While that's obviously true, I'm not sure it's some sort of optimum state. I think if you're in the ocean, it is understandable that you would keep treading wat

While that's obviously true, I'm not sure it's some sort of optimum state. I think if you're in the ocean, it is understandable that you would keep treading water to stop yourself from drowning, but perhaps a better solution is to look for ways to leave the ocean. I'm entirely unconvinced that this isn't a local maximum that we're stuck in. Even if I leave room that advertising (and capitalism) is the only stable system, that doesn't mean it can't be limited and restricted for better outcomes for people on the whole.