Materialism In the World Today
Materialism is a theory that physical matter is the only or fundamental reality and that all being and processes and phenomena can be explained as manifestations or results of matter.It is also regarded as a doctrine that the only or the highest values or objectives lie in material well being and in the furtherance of material progress and also a doctrine that a social and economic change is materially caused.(WIKIPEDIA)
I was reading about some of the fundamental thoughts of LAO TZU and I came across this: "BE CONTENT WITH WHAT YOU HAVE; REJOICE IN THE WAY THINGS ARE. WHEN YOU REALIZE THERE IS NOTHING LACKING,THE WHOLE WORLD BELONGS TO YOU."
Given with the definition above and what is the prevailing economic situation and social tendencies of the world today, I personally feel how we have become so motivated by this materialistic progression of our lives, and deem equated in our measure of who we truly are. What a contrast on the content of Lao Tzu's philosophy.
I have come into conclusion that perhaps if we have our chances, our material instincts and objectives supersede our commitment to fulfill our intellectual and or spiritual motivations. An occurrence that I myself had personally experienced. (I have changed, become so simple and couldn't care less about any value of material possession in my present life).
NOTE: I know for a fact that the third world and or a society which survives from hand to mouth wouldn't be concerned with this dilemma. Although, those that are in the 20 percent rate are the richest in the world..
Any difference in opinion? Is our modern and advance world pretty much characterized by such a direction? Is it wrong? Just how much is enough?
Thanks for all your peruse and contributions.
Comments (35)
I have a thing for coach bags...hahaha...it is hard to say no to those shiny new things!!
Very engaging and very educational as you said..if not for the bigger purpose of calling for conscientious thinking..
thanks my dear friend butterfly
I think for the longest time society was focused more on materialistic goods more than anything. Following that I would say intelligence and then spirituality.
I heard that the 2012 Mayan prophecy proclaiming the end of the world did in fact happen. However, the end was not what we thought it would be with the destruction of the planet, it came with a changing of times. It is said that everything happens in cycles, like our days, our years, etc. I heard that the Mayan prophecy indicated a new cycle we have entered. This new cycle has been described as people becoming more closer to Jesus on a spiritual level.
With the previous being said, I think we are heading to more of a spiritual way of living and becoming less obsessed with material goods.
Yes, on the intellectual and spiritual sense, this materialism does put a strain on its development in our life because of course, once the focus is driven towards this direction, we tend to forget that aspect as it gives us the guilt feelings...You can't possibly have all of them together in your life I guess...But I can be wrong.
Thanks Johnny...
Do you think a war is inevitable or thinking recession will bring about it?...
Who'd be the protagonists? Recession as a tool escalating to a rise of world conflict?
Not sure. But anything can happen. For sure China's credit on the IMF would get burnt
Coincidentally all the nuclear power plants both of Japan and Russia had been blown up. If we recall.
But I'm not so sure
Maybe our friend Iotaoo has a hunch
One could only watch and debate...it is all too confusing...anyway I will watch the news and try to figure it out...
Thanks
inevitable may be... because of the recession....and competition for supremacy....the danger seems to be real...
I am a little hazy on that. But there is a reason why the US insist on staying 10 more years in Afghanistan and Russia just invaded Crimea which dismayed the major players of democratic run government..
Well, keep talking my dear Iotaoo, maybe we the lowly, can surely expose something of significance that will redirect this motion?
Now in my own church hall home guess what? More stuff.
for the record the US had the highest number of bankruptcy on record as a result of the over spending on this line of superficial credit. foreclosures followed of course, and today the economy is so in a hole that yes maybe we do need all to consider how Mr. Willing's concept is. Of course, as I have mentioned earlier, I no longer buy into this commercialism BS and I know it isn't easy but my conscience is now in check.
Thanks Non.,
America promotes itself as the land of opportunities, land of the free, if you work hard you can live the dream.
Look at what they come from.
People don't know what they have until it's too late.
Motivational speakers what a con they are. People are easily led.
When you smash the mirrors and blow away the smoke the con reveals itself.
Therefore who would clean the toilets if we were all rich.
I digress one finger typing.
What a world we have become my dear Non...
Glad I could make you smile.
Now Smiles and Tears. They are the real stuff of Life
Thanks Non
Australia is a very great country to live on. All and I mean everyone whether they work or not is covered with all the medical needs. No homeless people as there are more housing than people to be housed. Parks are so many and so clean and provide all amenities including filtered water and showers and electrical supplies (selected on this service, like Kiama).
Now who would not rejoice on this one.
Thanks my friend Enigma..
But I have not seen them homeless in all my travels, which a bit extensive on the East side, from Sydney to Queensland to the North..Not like here in my country anyways..and In England and some other places..
But thanks for the addition...and I am so happy for you working for them people..
Thanks.
I missed out on the rebuttal but will ponder it now...got caught up in music videos!!...lol...
What I have learned in life is war happens when we have something to gain...recession brings about hardships...grass roots people upset over cutbacks and unemployment...countries on the verge of being bankrupt...however I am not convinced that recession or these problems start conflict of that grand nature...who can tell the motives of the leaders of this world...I do not believe everything I read... the propaganda that will be fed to us...
hello honey......
i feel now, i can somewhat understand you.....
i am not a person for Materialism,
i sure love to go and live in a jungle but it does
scare me to be all alone....
But the concept does apply anywhere, we can be frugal and simple and don't live in excess.
It is our ability to control and don't go to the competition of having better than anyone. Or buying beyond what we truly need to live a simple life.
Thank you my lady.