Buddhism

Buddha is said to have spoken of his teachings as "a raft to take us to the farther shore." What does this idea have to do with the Four Noble Truths and the role of the Eightfold Path in the life of a Buddhist? What relationship do you find in Buddhism for offering a response to the practice of gaining self-identity through consumerism today? Explain and provide strong academic support for your answer to the question above in a 250-300 word post.