Are we too Materialistic?

The worry that we are too materialistic is an inevitable one in modern consumer society. The answer, surprisingly, is that there are better and worse versions of materialism.

FURTHER READING

“It doesn’t seem to make sense to suggest that there might be such a thing as ‘good materialism’: after all, surely materialism is just plain bad? When people want to pinpoint the root cause of corruption in our age, they generally only need to point the finger at our attachment to material things. We’re apparently sick because we’re so materialistic…”

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CREDITS

Produced in collaboration with:

Ana Stefaniak

[teckyify]

We certainly don't need more stuff, we need more time.

[mephistophelesthesilentchi]

Materialism isn't good or bad depending on the object, but in how the owner values its relevancy/influence in his or her life.

[amhosokawa]

To me Materialism is a type of projection of the self.
We create a concept and then try to fulfill it with something perceivable, generally an object.

[theinvisibleman]

One of my Dad's regular sayings was always "The more possessions you have, the more you're possessed." I used to have a lot of great things, but I've lost most of them to fire and theft. I like being a minimalist now, It's much easier and so much better for your Soul.

[mke]

Minimalism is better for the mind and the planet.

[FlawedbyDesign]

Like that Sailor Moon figure on my shelve, what would i have been without it?

[MrBeaux]

Buying one well-made watch that will last your whole life (or at least a very long time) isn't materialism.

Buying a watch that you will replace as soon as a newer more fashionable watch is marketed to you every year for the next 20 years is.

[ShotTehTrick]

The School of Life always has to bring in religion, specifically Christianity, and make a subtle attempt of making the religion look foolish by using it in an argument about a specific topic. This video could have been an in-depth social critique of why we are too materialistic, that is, what the underlying cause is, and said repercussions of being materialistic not only to ourselves, but for society as a whole.

People are materialistic because deep down they have no meaning in their life, and if one has no meaning then one has no purpose, and if one has no purpose it is due to the fact that the person lacks passion. Material objects are a way for a person to momentarily attach themselves to something which gives them the impression that life is good and meaningful, but as soon as some time passes they will begin to feel "not like themselves" and begin to seek more pleasurable acts and continue to live a materialistic life. Materialism is bad on the individual because it makes one a slave to the objects he buys. How can we be happy if we put our happiness in something temporary? Materialism is horrible for a culture because it creates a chain of events that slowly begins to eat away at the culture of a nation, destroys the foundation of its values, and replaces it with selfish materialistic gain.

[Andrei-yvfz]

The problem is that many people will talk themselves into a false transubstantiative property in an object which really isn't there. People can justify anything and they aren't honest with themselves. "The new iPhone will help be me more productive." Really? I don't think so.

[twistedoperator]

Materialism, good or bad, is unsustainable in the long run at the current rate we're consuming the planet's resources.

[ivanboyraz]

More insecure+ empty inside - little life purpose ( bigger than just self) = over shallow consumption!

[andrewau]

It is hard not to be materialistic. The economy is addicted to it. And people judge you with what you buy.

[doggzeddrk]

I am not materialic person at all. And it is bad. There is almost nothing that gives me joy except little things. But those little things are little. So little joy only comes to me.

[TopOfThePopsRedubbed]

"If you like our films, take a look at our shop (we ship worldwide)"

[traviswayne]

The good materialism is just an excuse for people who truly aren't ready to let go of their obsession over material goods and make them feel better

[hydrangeadragon]

People should just invest in good quality durable tools for life (kitchen ware, furniture etc) and not buy more than they absolutely need, this is why I'm a zero waste minimalist :)

[DoctorComedy]

I have a ton of shit that I bought like that but I don't feel bad cause I work my ass off from them

[McDoodle]

Apple is my religion.
Steve Jobs my messiah.
The iPhone my bible,
and the Apple store my church.

Chapter 7, Verse 10, iSheep

Amen, brother

[crystalbernard]

That made a lot of sense. Because I always go to extremes and I feel that most of us are really in between. When I try to buy nothing I go crazy eventually and start buying everything. Deprivation is not the answer but being sensible is.

[inkajoo]

I almost laughed when I saw the title of this. It's almost unbelievable how materialistic everyone I know is.