Why in the world would The Man conspire to make you not want those things?
The more possessions and money you desire, the harder you work to buy more things in the economy, pushing up GDP, and driving up the value of stocks, real estate, etc. that rich people own.
The conspiracy is not to "own" those things, even though in most cases you still need them. So don't fret that you're still renting and don't own your own place and pay no attention to the fact that your rent goes to an enormous REIT that you'll pay for the rest of your life as opposed to when you finally own your home free and clear. Don't worry about owning possessions, just send subscription services a monthly fee, each and every month for the rest of your life, unlike that book on your shelf that you can read now or when you're 80.
Wanting possessions definitely fuels you to work hard, but you know what gives people even more drive? Existential threats like not being able to afford food or keep a roof over your head. A man with his own house and his own car and no debts is a man you don't have much leverage over. A man who needs to keep sending you a monthly flow of money in order to have shelter, entertainment and whatever else is a man who you control on a fundamental level.
"The Man" would rather have you renting rather than owning. There are also those who see the increased cost of life as a good thing because it would help the Earth due to decreased consumption and a lower population.
They'd prefer GDP growth to slow bc people were satisfied with less, vs people getting mad as fuck about poor living standards and starting to flip cars over and k*ll politicians.
The more possessions and money you desire, the harder you work to buy more things in the economy, pushing up GDP, and driving up the value of stocks, real estate, etc. that rich people own.
Wouldn't it be the opposite?