Llewellyn H. Rockwell's In Defense Of Consumerism

The advance in medical technology has extensively sustained the life expectancy and survival rate of humans. Through production and distribution, the 20th-century has built a huge market economy that supports medical research and innovations in surgical technology. In Llewellyn H. Rockwell Jr.’s essay, “In Defense of Consumerism”, he defends the beauty of consumerism and a free-market. Conversely, Juliet Schor argues that consumer spending does not lead to further fulfillment in her essay, “The Creation of Discontent”. Rockwell demonstrates how superficial demands build a wealthier capitol for investments; ultimately, consumer revenue is aiding new technological advancements. By supporting the economy and contributing to consumerism, an exceptional

number of opportunities are available, such as sustaining life expectancy, declining patient mortality, and reducing the cost of invasive procedures. By purchasing superficial products, money is available to improve humans’ heath and lifestyle.
Consumerism benefits the community by providing funds to improve health conditions and increase longevity. Rockwell reveals how the upper class donates to foundations and provides investment opportunities that fund new medical technology (Rockwell 640). Nadeem Esmail, the administrator for the Centre for Health System Performance Studies and manager of the Alberta Policy Research Centre, reveals the benefits of improving medical technology, “Since the treatment costs increased by $10,000 between 1984 and 1998 as a result of technological innovation that both replaced older forms of care and provided existing technologies to more patients, the net benefit from new technology was estimated to be approximately $60,000” (Esmail 7). Consumers are investing in new technology and goods in order to improve their lifestyle of living. The amount of money consumers spend is minimal compared to the amount being saved by creating new electronics. Rockwell analyzes how humans are living longer due to consumerism: “Women in 1900 typically died at 48 years old, and men at 46. Today? Women live to 80, and men to 77” (Rockwell 640). The improvements and advancements in health care have contributed to economic growth and almost doubled the life expectancy of humans. The funds to further technology would not be able to enhance and grow without the production and the distribution of goods and services.
By purchasing goods, the cost of healthcare and invasive procedures decreases. Bevan, Zheltoukhova, and McGee are employers of the Work Foundation seeking to improve the quality of working life and researched the economic benefits of medical technology. They state, “Direct costs associated with medical technologies can include the cost of the technology and health care resources associated with using the technology. The most tangible benefit is improved health outcomes, such as reduced morbidity and mortality” (Bevan, Zheltoukhova, and McGee 20). New laboratory research and medicine has decreased the amount of deaths. The innovation in medicine provides endless opportunities for improvement. While consumers spend more money, they are developing a better market economy and providing new medical investment fortuities.
Consumerism provides more availability to resources in the medical field.

Rockwell evaluates how doctors’ offices are open during all hours of the day (Rockwell 639). He argues, “But it can only stay open late because its offices are nestled in a strip mall where the rents are low and the access is high” (Rockwell 639). Ultimately, the purchase of goods by the people pays for the availability and connivance of medical assistance. Without access to urgent and everyday care, the mortality and illness rate would increase and cost more money overall. Rockwell states, “If you think through any service or good that is widely considered to be a need, you will find that it employs products, technologies, and services that were first created to meet superficial demands” (Rockwell 640). When society demands a product or service, the market has to find a way to financially afford the necessity. The consumption of goods helps provide opportunities and availability for the products consumers demand. While there are several benefits of consumerism, the effects of spending money only gives temporary fulfillment. Schor declares, “The increasing consumption of the last forty years has not made us happier. The percentage of the population who reported being “very happy” peaked in 1957” (Schor 635). However, it is important to balance the amount of spending versus saving. Consumers should not spend their money to gain happiness; instead, they should spend their money to support their needs and

wants.
A person’s standard of living is valued in today’s society. In order to create an advanced medical field of research and technology, consumers must spend money. The luxury and convenience of doctor offices and hospitals would not be available if the United States did not create a wealthy capitol for investments. Therefore, consumerism is necessary to obtain a higher standard of living.