Limits to Satisfaction

Consumerism and capitalist and socialist industry have reached the point where state power is legitimatized by its ability to increase the number of commodities. A unique culture has been created in which marketing is the main social bond. Values no longer shape and condition needs, wants, desires, or preferences. Leiss draws on economics, psychology, sociology, and anthropology to show the vagueness of our thought on the relation between nature and culture, desire and reason, needs and commodities. This book raises serious, vital questions for all those concerned about the future of our present society.

"Leiss gives consistency to...a new discipline that challenges the monopoly of economics over social policy. But he does more: he radicalises the concept of ecology." Ivan Illich, Manchester Guardian "Leiss critically examines the bogus issue of false vs. true needs and shows that Critical Theory, Western Marxism and most radical sociology have been misguided in posing the question in this fashion...It is clearly written, well documented, brilliantly argued. A refreshing break from vacuous sociologese." Paul Piccone, Theory and Society

William Leiss, a fellow and past-president of the Royal Society of Canada, is author or senior co-author of ten books including In the Chamber of Risks and, with Douglas Powell, Mad Cows and Mother's Milk, now in its second edition.