Philosophy of futility

Philosophy of futility is a phrase coined by Columbia University marketing professor Paul Nystrom to describe the disposition caused by the monotony of the new industrial age. Nystrom observed the natural effect of this malaise was seeking gratification found in frivolous things, such as fashionable "apparel and goods used in one's immediate surroundings." This tendency, he theorized, could be used to increase consumption of fashionable goods and services, resulting in a vicious circle of dissatisfaction and the desire for new consumer goods.

From here. Looks like he said this around 1928. We know this, and it's not exactly what we are about, but it's a lovely phrase and I'm going to read my Thorsten Veblen to see if there's anything in all that Conspicuous Consumption stuff.