<blockquote><b>Philosophy of futility</b> is a phrase coined by <a title="Columbia University" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbia_University">Columbia University</a> <a title="Marketing" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marketing">marketing</a> professor <a title="Paul Nystrom" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Nystrom">Paul Nystrom</a> to describe the disposition caused by the monotony of the new <a class="mw-redirect" title="Industrial age" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial_age">industrial age</a>. Nystrom observed the natural effect of this malaise was seeking gratification found in frivolous things, such as <a title="Fashion" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fashion">fashionable</a> apparel and goods. This tendency, he theorized, could be used to increase <a title="Consumption (economics)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consumption_%28economics%29">consumption</a> of fashionable goods and services, resulting in a vicious circle of dissatisfaction and the desire for new consumer goods.</blockquote>
via <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophy_of_futility">Philosophy of futility - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a>.