2006-08-30 20:14:43 · 17 answers · asked by doodah_di 2 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Some people have an emotional void in their lives that eats at them making them feel inadequate and unfulfilled. The consequence of this is that they try to fill this void with material possessions which, for a brief moment, makes them happy. After the novelty of this brief happiness wears off, they go back to feeling unhappy, lonely and sad. So the cycle continues….they buy more things to make them happy, get their brief joy then feel miserable again.
Ultimately these people imagine that one day they will buy enough things that will make them happy enough to satisfy the void that is ever constant in their lives. Unfortunately for them they will never find that one ultimate “thing” that will solve all their problems. So their short term solution is to live their lives on the emotional rollercoaster of material gain.
2006-08-31 04:50:52 · answer #1 · answered by sparkle_nimph 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's interesting. You can travel to parts of the world where there is rampant poverty and the people there are happier than most Americans. That's not to say that everyone living in poverty is happy. Obviously there is disease, war, etc. But, many people have found contentment apart from having a new DVD player, another car in the driveway, etc.
If people in the US would travel outside of the US we'd see just how filthy rich 90% of Americans are. Our standard of living is amongst the higest in the world. We have no clue that people in other countries can live without a dishwasher and have a happy existence. For some reason we crave new things, more possessions, etc. We're very greedy and very discontent overall. Maybe we can all just learn to be a bit more content with what we already have.
My two cents anyway.
2006-08-30 20:25:30 · answer #2 · answered by take_me_to_the_beach 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I know that there are a lot of people all about material gain for the wrong reasons...Such as just having more possessions or moving up a tax bracket. I agree that this is stupid and won't lead to anymore of a fulfilling life...
But there are plenty of people who want to obtain wealth with just intentions. There are people who want to help struggling family and friends...There are people who would like to be charitable and philanthropic...and then there are some who just want a better life for themselves, sure you can't say there is anything wrong with any of this.
The thing is, the latter mentioned are far outnumbered by the superficial wealth seekers. This is a sad comment on the world and society as a whole.
2006-08-30 20:23:29 · answer #3 · answered by Lee Da Rhymin' Master 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes i do, i am a very materialistic person who want things as a source of happiness. i want the latest gaming console , the fastest computer, the best games, the coolest car, the nicest clothes, the best house, the most advanced washing machine, the softest bed, the comfiest sofa and the cutest cat.
i will never get enough of the stuff, and no i am not rich and i don't get all of the things above, but who gets satisfied with just what they have. i mean can you honestly say that you are perfectly happy with what you have and you want nothing more. if you can say that you are the biggest liar in the world.
we will want stuff no matter how big, how small, how expensive. having material and wealth is human nature. and its very unnatural for one to don't want anything. i still believe jesus, moses and muhammad would probably want a bigger church, temple, mosque for their people. so why not me??
2006-08-30 20:22:21 · answer #4 · answered by budaklolo 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The money is just a side effect of working hard at something you love, being the best at what you do, striving for perfection, competency, precision, skill, and wisdom. Not to mention innovation and creativity. This is how the ideal world is run, on economy. The alternatives are by force or by begging. I don't owe you anything because I'm rich and you're poor. That is immoral.
2006-08-30 20:21:21 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Having money IS important. I don't think you can ever buy happiness.. Example if you are married to someone you hate, just to have the material things you want (either male or female) ..
But, when either a couple or a single person work towards a goal of being able to buy the things they want, it is a good feeling.
To me, nothing is more important than GOD or my family, but I see nothing wrong with a great job making good money. It lets us enjoy our free time more.. My husband and I both work towards a goal of having some of the things that DO cost money.. and I see nothing wrong with that.
I'm not saying we'll ever be rich.. but comfortable is good.
2006-08-30 20:40:17 · answer #6 · answered by LittleBitOfSugar 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In Buddhism you can chant for anything and it may come to you...
like money, cars etc...
but it's silly to watch people do this because getting what they think they want is part of their journey to find that they did not really want it at all.
in other words - go straight to the top. chant for the peace and well being that you thought the money and cars would bring into your life... you can't really own anything anyway... it's all relative.
2006-08-30 20:43:19 · answer #7 · answered by rabble rouser 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well if you have a lot of toys to play with it would make you a bit happier.
A yacht, plane, few cars, beach house, swiss chalet, your own island in the caribbean.
YEA I think that would make anyone a bit happier than living in the slum.
Jerry
:o)
2006-08-30 23:07:18 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
For some people, wealth and material things DO make them happy.
2006-08-30 20:17:16 · answer #9 · answered by d h 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Wealth could buy you comfort and recognition but happiness radiates from inside.
2006-08-30 20:21:40 · answer #10 · answered by Bantree 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋