For both the Affirming and the Resigned, life is marked by unrestrained desire and consumption. Either we desire ever greater heights of self-mastery and excellence, or ever more entertainment and pleasure (or both). The market is happy to aid us in these quests. But unlimited desire and consumption always leave us exhausted and empty. There is always more to buy, always some way to improve, always something else to watch, always something else to try. To cope with our exhaustion and emptiness, we self-medicate.
