Materialism
is dangerous because it requires that we care
too much about stuff and appearances.
It insists that what is most essential and important is the
quality and quantity of what we can accumulate, not who we are or what
we do. We judge others and
ourselves on what they own and how they look.
Advertising manipulates our fears about belonging and creates a
specific anxiety that makes a good life nearly impossible.
When the immediate gratification of our shallowest material
desires becomes the priority, there is no opportunity to practice
compassion, understanding, self-control, honesty or humility.
© Salahub 2003 |