LupineTroubles [he/him, they/them]

Are you asking for a specific book talking about this concept? I am not sure if there is anything comparative this way but in a lot of cultures historical and contemporary the idea of fulfilment is tied to different formulae (sometimes evoking that image of formula, for example “Alchemy of Happiness” by Al-Ghazali), it is a broad spectrum with variety theological and philosophical understandings whether it is spiritual or mundane. Happiness can come from fulfilment but it is more of a fleeting feeling that’s not reliable as a long term goal so these religious or personal beliefs often emphasize other factors for it, from self-sacrifice to community to purpose whether one agrees or not. Consumerist culture is something else entirely, because it sells happiness which is elusive and hard to define, you are always meant to self-improve towards productivity to service this idea of acquiring happiness as an utilitarian currency which you exchange for your toil so life is proposed as an expense for goal of happiness. This latter idea of consumerism and happiness is something that has been written about specifically. As for the connection of both to each other and this event that’s a personal interpretation I made. I suppose one could just call it a “hot take” that way.

You know something doesn’t exist in a society when it’s illegal. If it ever happened why would there be laws against it? How could laws ever represent anything but good faith zeitgeist of pure order and benevolence?

What has went wrong in American cuisine and food culture that it came to a point where eating soups and stews is considered subversive and transgressive by these health enthusiasts?

This is what happens when a culture doesn’t understand happiness isn’t the end goal of life. Consumerism which promotes idea of earning your happiness through constant self-improvement has its logical conclusion in this idea that all which isn’t happy or striving for happiness through consumption is wasted. This is functionally same ideology as those social media life coaches selling the hustle grindset.

I don’t think ending life in earth is that easy, besides it would just incentive lifeforms that can break down plastic over time. It might become unsustainable for humanity however.

It’s okay your desire to mention Mongols is very understandable and not at all unusual.

There is probably a more recent and more relevant example that could be given considering the circumstances than distant Mongol conquerors.

It’s impressive how much French are able to get away with in terms of chauvinism, jingoism, imperialism and neo-colonialism not to mention implicit or explicit racism. They managed to craft, I believe by design, an image that appeals across a broad political spectrum by sustaining the view that France is a prestigious and romantic country that ironically is amplified and projected even further by Anglosphere and has purchase even in many leftist circles who idealize France and French.