Objects of Desire or Desire for Objects?

How luxury shapes consumerism and the price consumers pay for self-worth

By Hali Udenasuta 

In such a materialistic world today, the question that lingers is, when your closet is full, credit card maxed, rent due, does your shopping addiction ever stop? From pearls to palisades, Manolos to mimosas, the things we buy don’t just surround us… they consume, control, and seduce.

Shopping isn’t really about the purchase but what the purchase brings. In today’s economy, identity almost becomes transactional… something that is acquired rather than discovered.

Desire, then, isn’t spontaneous. It’s orchestrated.

In America, consumers don’t just function as a ‘market’ but a belief system. Not only do brands sell products, but they also hard sell narratives. Algorithms are used to track our preferences before we even realise what we want crafting our very own desire. When our choices are framed as ‘freedom’, can we truly call them choices?

When it comes to luxury, brands use something called ‘exclusivity’ making products feel essential, as though ownership could change who we really are. Status isn’t owned, in today’s world, it’s bought.

The real question isn’t whether consumerism ever stops, but rather, will we ever get a choice of freedom in purchases?

Liberum arbitrium

Liberum arbitrium (in Latin) or freedom of choice, is not impossible to achieve. To reclaim it, we must see what really is controlling us. Try pausing before hitting purchase, and ask yourself, is it really worth it? Does my bank account have to suffer for short term relief?

Identity can be crafted, every experience, skills, personality trait matters… not objects. Sometimes we can buy things to make us feel content, but we also have to be a conscious buyer. Get rid of the unnecessary and seek true meaning.

Breaking free from this toxic chain isn’t just one act, it’s a mindset that you can reach. Awareness can our desires into a lesson.

Liberum arbitrium isn’t just a concept, it’s character. At the end, the choice is always yours to make. Liberum. Arbitrium. Pause before each purchase. Reclaim your choice.