I’m not as consumeristic as you might think, I could buy a lot more stuff than I do. As you get older I think you start to need less and most of us give up trying to be ‘ballers’ in favor of trying to simplify our lives.
I’m no psychology major but I believe there is a human condition, a program in everyone that makes us want to grow and learn and strive for success of one kind or another (educational, spiritual, financial).
When I read read this story about China’s new rich this morning it made me smile; and not just because I like cars. When yesterday’s peasant farmers rise as entrepreneurs and help their families get above subsistence living, those former undereducated and illiterate masses are going to become literate as they strive to learn more about the assorted things which they desire.
Consumerism helps to drive literacy.. and when 51% of the population becomes literate, that is when you’ll see democracy (of one kind or another). Order mine black on black with carbon fiber accents please. Wow, I’m feeling more literate already 
Hello IDNs
***FS*** Ha!
)
Your Quote: “As you get older I think you start to need less and most of us give up trying to be ‘ballers’ in favor of trying to simplify our lives.”
Now, I’m stealing this line from the movie Fight Club, but it has always stuck with me: “Things you own, own you too”.
I spent years around rich folks when I was much younger and found that many of these “ballers” spent all their time managing the pool guy, yard man, cars, boats even down to their carpet – keeping everything clean and perfect. It becomes a madness/obsession for some (Oh no! – Another leaf fell in pool, kind of mentallity). I learned that most of these guys were miserable folks. It appeared the “management” of their possessions was making them unhappy and most of them did not even seem to know that was the main reason they were unhappy. Although….there always were those pecular rich guys that managed things and were able to relax and be happy too.
What these “stressed-out rich guys” needed was life simplification. There is nothing like the feeling of having a lot of money and few obligations. You can then go fishing any time you want, any place in the world, with no worries!
Sorry, I realize I went off on a tangent from the main subject a bit, but the simplification part of life you speak of I can definitely relate to. Life is more fun living simple without things that constantly need attention, IMO.
***FS*** I totally agree with you. and this is a good tangent if it helps those who are inclined to go in the way that you describe.