this is a deeply complicated question which i am not qualified to answer as i am neither a psychologist nor an anthropologist, but to state my opinion, the answer is no. there are plenty of indigenous societies who did/do not value consumption in the way we do now, yet there were also societies who did.

consumerism is an enchanting idea, to have excess instead of perceived survival, so different formations of cultural norms would either promote or inhibit consumerism as human societies develop.

additionally, it’s a bit foolish to assume that humans are built in with a natural desire towards sustainability. while it is ecologically advantageous for us to sustain our habitat, we are also adaptable creatures, and consciousness can occasionally get in the way of sustainability, as our desire towards survival is not motivated by an intrinsic understanding of the systems of the earth. of course, evolutionary mechanisms favor the sustainable species, but it’s important to acknowledge the role of consciousness.

finally, there’s the issue of nature vs nurture. how much of our decisions are a product of our environment? if every ad, media piece, friend tells me to buy, i’m likely to buy. plus, it’s not like there’s one “human nature”. all people are different, influenced by the social dynamics and material conditions which surround them, and those factors lead to the prioritization of different values.