Using Materialism As A Mask To Hide Your Insecurities
“Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing.” ―Oscar Wilde
Materialism by definition is the inclination to find comfort and solace in tangible assets or belongings. For me, however, it is the idea of buying things that one doesn’t need, with the money that one doesn’t have, to impress those that don’t matter.
We are trapped in the whirlpool of wanting to be associated with a certain image. Because we all want to fit in and belong to a community. Each one of us is trying to fill that spiritual void- the loneliness inside- with shiny objects. And it is never enough…
The more you feed to that devouring hunger; the more it grows, until all that is left is a pretty face and an empty soul.
That stinging feeling of not being good enough if not for a certain brand of phone, for example, is devastating. The opportunity of missing out, or feeling insecure just because of not following the latest trends scares us from being looked down upon.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not about how much money one spends on stuff, but ‘why’. If the product or service gives you satisfaction and joy for what it has to offer, then go ahead and get it! However, the problem arises when one neither needs, nor desires the gain, but wastes money anyways, just to build a better reputation to woo others.
See, when you look for others’ validation, you expose yourself to vulnerability and scrutiny. That’s when you trap yourself in an endless maze of misery. Because what we need is not the extravagance but the recognition that comes with it.
No matter how much we own, we’re never happy because the more we have; the less satisfaction it provides us.
Materialism is a dangerous obsession and is no less than a sickness that blinds you from the now and set forth the next. It nags you by pointing out what you do not have, rather than what you do. And in doing so you lose sight of reality.
We are so busy building glamourous castles on the hollow ground that we have strayed away from our beliefs and principles. All of which that is necessary to live a healthy life. We’ve ruined ourselves by building futile idols, such as celebrities and models.
The capitalistic society has made us short-sighted. It has forced us to compete with each other and therefore, we have stopped appreciating the little things in life.
Notice, how rich people tend to be more depressed and less satisfied with life? Well, no matter how much they put on fake pretense; the sad truth is that they’re not trying to convince us, but themselves of having everything they need. They have everything but unconditional love. Because while they were trying to gather riches; they neglected and abandoned their loved ones. Why do you think most of these billionaires’ and millionaires’ marriages break? Because at the time of need, they’re not present for each
other, and in return have very little to fight for.
“These billionaires (each worth at least $13.2 billion) have said “I do” a collective 72 times — 35 of which ended in divorce, putting their rate at 49% — in line with the 40% to 50% rate among the general population.” ―Forbes
A seed is sown into our brains from a very young age that the more worldly goods you have; the better you are. But let’s take a moment and analyze in what aspects it benefits us. Does it make us happy in the long run? Does it keep our loved ones close, (I’m talking about those who truly care for us for who we are, and not for what we have) Does it give us respect from people? (you’ll be surprised by how much of it is an illusion)
Of course, to an extent, you might gain some fulfillment from it but let’s not make it a life goal and be ignorant of everything else. Because in the end, we all return to the same place. The grave. And believe me, we all have it of the same size!
