Materialism – A False Path to Joy & Happiness
In a point in history that often equates success and happiness with material wealth, it's essential to question whether accumulating possessions truly leads to lasting fulfilment. The pursuit of material possessions has long been ingrained in our culture as a symbol of success and achievement. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that genuine happiness lies beyond the realm of materialism. In this article, we will explore the reasons why material possessions may not be the answer to true happiness and discuss alternative paths to a more fulfilling life.
Tom Shadyac, American director, screenwriter, author, and producer of films such as Liar Liar, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Patch Adams and The Nutty Professor went on a quest in his documentary “I Am” (2010) to find the answers to the world’s addiction to materialism, asking “What is wrong with the world, and what can we do about it?”. “I Am” argues that we are actually genetically programmed to love, cooperate and share with one another as opposed to competing or stealing, or harming one another to get more ‘stuff’. He makes such a compelling case into an area that’s generally overlooked as modern society does consider material gain more of a success than perhaps cultivating inner harmony or spending time with loved ones. He is now known as the millionaire who sold his mansion and moved into a mobile home as he realised that having mansions and private jets made him no more happier in the long run and he still retained that ‘empty’ feeling inside himself that he had before. He suggests that ‘mental illness’ looks exactly like chasing the ‘stuff’ and having more space and things than you need, so for Shadyac personally, embracing owning less, cycling to work instead, discovering more about HeartMath Brain and Heart coherence, being a part of community and giving back to those communities were how he, someone who has achieved millionaire status, found true, lasting happiness.
Considerations & Contemplations
It’s important to regularly take a step back from where we are to contemplate our values and what we deem important so as to make sure we are following our own authentic ideas or beliefs of living as true to ourselves as possible. The following are ideas for us all to consider and to contemplate when reviewing our own beliefs or ideas about what success really means and what it looks like to us personally.
The Hedonic Treadmill:
It’s important to regularly take a step back from where we are to contemplate our values and what we deem important so as to make sure we are following our own authentic ideas or beliefs of living as true to ourselves as possible. The following are ideas for us all to consider and to contemplate when reviewing our own beliefs or ideas about what success really means and what it looks like to us personally.
The Hedonic Treadmill:
The hedonic treadmill theory proposes that people quickly adapt to new circumstances, including increases in wealth or possessions, and return to their baseline level of happiness. This phenomenon suggests that the joy derived from acquiring material possessions is often short-lived. The initial excitement of a new purchase or possession fades as it becomes a routine part of life, leaving us yearning for the next acquisition in an endless cycle.
Experiences Over Possessions:
Research consistently demonstrates that experiences contribute more significantly to long-term happiness than material possessions. While possessions may lose their allure over time, memories of meaningful experiences tend to appreciate in value. Shared adventures, travel, and moments spent with loved ones create lasting impressions that contribute to a deeper sense of contentment.
The Impact of Social Comparison:
The constant comparison with others, fuelled by social media and societal pressures, can lead to a perpetual cycle of dissatisfaction. The belief that acquiring more possessions will bring happiness often stems from comparing one's belongings with those of others. However, true happiness lies in embracing one's unique journey and finding contentment within, rather than in the shadow of external benchmarks.
Sustainable Living & Environmental Impact:
The pursuit of material possessions often contributes to overconsumption and environmental degradation. As awareness of climate change and sustainability grows, individuals are recognising the importance of mindful consumption. Shifting the focus away from material possessions allows for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious lifestyle, contributing to a sense of purpose and fulfilment.
The Power of Relationships:
Studies consistently highlight the role of meaningful relationships in fostering happiness. Investing time and energy into building and maintaining strong connections with family, friends, and community members provides a sense of belonging and support that material possessions cannot replicate. Genuine human connections contribute significantly to overall well-being.
Materialism Over Love & Community
Materialism can have detrimental effects on community well-being. We are already nations that are divided amongst themselves by higher figures in power who only have monetary gain and possession of power on their lists of priorities, yet we, the communities suffer these divisions as we buy into everything that we are told on mainstream news platforms that we ‘need’ to be ‘successful’ and to NOT live in lack. We are constantly pitted against one another because together we are stronger, and this doesn’t serve a hierarchy system. So here are several reasons why materialism can be damaging to community:
Individualism & Isolation:
- Materialistic values often prioritise individual success and wealth accumulation. This emphasis on personal gain can lead to a sense of competition within the community rather than cooperation.
- Individuals focused on material pursuits may be less inclined to engage in community activities, leading to increased social isolation and a weakened sense of belonging.
Social Inequality:
- Materialism can contribute to social inequality as individuals compete for limited resources. The pursuit of material success may exacerbate economic disparities within a community, creating tension and resentment.
- A focus on material wealth as a measure of success can lead to a stratified community where those with fewer possessions may feel marginalised.
Consumerism & Environmental Impact:
- Materialism is closely linked to consumerism, encouraging constant acquisition and disposal of goods. This behaviour can contribute to overconsumption and environmental degradation.
- Communities that prioritise material possessions may overlook the importance of sustainability and environmental responsibility, further damaging the collective well-being.
Erosion of Social Capital:
- Social capital refers to the networks of relationships and shared values within a community. Materialism may erode social capital as individuals prioritise personal pursuits over community engagement.
- Reduced social capital can hinder the community's ability to address common challenges, diminishing its resilience and cohesion.
Stress & Mental Health Issues:
- The pursuit of material success can lead to chronic stress as individuals strive to meet societal expectations and maintain a certain lifestyle.
- High levels of stress within a community can contribute to mental health issues, creating a negative feedback loop that further weakens community bonds.
Shallow Relationships:
- A materialistic focus may lead to the prioritisation of superficial qualities, such as wealth or possessions, over deeper human connections. This can result in relationships that lack authenticity and emotional depth.
- Shallow relationships contribute to a sense of emptiness and disconnection within the community.
Loss of Shared Values:
- Materialism may encourage a shift away from shared values that promote cooperation, empathy, and community well-being. Instead, individual values centred on personal wealth and success may take precedence.
- The loss of shared values can fragment a community, making it challenging to find common ground and work together towards shared goals.
Materialism can be damaging to a community by fostering individualism, exacerbating social inequality, contributing to environmental issues, eroding social capital, negatively impacting mental health, fostering shallow relationships, and undermining shared values. Building a healthier community involves promoting values that prioritise collaboration, sustainability, and the well-being of all members over material wealth and possessions.
Seeking External Happiness
We all want to provide a safe space for ourselves and our loved ones, it’s a completely normal and very human longing, to provide food and shelter, but we could ask ourselves, has this longing extended far beyond what we actually need to survive? Our children don’t need to be overwhelmed by material goods such as toys and an excessive amount of designer clothes, ask any parent and they will tell you that their children sometimes enjoy playing more with the box the toy comes in as opposed to the actual toy itself. Children can create hours of play with cardboard boxes and wooden spoons yet we confuse them with buying them lots of different things, most of which will either not be played with or eventually forgotten about, in an innocent attempt to make them ‘happy’ with material possessions. What our children need (and our inner child) is a place of safety in your presence, a sense of freedom and as much LOVE as we can give them; there’s no such thing as “too much” Love. We don’t need anything externally to ‘make’ us happy. Things sought externally will only entertain us short-term. Joy is sought in the present moment, from the sheer wonder of being alive! Let’s teach our children that joy is not something that toys and clothes can create as this will only impair their judgement of where true happiness really comes from and create another generation of consumerism over community. True, lasting happiness can not come from searching for it in a source or indeed sources outside of ourselves, this will not be sustainable and we will find ourselves forever chasing the ‘next’ thing. Once we can change our perspective and potentially our priorities, we can realise that true joy can be found within our hearts and minds, always, at any moment we wish to look for it, inside.
While material possessions may offer temporary pleasure, they often fall short in providing lasting happiness. True fulfilment comes from an approach that values experiences, meaningful relationships, and a sense of purpose beyond the acquisition of possessions. By reevaluating our priorities and embracing a more mindful and purpose-driven lifestyle, we can unlock the door to genuine and enduring happiness. In the end, it is the intangible aspects of life that leave an indelible mark on our hearts and souls, transcending the fleeting allure of materialism.
“Be the King who has made his own Kingdom. Be the moon that has made her own summit. How much longer will you coo coo like a pigeon? Empty your head of all mortal lusts, and become life without breath. You will not call out for God anymore, for you have become immersed in God
Rumi
“No one is going to stand up at your funeral and say, she had a really expensive couch and great shoes. Don’t make life about stuff”
Unknown
“Life isn’t about getting and having, it’s about giving and being”
Kevin Kruse
