Indeed. I'm not sure talking about some idealistic form of marketing is any more useful than talking about an idealistic form of government where we get rid of

Indeed. I'm not sure talking about some idealistic form of marketing is any more useful than talking about an idealistic form of government where we get rid of all laws and just have people do what they're supposed to do. Sure, such a thing would be nice. It also doesn't happen. The goal of marketing is to get people to buy something. It doesn't matter if they need it or not, it doesn't matter if there's a better option out there. The goal is to get people to buy. Considering most people don't need most products, and even when someone does need a product they're usually choosing just one of several available options, we can surmise that the vast majority of marketing is trying to get people to buy something they shouldn't be buying.