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So my question is this. How does one defeat their basic nature and get off this @&#king hampster wheel? And don't tell me religion is the solution, because it ain't...
You are missing the point, Chango . . . people use these material surrogate satisfiers BECAUSE they are not equipped innately with the requisite characteristics to get the satisfactions without them. What are they supposed to do . . . let the needs continue to get out of balance until they are driven to some drastic behaviors (like the Texas Tower or Columbine or . . . whatever) occur. Our materiality provides outlets for the myriad social psychological frustrations we humans are heir to. I prefer someone fall in love with sneakers . . . than molest children or rape and murder others, etc.,etc.,etc.
So my question is this. How does one defeat their basic nature and get off this @&#king hampster wheel? And don't tell me religion is the solution, because it ain't...
Maybe it's not basic nature.
This is a capitalistic, materialistic society, as is any bourgeoisie society. People believe that possessions are the way to happiness and satisfaction, and determine the value of a person. The motto is: you are what you own.
Low self-esteem is epidemic. So they (the herd) runs, usually in meaningless circle, in a frenzy to gain status and possessions.
Like most bourgeoisie pursuits, this only burns out the people and leads nowhere. But they're not about to stop and think it over.
That's why this society is hollow. People avoid anything which requires thought. The mass media is a good barometer, it shows how hollow society is. There is nothing spiritual about this materialistic society.
You're right, religion is not the solution. Mindless people jump up, extend their hands upward, shout 'Jesus', and believe they are spiritual.
Americans' self-esteem rides on the status of their material possessions, people preoccupied with trying to impress each other.
So, the Joneses are the role models for the nation.
You are pigeonholing. Not all of us are materialistic, nor do we all care if we impress others, or what others think of us. Have you read this book? There are many of us quietly living our lives in very simple ways. http://www.nytimes.com/books/first/s...llionaire.html
Maybe it's not basic nature.
This is a capitalistic, materialistic society, as is any bourgeoisie society. People believe that possessions are the way to happiness and satisfaction, and determine the value of a person. The motto is: you are what you own.
Low self-esteem is epidemic. So they (the herd) runs, usually in meaningless circle, in a frenzy to gain status and possessions.
Like most bourgeoisie pursuits, this only burns out the people and leads nowhere. But they're not about to stop and think it over.
That's why this society is hollow. People avoid anything which requires thought. The mass media is a good barometer, it shows how hollow society is. There is nothing spiritual about this materialistic society.
You're right, religion is not the solution. Mindless people jump up, extend their hands upward, shout 'Jesus', and believe they are spiritual.
The herd (as you call them) may just not be as egotistical and ego-centric as those whose unwarranted self-esteem makes them feel so far above and superior to the poor bourgeoisie mired in their capitalist delusions, Visvaldis. In fact, those feelings of superiority and disdain may just serve the same role in satisfying the social psychological needs of the egocentric egotists as the material objects do for the herd. What do you think . . . make sense?
The herd (as you call them) may just not be as egotistical and ego-centric as those whose unwarranted self-esteem makes them feel so far above and superior to the poor bourgeoisie mired in their capitalist delusions, Visvaldis. In fact, those feelings of superiority and disdain may just serve the same role in satisfying the social psychological needs of the egocentric egotists as the material objects do for the herd. What do you think . . . make sense?
Can you put this in plain English for a former Marine?
You are pigeonholing. Not all of us are materialistic, nor do we all care if we impress others, or what others think of us. Have you read this book? There are many of us quietly living our lives in very simple ways. http://www.nytimes.com/books/first/s...llionaire.html
Agreed (though the link's requiring me to log in. You wouldn't be able to jot down the title somewhere so I know which book you're suggesting?).
Yes, and am I the only one on here that doesn't know what a Maybach is? From the text, I can guess it's a type of vehicle, yet this is the first time I've ever heard of it (suppose I'm even worse off than those destitute in a Favella of Rio then).
Actually, for me I try to avoid all those flashy things that rich people tend to collect. I love my Buick, wouldn't want a Lexus or Bentley (or any other flashy car) and really don't care much for beach front houses--this trailer here with the beautiful fake wood paneling is what I'm content with for the moment (would like a fire-place though).
Don't get me wrong--I do enjoy owning things: I love to buy books and love to travel. It's just that I'm not concerned with what other people have. I actually try to avoid new, flashy things (especially technology, like all those "i" things--why does is have to be "i" anyway?).
I'm just curious as to what psychology is going on in my situation. For instance, I've often heard that people are social creatures, but for me I would consider myself more of a loner by nature, at least relative to other people (for instance, I prefer to travel by myself, which I've heard is a bit odd). Could this have something to do with how I'm not very particular as to what other people have, as long as I'm satisfied with what I have?
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