Materialism or Minimalism?

January 24, 2021

My article Living In A Branded World tackled about people who love buying and collecting branded merchandise and are obsessed with collecting things they like which are considered as materialism. They value material possessions more than spiritual values.

In all parts of the world, that holiday shopping frenzy really says a lot about our culture. Once materialistic people find out that a certain shop they love will be having a big 'SALE', they will be outside the shop even before it opens, preparing for the big surge and whoever gets a bigger cart can buy more stuff. Well, everybody buys, but many people just buy and buy. Money doesn't matter to them because they love to buy more stuff.

That is actually fine, however, excess materialism can take a toll on their well-being, their quality of life, and even relationships.

Today's young adults have grown up with much more abundance, but more risk of depression, and lesser happiness. And that may be the effect of materialistic values. Those who pursue material possessions and even wealth tend to be less satisfied. And the risky part in there is they tend to experience lesser positive emotions each day. On the other hand, those who are satisfied with their life is associated with having less materialistic values.

Many people thought that money can buy everything. They can buy whatever things they want, and go wherever place they want and do whatever they want that will make them happy.

We have been taught by this society 
that the more you have, 
the more you are worth. 

However, do they really feel true happiness once they've met the satisfaction they are looking for?

There is no direct correlation between money and happiness. True happiness can be felt once our basic needs are met and in fact, those people who are extremely rich suffer a higher risk of depression compared to those who have simple living. Of course, they live in a bigger house so they have more expenses and paying higher bills. And in some cases, there is an increase in life satisfaction for those who have higher income and that continual striving for material possessions and wealth? It can lead to unhappiness.

Does it mean minimalism is better?

In the younger generation, minimalism slowly spreading but the conception is sometimes misunderstood by some common folks. They thought that minimalism has lower material possessions. Living in a small house with less than 100 things, no car no gadgets, simple foods, and with a simple job. Some minimalists also thought that wearing plain simple clothes is already considered minimalism. Some even deprived themselves of material things, as well as having a decent shelter and clothing.

Minimalism isn't actually about any of those things. But if you desire to live with fewer material possessions, then minimalism can help. Some minimalists stop buying things just because of those misconceptions. They thought that being minimalist has a limit to what they should buy.

What is the true essence of minimalism? It's a way of finding freedom. Freedom from overwhelming, depression, guilt, freedom from being trapped in a culture that we have built our lives around. Minimalism has something more. It will help you realize that the minimum is exceedingly enough. It will also help you maximize the things you truly care about and don't bother for what they are.

It is about knowing who you are. 

There is nothing wrong with material possession. The problem is that we tend to give too much meaning to our things, often forsaking our health, our passions, our relationships, and our personal growth. In fact, some minimalists came from being materialistic.

But what do you think the reason why they chose to be minimalist? There is only one possible reason, they want to get rid of excess in their lives and chose to focus on what is important. The important things where they can find true happiness, fulfillment, and experience real freedom.

Are you materialist or minimalist?

Thanks for reading @Jane

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