Consumerism is superficially attractive because it offers a purpose in life and social acceptance within a narrowly materialistic world view. This is cultivated through psychological manipulation and marketing, playing on physical desires and hedonism, to create passive consumers. It fills a vacuum in the absence of any deeper meaning in life. The alternative is to build a stronger sense of human purpose through education and community action, facilitating a process of maturation from egotism to altruism. Elements of that purpose should include: a vision of future society that is worth effort and struggle to build; a recognition of the importance of family, community and social relationships; an appreciation of the importance of work done in a spirit of service; an introduction to the rational tools of science and the value of knowledge and crafts; a connection with nature, beauty and the arts; and an understanding of the ethical, moral and spiritual dimensions of life that lead to the refinement of character. With these elements, cultivating a culture of change becomes possible while encouraging a diversity of local expressions of social advancement.