3. Designing a Consumerism Good for the Economy and for the Soul

Consumerism - good for the economy but bad for the soul: Can one design a consumerism beneficial to both?

Consumers are constantly encouraged – even exhorted - to purchase new items to stimulate the economy. But they don't really need (subjective definition of course) those items, so it is actually all a waste. Can't there be a way for the economy to be geared to productive purchases so that the economy is stimulated when people buy only needed items?

Not a committee to tell any particular individual what he or she is permitted to purchase, nor to 'objectively determine what is and is not worthwhile. Maybe educating people to think more deeply about what they need or not. But is there an economic theory which has pinpointed those things whose purchase would benefit an economy in a real and long-term sense as opposed to simply spending on newer electronic doodads and new fashion clothing?

As mentioned, having factories produce useful goods raises the standard of living, is better for an economy than having them produce things that explode? themselves and others. Maybe the same goes for peace-time production of needed rather than un-needed goods: i.e. having factories produce needed goods raises the standard of living, is better for an economy than having them produce unneeded goods. Or is there nothing that people would want to buy of their own volition which is any better than what they are being encouraged to buy today. Or is there nothing that is better except for health and education etc and people prefer doodads and fancier cars to health and education.

Instead of buying a new computer that does things you don't really need to do and does them faster, or a new designer dress, is it better for the economy that people invest in new businesses etc? Or is there not enough new business around to invest in? Or do people need to reward themselves for working, to motivate them to get on the train in the morning, and the shopping for (what I consider!) un-needed items?

next naive proposal: Incentives For Healthy Living: Automatic Tax for All