We've been sold a bill of goods. Consumer cultures have been brainwashed into thinking that happiness is all about piling up more crap.
The trillion-dollar-a-year advertising industry is behind this scam, pushing the idea that buying junk we don’t need is the path to bliss.
But here’s the real kicker: we can’t figure out how people can have a paltry possession pile and yet still be happy.
From our perch atop our teetering mountains of trinkets, gadgets, and toys, we scratch our heads and wonder,
"How is that possible?"
Maybe those happy, non-materially oriented people are happy because they don’t have a bunch of distracting distractions.
Some of the happiest societies around are less affluent, small, traditional, and relatively unmonitized.
That is because historically, indigenous and traditional societies have operated on principles that prioritize community well-being over individual wealth accumulation.
These societies often rely on systems of reciprocity, gift-giving, and communal labour rather than monetary exchange.
We shouldn’t be pointing out what they don’t have; instead, we should look at what they do have.
Maybe stuff doesn't actually make people happy. Consider the results of the 200-year-old conspicuous consumer experiment.
The verdict is in: it’s a bust, and it’s time to try something different.
Actually, it’s not that different. Go back just a few generations, and everyone's ancestors were living simpler, materially poorer lives.
But were they any less happy? If not, then what’s all the extra stuff for?
Here are a few reasons why our ancestors and materially poor people and communities today might be happier than those with more stuff:
1. Less Debt, Less Stress
Less debt means less stress, and less stress means more happiness.
2. Strong Community Ties
Often, people with fewer material possessions have stronger community ties, relying on each other for support, which creates a sense of belonging and mutual aid.
3. Appreciation for Simple Pleasures
When you don’t have much, you learn to appreciate the little things.
4. Freedom from Consumerism
Being away from the rat race of consumerism can lead to a greater sense of contentment and peace of mind.
5. Genuine Experiences
It's important to note that experiences can also be consumerized. The key is to seek out genuine, meaningful experiences that enrich the soul, not just the social media feed.
6. Spiritual Richness
Spiritual practices and community rituals can play a significant role in daily life. These practices provide a sense of purpose, inner peace, and connection to something greater than oneself and one’s material possessions.
7. Simplicity and Contentment
Voluntary simple living people often find joy in the simplicity of their lives by prioritizing quality over quantity. This leads to a greater sense of contentment and fulfillment.
Think about that the next time you're standing in line at the mall, waiting to buy non-essential things.
Because in the end, it's not about the stuff. It's about the stuff that matters.
And that stuff?
You can't buy it.
