In Joan Didion's "Slouching Towards Bethlehem," she explores the concept of happiness as fundamentally tied to consumption. This perspective suggests that our pursuit of joy and contentment often revolves around acquiring material goods and experiences. Didion emphasizes how consumerism influences our understanding of what it means to be happy, shaping societal values and individual desires.

The idea of happiness as a consumption ethic raises important questions about the impact of this mindset. It prompts readers to reflect on whether true fulfillment can be achieved through material wealth or if there are deeper, more meaningful sources of happiness that extend beyond transient consumer goods. Didion's insightful observations encourage a critical examination of our values in a consumer-driven culture.