We have to love shoppers.

Shopping is the core of human existence. Shoppers create culture, set trends, and drive progress. Think about it.

Everything mankind has created sooner or later becomes available for sale. You can shop for it, and maybe even get it for wholesale if you’re lucky. For example, every new development in the L.A. area begins with a mall. After that, we build houses, schools, corporate buildings, museums, restaurants, restrooms, wedding chapels, and hospitals.

It’s what I call the circle of life.

You are born in a hospital, and what does your happy grandmother do but go straight to the hospital’s gift shop and buy a present for you and your mother. In every airport, whether you are departing or arriving, you go through the shopping experience. At the end of every museum exhibit you pass through the gift shop. I could go on.

On top of everything already mentioned, shopping is part of psychological healing. It manages your mood and increases your productivity. If I am bored or unhappy, before I go to the doctor to pick up my Prozac prescription without tests or counselling, I will go to the mall.

When you hear an announcement or read an ad in the paper, “Dear Neiman Marcus shoppers! Today only we have 50% off on men’s underwear, women’s jewelry and (the most magical of all) women’s shoes.” All of a sudden, our life becomes filled with hope and possibility.

But wait, with time it gets even better.

I believe that the Cultural Revolution of the 21st Century is Internet shopping. You can shop straight from your home or, more importantly, from your office. This has made corporate America happier and more productive. It adds excitement to your work experience, regardless of your profession or status. Every day, corporate America starts its workday with Guilt.com or one of the many other sample sale websites. You can even receive a $25.00 gift certificate by inviting a friend.

For some negatively-minded people, this may seem like a conspiracy. Some would say that the conspirators are famous designers such as Donna Karan, Prada, or Chanel. For me, however, it’s the ones like Yohji Yamamoto, Comme Des Garcons, Issey Miyake, Martin Magella, and Marni who run our lives. Even if it is a conspiracy, better them than the politicians. At least we are looking and feeling good as a nation.