Is it a case of "if you can't beat them, join them"?

Hello. I'm currently reading the book "Living Simply Through the Day" by Thomas Merton. The book is a recollection of his thoughts, poems and letters and focuses on a more monastic way of life. I have been a long-time fan of his work but have been frustrated at the idea of living more simple life when I can see the rest of the world hovers around consumerism. So I came up with a simple thought: "If you can't beat them then join them and see the beauty in the world for what it truly is". I live in a city in Europe; I can't escape the hustle and bustle - I use public transport, I buy food at a supermarket and work in an office with hundreds of other people. I can't just escape the world (well I can by moving to a remote location but am I really ready for that?) What I mean is do we just have to accept the world for what it is and see the beauty that exists in all things. <br><br>It is interesting to me as I work in an office full of people, yet I find solace in the fact that no matter how "corporate" it is there is still beauty in the relationships you can build with people. I guess what I am saying is that I feel as though I have to live in the world I have today. No matter how consumerist, fast or stressful it is, that doesn't mean I have to see it that way. I can find beauty and solace if I choose to. What do you think?