Once again I’ve been reminded that getting “stuff” won’t make you any happier. It won’t fill a void in your life and it won’t have the life-altering effect that you think it will.
I find it amazing that no matter how many times I’m reminded of this I still find myself wanting, or even obsessing about a material possession that I must have. Then, after I’ve gotten it, I (again) realize that even the newest, most amazing “thing” fades quickly to old hat and commonplace. And by achieving that thing you’ve raised the bar on what material item you’ll have to get next time to satisfy your craving for the next big thing.
How do we stop this cycle of materialism? What can make us content with what we already have?
The Value of "Stuff"
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4 responses to “The Value of "Stuff"”
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I feel that this is because true happiness comes from within. It is not a possession to be purchased but really a quest to be lived. It comes from knowing God and yourself well enough to deter the outside world from taking that pleasure from you or identify you.
Unfortunately, as humans we rely on others to satisfy our needs for acceptance. We need them to reflect on us what their perception of us is and try to modify ourselves to fit the mold we “want” to portray.
Maybe if we can just accept what is and embrace it, we can find that true sense of happiness and fulfillment. Is that possible?? I continue to try… -
It looks like this “material possession cycle” is the one of main characteristic of our period. Where are the roots of this? All of the industries want to sell so much as possible (to achieve the profit) and the consumer is every day preseed by all media what should he/she possess. Is it a vicious cycle? And what will be the results of such a development? Is this beneficial or ill? It is hard to say, nothing is only black or only white. But I think the mankind should find the right ratio of further development, because there is the real danger that can lead to the crash. What is more dangerous for the whole world: to preserve today’s trend or some asteroid?
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I too have struggled with this—especially concerning music gear.
…Okay, I am struggling with it now. I really want a quiet little corner room to record a voice-over in.
I have seen both sides of this coin. I read an entry on another blog somewhere that was aimed at creative types, but applies to this question in a big way; “Things” are nothing more than a crutch.
This is a big part of the problem. Having the best equipment in the world does not a good [insert artist type] make. Conversely, the limiting of budget/good equipment can draw out a great artist, and bring to light things that would never have had happened.
Personal experience has taught me many of these things—now I just need to go figure out how to make a great quiet spot to record in without spending, or moving…
😀 -
When it comes to the question of “Stuff”, I’ve been very impressed with the efforts of The Center for the New American Dream.
They were behind the design of the “Alternative Gift Fair” which is now being successfully used in Wayne County. This year, I believe people gave gifts of donations to nonprofits totally $20,000, instead of traditional “stuff”.
http://www.newdream.org/holiday/altgift.php
I recommend their “Wallet Buddy”– a fun cover for credit cards that includes some helpful questions to ask yourself each time the card is whipped out for a purchase. I put one on my card. 🙂
http://www.newdream.org/walletbuddy.pdf
Mark
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