re: Anyone else feel like society is constantly trying to manipulate you?

Wrong, capitalism is an economy built on self interest. A buyer and a seller coming to an agreed upon price, called a free market. No one pushes you to live beyond your means except for your peers and advertisers...It is still up to you what you spend your money on.

I suppose you assumed capitalism is built on greed and that is bad for everyone and big brother should come make it fair for you and tell you what and when to buy?