In the fourth and current stage, finding self-fulfillment via affluent consumption is no longer seen as tragic or empty. Conspicuous consumption is viewed as a legitimate path to individual happiness. This view of wealth bridges the moral gap between those at the top and those at the bottom of the economic pyramid. They are separated not by purpose or goal, but only by how much money they have to consume. In other words, the nonwealthy are actually striving for the same outcomes as the wealthy, but simply have less to work with on their path to happiness.
