Certainly we must consume (some) stuff in order to live. We must consume energy, food, resources, coffee, wifi and the such.

But the problem is when we derive our self-worth and our self-esteem based on what we consume or purchase.

Vain meaning not ‘self-centered’ and ‘self-pompous’ but vain meaning VANUS in Latin (empty). This is the problem with vain consumerism, or vain things:

It leaves us feeling empty.

Isn’t the goal to feel whole and full, and over-flowing and over-abundant? Perhaps we can only feel truly thriving when we are actively creating, making, and building!