Despite the economic difficulties that continue to challenge us, we have moved from a
world of scarcity to a world of plenty. Following a period of all-encompassing
consumerism, spanning from the fifties until today, society finds itself jaded, uninspired
and indifferent. Desire got lost unintentionally along the way, and, without it, there is
nothing to spur us on, as desire is life itself. Graham Hill, founder of Trehugger.com,
explained in his PSFK talk about life-editing: “America became America The Big.”
Despite this consumerist crescendo, our happiness hasn’t been heightened; in fact, it
has plateaued.
Having more therefore does not equate to higher heights of happiness. As noted in
ForeSight, we need to restore desirability and revaluate what it is that truly motivates
us. Daniel H. Pink speaks eloquently on this topic in his book, Drive: The Surprising
Truth About What Motivates Us, stating most of us believe the best way to motivate
ourselves and others is through the external rewards of money: the carrot-and-stick
approach. He denounces this path, however, and instead reveals the three elements of
true motivation: autonomy, mastery and purpose.
This season’s forecast invites us to autonomously find purpose and motivation in our
lives: the time has come to restore, reimagine and rightsize our needs. In Sentiment, we
strive for sensual connectivity by exploring folkloric craftsmanship that is endangered by
the digital age. Quietude searches for pure contemplation, through removing oneself
from the chaos of the modern world and reflective life-editing. Allegory takes us to an
imaginary world of fables where myth, mystery and magic reveal undiscovered realms,
while Rapture wraps up the season on the highest note of exaltation, reminding us to
nurture happiness through the basic yet universal language of laughter.