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Materialism is just another way mankind searches for fulfillment. There is an innate desire among all of us to live for something, to feel fulfilled by some sort of purpose. For many, religion or spiritualism of some kind is an effort to fill this void. For others, especially in modern times, the accumulation of material things is the apparent answer.

Materialism can be defined as the craving for physical objects. This is intentionally broad, as anything from cars to clothes to swimming pools can be included in materialism. In some ways, the "American Dream" has come to mean materialism. In the free pursuit of happiness, many people have bought into the idea that a nice house in a nice neighborhood will bring them happiness.

When that doesn't happen, other toys are sought out. Big-screen TVs, shiny new luxury automobiles, and the newest technological gadgets are all purchased not because they are needed, but simply to provide satisfaction. In the end, though, many of us find ourselves singing that old Rolling Stones classic, "I can't get no satisfaction." We try, and we try, and we try, but no matter what we get our hands on, we always need a new material fix.

Modern materialism is helped in many ways by its trusty friend consumerism. Consumerism is the constant push on our economy to buy more and consume more, and as a society, we are constantly inundated with advertisements telling us what we need to buy and consume. If the search for fulfillment is the fuel that materialism burns on, consumerism throws gasoline on the fire.

Material goods in themselves are fine, and there's nothing wrong with having lots of money and lots of cool toys. The problem comes when people get so consumed with buying the Next Big Thing that they actually think it will give them real happiness. That is where materialism becomes pure lies, because no matter what the commercial shows, nothing one buys can truly bring happiness and personal fulfillment.

Learn more about this author, Joe Wrighter.
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