y consiste en ir de compras como un acto terapéutico que mejora el estado de ánimo o la disposición del comprador; por lo tanto, bienes adquiridos durante la terapia de consumo se refieren a menudo como "compras de bienestar".
Teoría de el "círculo vicioso" de Nystrom puede verse en muchos ámbitos económico y filosóficos. Robert y Edward Skidelsky, economista de padre/hijo/filósofo argumenta que las necesidades son finitas y pueden ser satisfechas. Pero lo deseado, puede ser insaciable. Adam Smith un pionero en economía política, afirma su Teoría de los Sentimientos Morales que "la riquezas abandona a un hombre siempre y a veces lo exponen más que antes a la ansiedad, el miedo y el dolor". La publicidad puede manipular esos deseos y hacerlos aparecer como necesidades haciendo que los consumidores sienten que no son enteros o feliz si esos productos de consumos.
Friedrich Nietzsche en su crítica al cristianismo dijo "para actuar como un médico, el sacerdote debe hacer un enfermo". Para que el cristianismo aparecer como el Salvador, la gente primero debe tener un problema. Publicidad puede hacer que el producto a vender sea el salvador del problema del consumidor.
See also
References
[6] Nietzsche, Friedrich Wilhelm, The Antichrist (New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf, 1918), p. 8.
[7] Commonsense Media, “Junk Food Ads and Childhood Obesity,” http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/14/childhood-obesity/, accessed February 2014.
[8] Story, Louise, “Anywhere the Eye Can See, It’s Likely to See an Ad,” The New York Times, January 15, 2007, February 27, 2014. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/15/business/media/15everywhere.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
[9] Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood. “Transformers Marketing: Still not Transformed.” http://commercialfreechildhood.org/transformers-marketing-still-not-transformed-after-16-months-mpaa-still-ignores-ftc-staff%E2%80%99s-request, accessed February 2014.
[10] Schmich, Mary T. “A Stopwatch On Shopping.” The Chicago Tribune, December 24, 1986. http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1986-12-24/features/8604060073_1_shopping-shaky-ground-festive-hat, accessed February 2014)
[11] Skidelsky, R., & Skidelsky, How Much Is Enough? Money and the good life. New York: Other Press, 2012.
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