[Music] products are starting to become how we express our identities. And that's killing the wolves inside of us. Before I explain anything else, I would like to establish that the wolves inside of us aren't real.Because of course, real wolves are really, really big. of you have ever seen a wolf. And we don't necessarily want them anywhere near our internal organs.However, the wolves we will be imagining today, if you will, are just as majestic and unique and beautiful. They're essentially a representation ...

Core Insights - Singapore is experiencing a shift in financial behavior, with rising costs and a focus on experiences leading to decreased long-term financial planning [1][5][11] Economic Context - 60% of Singaporean workers were living paycheck to paycheck in 2024, significantly higher than regional averages [3] - Real median employment income fell by 0.4% annually from 2019 to 2024, reversing previous growth trends [8] - The cost of living index in Singapore rose 11% year-over-year, ranking fifth globally and first in the region [6] Consumer Behavior - Young Singaporeans are increasingly spending beyond their means, with fewer making retirement plans compared to previous years [4][5] - A survey indicated that 72% of Singaporeans view the cost of living as their top concern, outpacing other issues like healthcare [7] - The rise of "buy now, pay later" schemes has contributed to a culture of immediate gratification, with BNPL transactions reaching SG$440 million in 2021 [12] Housing Market - Resale prices of public apartments rose 9.6% in 2024, exacerbating financial pressures on residents [9] - High property prices are attributed to limited land and reliance on imports, which also affects inflation [10] Generational Differences - Younger generations exhibit less urgency in saving compared to their parents, influenced by marketing and lifestyle aspirations [14][15] - The current generation prioritizes experiences over savings, with many feeling financially secure due to living arrangements and lack of immediate financial burdens [17][18]

Industry Growth - The Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) industry continues to grow despite criticism and concerns about consumerism and lending practices [1] Consumer Behavior - Some view paying for lunch in installments as the height of consumerism [1] - Others worry that such lending exploits vulnerable borrowers [1]

Environmental Impact - Consumerism is driving a surge in polymer production [1] - China is identified as the new ground zero for this trend [1]

Core Argument - The talk argues that modern society is addicted to fake feelings and instant gratification, driven by a cycle perpetuated by capitalism [5] - This addiction manifests in various forms of consumerism and substance abuse, offering condensed feelings and instant gratification [5][15] - The cycle involves seeking fulfillment through commodities, which ultimately fail to satisfy, leading to repeated consumption [27] Societal Impact - Capitalism relies on a cycle where individuals are compelled to enjoy, and dissatisfaction leads to further consumption [11][23] - This cycle diminishes the ability to enjoy things free of capitalism, such as music, art, and nature, due to their slower stimulation [29] - The consequences include an unfulfilling life, colonized by corporations through dopamine hits and instant gratification [29] Potential Solutions - The speaker suggests identifying true desires and not being swayed by advertisements promising happiness through products [38] - The remedy involves self-reflection and addressing underlying emotions instead of seeking distractions through consumption [39] - Choosing oneself first and foremost, rather than succumbing to the products offered by capitalism, is crucial [40]