I mean as Americans we tend to own far more things that we do not need. We often strive to be better, have more, and be more successful. I feel we clutter our lives up with so many worldly things that we forget many of the important joys in life.
2006-09-27 18:32:53 · 16 answers · asked by Debra M. Wishing Peace To All 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No dear Collin I am actually a Catholic and while we celebrate a simple Christmas with religious meaning we do not do a worldly one. We have "Tax Return" for things the kids want.
2006-09-27 18:50:57 · update #1
Big corporations spend BILLIONS of advertising dollars per year to convince us that we need all this stuff. Even the strongest mind has its breaking point and ultimately we all succumb to their "brainwashing" to some degree.
Thank you for your question. It is a reminder that every day we must strengthen our minds against the false message that things will make us happy.
2006-09-27 18:43:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I agree with everything you are saying. You must be a Buddhist, for The Buddha said many of the same things you and others are sharing.
On a related note, there is a growing movement among Christians of all backgrounds to eliminate the materialistic side of Christmas. In essence, the feeling is that a boycott of what Christmas has become is necessary. Maybe then we could return to the beautiful simplicity of the holiday, and get away from the worldly desires that dominate our consciousness during the "holiday season".
2006-09-27 18:48:31 · answer #2 · answered by Colin 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your speaking of something called success. This word and this notion is drilled into the generations like a drill Sargent did it when we were young and accessible to ideas such as this. This was a necessary thing to have the most toys when we grow up. It's a sign of success to all around us that we have achieved more than everyone else in the area. Our lives are so cluttered with material items that are completely unnecessary its getting to the point of being silly. We are an extremely competitive group and there seems to be no end to what some come up with to show the rest of the world how wonderful they are.
2006-09-27 18:46:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I believe that the said attitiude is not limited to Americans only; it is applicable to all the people in the world. Humans tend to do things to make themselves better than the rest not realizing that it could compromise the real happiness. Contentment is also a factor here. Only a few could say that they have reached the contentment level of the pyramid. Most of us don't. You are right in saying that sometimes striving so hard to get & have more, frustation is all you get.
2006-09-27 18:43:53 · answer #4 · answered by jadedmestone 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
A twenty year old, will tell you, that she has to have all the stuff or she is not happy. A fifty year old may tell you, they've already had all that stuff and the "things" did not satisfy the need to feel alive.
People change with time, and realize....things are unnecessary, but people and love and joy are worthy of our full attention.
2006-09-27 19:43:48 · answer #5 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
we desire rules because of the fact if everybody would desire to be their random selves and something is everyday and common, there could be violence and corruption and any tyrant would desire to slave each and every physique.. rules arent meant to shrink the conventional ones, yet to regulate the vices of the brutal ones.. :) Ever questioned why purely people have been able to loose concept and there is not any organism at latest found to have such an progressed strategies and strategies? Human strategies is the main complicated, and each human has the desire to be prominent, respected, praised and enjoyed and a desire to return them besides.. ever questioned what drives people who're ''die-confusing followers'' of issues/human beings they haven't any direct connection with? you may desire to be a guy or woman who desires a silent ecosystem and much less intrusive way of existence for the readability of strategies and keenness.. attempt shifting to the outskirts of city existence for a mutually as.. :D. (desire you dont omit out on the pleasures it has..) ;)
2016-10-18 02:57:40 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not American, but sorry your culture is way too obessessed with the accumulation of riches
Think & Grow Rich and the Power of Positive Thinking are not good books, throw them away and read the Good News
2006-09-27 18:36:03 · answer #7 · answered by owner4nothing 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
true. when I studied in mexico for a year, I owned 10% of what I currently have (which isn't a lot). it felt so much lighter to be free of the weight of possesions.
i don't think people realize how the can weigh us down psychologically.
advertisments ---wherever we look keep telling us we will not be complete until we buy their product.
How can we shift our values?
2006-09-27 18:37:49 · answer #8 · answered by k 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
America is a society deeply ingrained in the material, it is a part of our everyday life, wherever we go we can see it. Perhaps someday we will wakeup and realize what is really important: love, respect, and compassion for our fellow human beings.
"From craving arises sorrow, from craving arises fear, but he who is freed from craving has no sorrow and certainly no fear"
- Buddha -
“For one gains by losing and loses by gaining”
- Lao Tzu -
“To know you have enough is to be rich”
- Lao Tzu -
2006-09-28 00:50:15 · answer #9 · answered by Shinkirou Hasukage 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The worst complication to life is religion, especially when it wants to make this country a theocracy.
2006-09-27 18:49:56 · answer #10 · answered by tammidee10 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋