Why are many people so materialistic?

I really like the tradition that you started with your children. It shows that you're a caring person and I'm glad that you're grew your children up to be caring and think of others as well. I think we need more people like you in this world. Well, I have to admit that I like electronics and stuff but that doesn't mean that I buy everything that I want. It's only been recently that I've been buying things for myself, and that wasn't much. I think I probably would spend more if my mother didn't make sure that I put my money in the bank (financial aid money) lol. I kind of get annoyed because I'm going to be 21 this year and I've actually never withdrawn money from my own bank account before. At the same time I guess it's a good thing too though because it keeps me from wasting that money. I'm not working and I've never had a job (yea I know "lucky me") because my mom wants me to finish school. If I was working and I had enough money to live comfortably with some to spare then I would give money to the less fortunate. I've always wanted to buy toys for toy drives during Christmas time but it's not my money to give. When I'm in the position to give I want to though.

I am a person who thinks that you can get what you wantneed and still help others. The trouble is that people think you should only help at Christmas so they see the Salvation Army Kettles, the poor men coming to the door for the downtown mission, the speech at the church to help the people in Northern Africa, the drive to help the poor in your community, but the rest of the year it is all forgotten and when Christmas comes there is resentment and there is one of your children bitter because it was not his turn to get his present, it had to go to the poor kids. And I think that is one way to create materialism. However, if the giving had been throughout the year, donating part of the allowance to a cause, giving offerings at church, maybe supporting a child by giving a little of your salary to Christian Children's Fund or whatever one you support if you can afford it will keep you from wanting everything unless you will use it. So if I want a fancy camera with all the bells of whistles I am materialistic if it just comes out on holidays, but not if I use it more often. But if I helped others, then I also learned how to budget and that helped me to do both. And giving throughout the year made it easier. In fact I felt guilty when I could not give as much offerings as I could (they went to help the poor.) Materialism is the result of forced deprivation.

it is sad when you see this, even among religious familes. the kids just have to have the bigger and better stuff. my nephew won't wear anything unless it is designer (socks and underwear included) and that family is very religious. unfortunately, we dont have a lot of money, but i do get a ton of hand me down clothing for my daughters and what i cannot use, i generally give to a youth shelter or families that dont have a lot of money either.

There is a sentence that says: "when we look for happiness we can not see the happiness" i know that alote of people wish for more. That they miss what they have and can give i know that i do want things in my life but i am balanced. i live life give from the heart when i can and do try to improve my life by doing things that improve my financial situation. there is no black or white.

guess that's just human nature.. i tend to like material thinsg too, well i believe everybody does, but the issue here is not being materialistic but what you prioritize. i like new phones and high technology gadgets like laptops and digital cameras, but nevertheless i know what i need to prioritize, i like them but there are a lot of things that are of more importance, like family and friends.. so i dont mind spending my money for my family and taking them out into dinner than just spend it for myself..

It is the down-side of prosperity. We become more and more self-absorbed. Hardship is something that is needed in life to help us realize our need for God and others. It is human nature to take and to not give. The people who statistically give the most are those who have the least to give.

I would rather help others I am not at all interested in what others have as long as I can survive each day then I am happy and it is a good day for me.I as well taught all 4 of my children to help others as it is a feeling you will always remember.Have a great day

I've tried to figure this out myself. I think a lot of it is because parents don't set limits for their children and just go ahead and spoil them instead of saying you can have this but you can't have this. I know someone that pretty much gets everything she wants handed to her by her parents because she thinks she's above working hard for what she wants. Her father gets money from the government, but abusing the government to have the newest iPod and a new car, plus plenty of new items for that car is way more important than being able to live comfortably. What I don't get is her parents never tell her no. They never tell her, you know what, maybe you should get a job if you want us to spend several hundred dollars so you can see what it's like to work for something you want. So, her spoiled behavior carries over into her everyday life. When something doesn't go her way, and she can't get others to give into what she wants, she freaks out and throws what I refer to as temper tantrums. Every year for Christmas, she asks for a lot of expensive gifts and by god, she gets most if not all of what she asks for. My partner bought herself a pre-pay phone as a means to keep in touch with her family and friends while at school and I had just recently got a new phone myself. She had to make sure that her phone matched mine as closely as possible and she had to buy a model that was NOT the phone that my partner had purchased. She then had to brag to everyone that she could that she had a new phone and that it could do this, this and this, blah blah blah. So, in short I do blame it all on parents not parenting and setting limits on what their children can and can't have. If they're so used to getting everything they want, they won't think twice about going out and buying whatever they can or asking their parents for extremely expensive items.

It's good to know that you have the heart for others but unfortunately, most don't have that. Most men who want to live in accordance of the world were actually those who never had the chance of having those materials.

I think you are very lucky to realize many things about this world. One thing to do is to feel happy about it. There is no uniformity in this world and for everyone to be the same and think the same thoughts would be boring indeed. I see the morning sun each day and every drop of rain makes me happy. Cheers!!

Hi there, I try to help others as much as I can, even in a simple ways that I know that doesn't need to be material! When I have a children I will teach them the same way! Some people are just not contented of what they have and wanted to show to the people that they can have whatever they want, even though the reality is they may be struggling financially! And some are just being selfish and don't consider less fortunate people at all. Have a nice day.

I am a person who never get envy on what other people have. I never look for something more than what i can afford. I have dreams, i also have plan of buying stuff but i see to it that i dont buy unnecessary items. I was thinking of my family that i can help with the money that i had instead of buying a very expensive purse or any material items. I take into consideration other people that i can help instead of wasting my money to things that are not really that important at all. I help those street kids and donate in church because i wanted to share my blessings to them. Sometimes i wish every person knows how to share there blessings to the less fortunate instead of spending there money in luxury item inspite the fact that they already own many things.

People are materialistic because they are trying to fill a void in their lives. I know people who want want want. They have no need for the things they buy or get but they want it anyway. Maybe it's just to say "Oh I have that". I have learned over the years not to buy or take what I don't need. "Things" don't make one happy people need to realize that. I am a giver. Sometimes to much but I don't like seeing anyone in need when I can help. Helping other brings me a lot of happiness.

People gravitate to material things because it is far less complicated then actually developing lasting relationships with others, or enhancing their personal growth. Its sad really that money does rule this world.You need it is to have shelter and food. And sadly people view having money also a status. It just the wat the culture has made each generation care less and less about helping other a nd meaningful impression on this world

theres no contentment...we people always ask or more!