materialism
Out of context: Reply #29
- Started
- Last post
- 29 Responses
- ********0
I agree with ali - materialism definitely reduces freedom. If you rely on something external to gain happiness - that happiness is permanently in a state where it can be taken away and lost.
Marketers learn to craft their images to fit our ideals more closely - we're individually treated more like kings and queens described in fables. Like these characters in children's books, wealth and servants don't bring happiness - they bring boredom and a hunger for something new.
I think the antidote is to create a lifestyle that's engaging. Make your own - build your own - grow your own. Don't throw it out - give it away, reuse it or resell it. Question - and if necessary, reject. In other words, make sure you don't fall into the trap of becoming a passive consumer.
If you're able to do this - no matter which cards you've been dealt -you'll do the best with what you have, and potentially remain happy.