Book excerpt: "Affluenza is that strange desire we feel to spend money we don’t have to buy things we don’t need to impress people we don’t know . . . A truly modern affliction, affluenza is endemic in Western societies, encouraged by those who profit from a culture of exploitation and waste. So how do we cure ourselves? In this sparkling book of ideas, Richard Denniss shows we must distinguish between consumerism, the love of buying things, which is undeniably harmful to us and the planet, and materialism, the love of things, which can in fact be beneficial. We should cherish the things we own – preserve them, repair them, and then gift or sell them when we no longer need them. We must foster new ways of thinking and acting that do not squander limited resources, and which support the things we value most: vibrant communities and rich experiences. At once a lucid explanation of a critical global issue and a stirring call to action, Curing Affluenza will change the way you think about your place in the world. With special contributions from Bob Brown • Kumi Naidoo • Marilyn Waring • John Quiggin • Leanne Minshull • Jim Stanford • Bill McKibben • Craig Bennett"