Today, many would argue that the most opulent and pretentious new buildings are banks and other financial institutions. The competition between them and their push for growth and stockholder profit has been their incentive to create a debt and credit mentality that is hugely destructive to families. Of course there have always been salesmen. And the very essence of commerce and economy at any level is the promotion and marketing of goods and services. A close friend of ours, chairman of a worldwide ad agency, is uncommonly objective and frank about his profession.
Appearances supersede substance.
Things become more important than people. Acquisition and achievements are given more time and more effort than relationships and family. They are prompted to be dissatisfied with simple, family-oriented lifestyles. They are enticed to spend more on things that compete with family needs. And it's not just advertising.