For some people, material possessions are things that make us happy. Others will argue that material things don’t lead to genuine happiness. So what is the truth behind material possessions and what role do they play in our lives?
It’s not as simple as it seems. Therefore, there is a need to distinguish between material things that cost us money and have no real or long-term value and things that cost us money but are fulfilling and rewarding in the long run.
Let’s find out the truth about material possessions and whether they can make you content with your life or not.
What are Material Possessions?
Anything that you possess becomes your property and it is known as a “material” possession. It is something you can touch and keep safe for as long as you want. If a person is too attached to his material possessions, he is said to be “materialistic”.
These people consider things to be more important than people and relationships. They spend most of their time acquiring those things and as a result, experience failed relationships, deteriorating health and sometimes depression and even hopelessness.
It has been observed that material possessions bring happiness, which is very short-lived. This is also known as “instant gratification”, which soon fades away and once it does, you no longer feel attached to those things; in fact, at times you start feeling depressed and gloomy.
There can be many types of possessions from things that serve to change our lifestyle to things that boost our confidence and make us more self-assured.
We can change our lifestyle without spending a lot of money and boost our confidence by having a rewarding career instead of going for expensive treatments and cosmetic procedures.
If you do have money to spend, you could spend it on traveling, or doing something you really enjoy like scuba diving or living in a peaceful environment.
Understanding Material Possessions
Material possessions are physical items and belongings that people own. They can range from clothing, electronics, books, furniture, collections, to anything that one chooses to accumulate over time. People acquire material possessions for different reasons, including utility, emotional attachment, social status, and personal satisfaction.
While material possessions can provide utility and convenience, they can also have negative consequences. For instance, owning too many possessions can lead to clutter, disorganization, and stress. Moreover, material possessions can be a source of financial strain, especially when people spend beyond their means to acquire them.
Studies have shown that material possessions do not necessarily lead to happiness or life satisfaction. In fact, people who prioritize material possessions over other aspects of life, such as relationships, experiences, and personal growth, tend to experience more negative emotions such as anxiety, envy, and depression.
It is important to note that material possessions can have different meanings and values for different people. For some, material possessions are a symbol of success, achievement, and social status. For others, they are a source of comfort, security, and identity. Understanding one’s relationship with material possessions can help them make more intentional and mindful decisions about their possessions and overall lifestyle.
In summary, material possessions are physical items that people own, and they can have both positive and negative effects on one’s life. Understanding one’s relationship with material possessions can help them make more informed decisions about their possessions and overall lifestyle.
Are Material Possessions Important?
To determine whether some material possessions are important in your life, you need to draw a line between needs and wants. Anything that you don’t need and can’t afford is not important.
But at times there are some things that you need to live a comfortable life, such as a car, your own house, some basic furnishings, and clothes. These things will not be considered as material belongings although there is no guarantee that they will bring you happiness and satisfaction.
Things we want in life reflect our desires and if we start feeling more attached to these desires, we become materialistic.
There is a need to categorize things as important and unimportant so that you can experience happiness in its true sense rather than feeling pleased or blissful only for some time.
At the same time, some material possessions might have an important place in your life, for example, your engagement ring or something that reminds you of someone special in your life.
What Are Examples of Material Things?
Things that people believe to increase their status or make them more important in the eyes of others are material things.
We often waste money on things we simply don’t need, such as eating out, designer handbags and designer clothes, going to movies, a new cell phone, having a manicure, and so on.
If buying these things gratify us, we earn more money to spend on them. Instead of saving money or making our future financially secure, we get into a habit of wasting money and feeling depressed when we are unable to buy certain things.
- House/Home: This is a tangible structure where people live. It’s considered a material possession because it has a clear monetary value and can be bought, sold, or transferred.
- Car: Vehicles are physical items that can be used for transportation. They have a clear value (often determined by make, model, age, and condition) and can be owned, sold, or traded.
- Clothing: Garments like shirts, pants, dresses, and shoes are tangible items that people wear. They can be bought or sold and are often valued for both their utility and aesthetics.
- Jewelry: Rings, necklaces, and bracelets, for example, are tangible adornments often made from valuable materials like gold or gemstones. They often have both monetary and sentimental value.
- Electronics: Devices like smartphones, laptops, and TVs are physical items with a clear function and value. They can be owned, used, and sold.
- Furniture: Items like couches, tables, and beds are tangible assets that furnish a space. They have clear utility and can be valued based on their design, material, and functionality.
- Books: While the content might be intellectual, the physical book itself, with its pages and cover, is a tangible item that can be owned, read, and stored on a shelf.
- Musical Instruments: Guitars, pianos, and violins, for instance, are tangible items that can be played to produce sound. They often have both a monetary value (based on their make, model, and condition) and a sentimental value for their owners.
- Artwork: Paintings, sculptures, and other art pieces are physical items often valued for their aesthetics, cultural significance, and the artist’s reputation.
- Collectibles: Items such as stamps, coins, or vintage toys are tangible possessions that people collect, often deriving value from their rarity, condition, and historical significance.
Some people also consider the following as material things;
- Social friends who are not sincere and would probably leave you when you need them the most.
- A halfway there spouse who doesn’t love, value or respect you, and takes you for granted.
- External Things that make you feel good about yourself.
- Opinions that you acquire only to put others down whenever they get a chance.
- An excessive amount of anti-aging products and cosmetic procedures to defy your age or hide your flaws.
- Expensive belongings that only make you more worried about how to take care of them.
Instead of these things that only bring momentary happiness, you can replace them with a true friend, a partner that values you and holds you dear, and be more productive than focusing on impressing others.
Take time out for relaxing or going on a vacation with loved ones; spend money on these things instead of buying things that only make you more worried and anxious.
Do Material Possessions Bring Happiness?
When we are able to distinguish needs from wants, we find out that things that bring happiness are certainly not our desires but things we absolutely need in life to feel self-assured, important, valued, and relieved.
We simply don’t need things that would save us from social judgment or limit our thoughts to a certain level. We need to be free from all types of pressures that force us to buy things we don’t require.
Materialism is discouraged also because it harms our environment and makes us less sensitive to those around us.
We are less likely to help others simply because we don’t have time and we are not empathetic. Being content with what we have and having satisfying and fulfilling relationships in life as well as a sense of belonging and security makes us happy.
People often mistakenly link certain material possessions to happiness. But the truth is, these things only bring us a temporary feeling of gratification after which we either become insensitive, depressed or anxious.
Historical Perspective of Material Possessions
Material possessions have been a part of human culture since the dawn of civilization. Historically, the value of material possessions has been closely linked to social status and wealth. In ancient times, material possessions such as gold, silver, and precious stones were coveted for their rarity and beauty, and were often used to display one’s wealth and power.
In medieval Europe, material possessions were a symbol of social status, with the nobility and aristocracy possessing the most valuable and luxurious items. The wealthy would often commission fine art, jewelry, and furniture to display their wealth and status, with many of these items becoming family heirlooms passed down through generations.
During the Industrial Revolution, the production of material goods increased dramatically, making them more accessible to the general population. With the rise of consumerism in the 20th century, material possessions became more important than ever before. The possession of certain items, such as cars, homes, and designer clothing, became a status symbol, with people often going into debt to acquire them.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards minimalism and a rejection of materialism. People are becoming more aware of the negative impact that consumerism and material possessions can have on the environment and their mental health. The rise of sustainable and ethical fashion, as well as the popularity of tiny homes and minimalist lifestyles, are all indications of this shift in values.
Overall, the historical perspective of material possessions shows that their value has always been closely linked to social status and wealth. However, as society becomes more aware of the negative impact of consumerism, the importance of material possessions may continue to decline in the future.
Material Possessions and Society
Material possessions play a significant role in society. Possessions can affect an individual’s social status and are a fundamental element of consumer culture.
Influence on Social Status
In many societies, material possessions are used as a way to signal social status. Possessions such as luxury cars, designer clothing, and expensive jewelry are often associated with wealth and prestige. Possessing these items can enhance an individual’s social standing and signal their success to others.
However, the relationship between material possessions and social status is not always straightforward. In some cases, individuals may use possessions to signal a higher social status than they actually have, a phenomenon known as “conspicuous consumption.” This can lead to a cycle of consumption and debt as individuals try to maintain their perceived social status.
Role in Consumer Culture
Material possessions are also a fundamental element of consumer culture. In many societies, individuals are encouraged to consume and acquire possessions as a way to achieve happiness and fulfillment. This can lead to a culture of materialism, where an individual’s worth is measured by their possessions rather than their character or accomplishments.
Consumer culture also drives the production and consumption of goods, leading to environmental issues such as pollution and resource depletion. Additionally, the constant pursuit of possessions can lead to a sense of dissatisfaction and emptiness as individuals seek fulfillment through material means.
Overall, material possessions play a significant role in society and consumer culture. While possessions can enhance an individual’s social status, they can also contribute to a culture of materialism and environmental issues.
Digital vs Physical Possessions
In the digital age, people are increasingly relying on digital possessions, such as digital photos, music, and documents, rather than physical possessions. Digital possessions offer many benefits, such as convenience, portability, and accessibility. However, they also have some drawbacks, such as the risk of data loss or theft, and the potential for digital obsolescence.
Physical possessions, on the other hand, provide a tangible and tactile experience that cannot be replicated by digital possessions. Physical possessions can evoke memories and emotions, and they can serve as symbols of status, identity, and personal history.
Impact of Technology on Ownership
The rise of digital possessions has also brought about changes in the concept of ownership. With physical possessions, ownership is relatively straightforward – if you possess an item, you own it. However, with digital possessions, ownership is more complex. Digital possessions can be easily copied, shared, and distributed, which raises questions about who owns them and who has the right to use them.
Technology has also enabled new forms of ownership, such as shared ownership and access-based ownership. Shared ownership involves multiple people owning and using the same item, such as a car or a house. Access-based ownership involves paying for the right to use an item, rather than owning it outright, such as with streaming services or bike-sharing programs.
Overall, the rise of digital possessions has brought about changes in the way people think about and value material possessions. While digital possessions offer many benefits, physical possessions still hold a significant place in people’s lives and continue to play an important role in self-expression, identity, and emotional attachment.
Final Note
Learn to differentiate between things you value and things that only make you momentarily happy in order to live a peaceful and fulfilling life. What do you think about material possessions? Share in the comments below!