Are you asking for a specific book talking about this concept? I am not sure if there is anything comparative this way but in a lot of cultures historical and contemporary the idea of fulfilment is tied to different formulae (sometimes evoking that image of formula, for example “Alchemy of Happiness” by Al-Ghazali), it is a broad spectrum with variety theological and philosophical understandings whether it is spiritual or mundane. Happiness can come from fulfilment but it is more of a fleeting feeling that’s not reliable as a long term goal so these religious or personal beliefs often emphasize other factors for it, from self-sacrifice to community to purpose whether one agrees or not. Consumerist culture is something else entirely, because it sells happiness which is elusive and hard to define, you are always meant to self-improve towards productivity to service this idea of acquiring happiness as an utilitarian currency which you exchange for your toil so life is proposed as an expense for goal of happiness. This latter idea of consumerism and happiness is something that has been written about specifically. As for the connection of both to each other and this event that’s a personal interpretation I made. I suppose one could just call it a “hot take” that way.
Where can I read more about this?
Are you asking for a specific book talking about this concept? I am not sure if there is anything comparative this way but in a lot of cultures historical and contemporary the idea of fulfilment is tied to different formulae (sometimes evoking that image of formula, for example “Alchemy of Happiness” by Al-Ghazali), it is a broad spectrum with variety theological and philosophical understandings whether it is spiritual or mundane. Happiness can come from fulfilment but it is more of a fleeting feeling that’s not reliable as a long term goal so these religious or personal beliefs often emphasize other factors for it, from self-sacrifice to community to purpose whether one agrees or not. Consumerist culture is something else entirely, because it sells happiness which is elusive and hard to define, you are always meant to self-improve towards productivity to service this idea of acquiring happiness as an utilitarian currency which you exchange for your toil so life is proposed as an expense for goal of happiness. This latter idea of consumerism and happiness is something that has been written about specifically. As for the connection of both to each other and this event that’s a personal interpretation I made. I suppose one could just call it a “hot take” that way.