Laurence Shames' "The More Factor" focuses on the notion that having more has always been an essential ideal to this country and it remains that way even to this day. In order to have more, growing is completely necessary and Americans have always found a way to do this. First, it was the unexplored land of the West, and after all, that had been taken, the people turned to the economy. Because of the ever great emphasis on growth, "Americans have been somewhat backward in adopting values, hope, and ambitions that have to do with things other than more," Shames declares. So I am inclined to believe and agree when he says, "Scale overweighs quality, success and surpasses decency. Since the idea of growth is so important to this nation, other values that were and are unrelated have been underdeveloped, like quality and decency." The number one reason for this would have to be our undeniable desire for more. (Shames).
Consumerism can also be partly to blame as an offshoot of this prevalent concept of having more. Having more equated to achieving happiness and so consumer culture came to be from this relationship. Although we know that material things or money cannot give us that constant satisfaction of happiness we long for, but it is only a temporary relief. People constantly purchase the latest versions of goods they may have already owned or things that they might not need not because they feel an urge to spend money but for their desire to fulfill this purported sense of happiness which can be gained from the consumption of goods and services. People believe that "more" will never run out because there is an unlimited supply. Therefore, preparing for the day when an America runs out of "more" has never been on anyone's agenda. Although America is "not running out of wealth, drive, savvy, or opportunities, and not facing imminent ruin" people should still be humble to the idea that it is possible.
