Is it possible that the reason that so many people are feeling depressed in this country because western philosophy has caused us to be socially constructed to believe that money and material wealth = happiness?
2007-05-30 17:16:35 · 10 answers · asked by BigErrn 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Something like that. In general, materialism is a limited option even if not considering an after life. That is, all things on the prime material plane are impermanent, and therefore can not truly be owned. John Locke who advised the founding fathers of the USA suggested that we legislate freedom by way of property ownership. If individuals "own" property it gives them the illusion that they have more choices in life to do things with it. This was truly revolutionary. And, has led to a free market capitalist society that is by far less brutal than the materially deprived societies of history. The downside has been the loss of understanding of respect of stewardship and appreciation in the process. As a result the West has succombed to a reliance upon material items as required for survival and/or status. This in turn has resulted a unsatiated demand for continual material to seek happiness (not freedom) from a bottomless pit of impermanent materials. Peace can not be acheived if we are not content. As our USA ancestors proclaimed, "Live Free Or Die!"
2007-05-30 17:34:39 · answer #1 · answered by Murakumo Dojo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thinking about the money that you don't have is a sure fire way to become depressed. Thinking of what you could be doing rather than what you are doing is almost a type of daydreaming.
Most people who think they would be happy if they had money soon realize that they acquire the wealth and their thinking hasn't changed -- they are still unhappy.
Unhappiness and depression are state of mind. Thinking of all the things you could do, should do or would do with with wealth is a great way to torture ourselves.
2007-05-30 17:32:55 · answer #2 · answered by guru 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I definitely agree with the posting that money = freedom. You have so many more opportunities, not to mention the freedom from stress.
I think some of the problem with people feeling depressed is that a lot of them are selfish and look at what they don't have instead of looking at what they do have. It would also help if they didn't feel they needed material possessions to be happy, because you don't. However, debt and the stress it causes (not necessarily poverty) I think contributes greatly to depression & stress.
2007-05-30 17:26:58 · answer #3 · answered by M H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think depression comes for many reasons and it's different for many people. To believe that material wealth is the culprit is denying the basic need to have enough money to live -- given the high cost of living, it's not unusual for more and more people to want more money.
2007-05-30 17:27:33 · answer #4 · answered by italiangirl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say NO.
But, in this country there are too many people who are working class that can't afford medical insurance. Can't afford to rent a place to live. Can't afford food and the basic things necessary for life.
Sure, some people think wealth equals happiness.
2007-05-30 19:47:32 · answer #5 · answered by clcalifornia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's the CHOICES I have because I have money.
I can choose to take 4 friends to dinner at a fancy restaurant and not worry about the price, or take the summer off work and not worry about how to pay the rent.
It makes for a relaxing, stress free life.
2007-05-30 17:31:35 · answer #6 · answered by tropical 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I accept as true with Capt. the fee for a worldwide pupil is extremely intense in Australia. We dont have scholarships for undergraduates with the aid of fact we've Austudy that's an allowance for Australian scholars who attend college - so any Australian could have some money whilst they study.
2016-10-30 07:19:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its very possible. I'd say most suffering occurs because the world isn't the way people think it should be (including, of course, how much money one thinks they deserve).
2007-05-30 17:46:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is something beyond materialism(wealth). If you bring God within you everything comes to you.God alone is my answer for all our desires, because He is REAL & others are in vanity.
2007-05-30 17:48:51 · answer #9 · answered by Muthu S 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
its not the actual money part that makes me happy, its more the freedom it buys me. money= freedom. not the status symbol .
2007-05-30 17:22:14 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋