Consuming

The economic crisis really puts perspective on what our purpose on this earth is-- or at least according to the media and those who manipulate the economy (or "run" it), we are consumers. Nothing more and nothing less. We must consume in order to get the economy on it's feet. Where we as a society have needs? well, good luck! But we all must buy more in order to keep the economy going! We have to spend in order for those who make the real money to make more money so that they are willing to invest so that we have more to buy. Is there a point when we realize that consuming only consumes and does not rebuild or give back?