The culture of materialism is on the rise these days. It’s all about wanting and having lots of stuff. This puts society, as a whole, at risk. As society becomes more materialistic, it forgets its traditional values. This not only pushes aside those values, but also makes poverty worse, putting poor people at a disadvantage. The pursuit for materialism has many harmful effects on people’s lives and society in general.

Materialism is often associated with consumerism. Nowadays, many people are obsessed with having possessions that they believe signify their status and success in society. This culture revolves around owning luxury items, which further boosts their perceived importance. Unfortunately, societal pressure pushes even those who can’t afford it into this display of material wealth, just to fit in and feel successful.

However, individuals who are poor and on the fringes of society feel sidelined and less valued because they can’t participate in this consumer culture and show off expensive worldly possessions. As a result, this leaves them feeling inadequate and excluded. Being unable to or choosing not to engage in this materialistic culture can also lead to feelings of isolation.

This shallow culture encourages people to measure success by worldly standards, which undermines traditional and societal values, such as family, friendship and community. These values are the true essence of life, providing meaning and happiness to people, while fostering harmony and peace in society. Without them, a person may struggle to lead a fulfilling life. The true purpose of life lies in these values, which have taken a backseat due to the rise of materialism.

Materialism is nothing more than a delusion, as it often takes away true happiness from individuals’ lives. People may find themselves constantly struggling to buy things they believe will make them happy. Thus they don’t stop to enjoy what they already have in the pursuit of what they think they need to have. True value lies in humanity, not in the pursuit of material possessions.

So my dear young readers, remember that your worth isn’t determined by what you own, but by who you are and how you treat others. Focus on developing genuine connections, empathy and kindness. Spend your time and energy in building good relationships and in activities that make a positive difference in the world.

By prioritising human values over material goods, you’ll discover a more fulfilling and meaningful life that no amount of money can buy.

Published in Dawn, Young World, July 6th, 2024