We live in a civilization in which we are bound by things; specifically, the physical things, as we are unable to remove ourselves from the simple usufruct temptation. It is like a disease plaguing the mind beyond rationality. Such things vary, carrying different subsistence of value. The effect is addiction. We are addicted to the cultivation of things. This is simply evident in our growing obsession with the monetary value of everything around us. Whether this be stocks, investments, cryptocurrency, homes, gas, etc. Beyond such, exists collections; by which I mean literally the collection of items that seemingly hold of some value, typically monetary. These could be coins, rare comic books, or any other hobby.
We have evolved into the narrow mindset of being dependent on this revelation. Our subsistence is altered to match that of our needs; our need to supply ourselves with more things. Parallel to such is the lack of patience thereof. The acquirement of things pushes us to new extremes, in which we find a need for swiftness. We need the thing now, we want it now. And so, as the world commonly does, we exploit ourselves to indulge this desire; with it, Amazon is born.
By creating this foundation for swiftness and “progress” of society and industry, we destroy the very essence of the fundamental idea of patience. The cost we suffer at the hands of society cannot be stated greatly enough. It is true, that society, in terms of statehood, government, etc, forces us to the realization of new problems that otherwise were nonexistent; and to then be forced into servitude over the resolution of such problems. We are plagued by this situation that invokes itself. Society has created and bolstered racism, sexism, inequality, murder, violence, war, and so much more. The many immediate issues of mankind are rooted in this exact issue.
Yet, perhaps it is the process of the acquisition of these things that provide many of the characteristics of today’s generation. We as a society are dead set on the process of making a living; one which has been orchestrated all too well by the government and society itself. As Americans, we work long hours and suffer greatly in the process, all in due course of the journey to fund our hobbies and dreams. Though, in doing so, we often deprive ourselves of these literal dreams.
However, what we may find is a new foundation of character. Specifically, work ethic is often derived from this path of life, as simply, to be successful in this economic society, we must have a good work attitude. Many of the qualities associated with a good or even decent ethic are crucial to making qualified changes in the world. It is a byproduct of our own lust for basic living and an abundance of things.
Perhaps the most obvious philosophical question in relation to all that has been said is the question of happiness. The age-old question to this day still remains unanswered: “does money buy happiness?” The simple answer is no, despite being the wrong answer. We cannot say in certainty to the varying degree of what is to be considered right or wrong in this instance; as each individual has their own conclusion for when money becomes irrelevant or lacks the provision of happiness.
Philosophy will tell a different story. As Socrates said, “The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.” We as a society seem to be further moving away from this ideal. Socrates, based on his aforementioned opinion, would most conclusively discern and disagree that money, and therefore work, provides happiness, at least for the most part.
Though, as philosophy goes, there are a quantitive amount of dissenting opinions on this topic. Aristotle, i.e, felt as though “Happiness depends upon ourselves.” This can be attributed to both cases of work compared with appreciation as Socrates believed. The opinion shared by Aristotle appears to hold more truth, as it is self-evident that we often determine our own happiness; whether it is by the acquisition of things or by the absence thereof.
It is of great importance, still, to reconcile the fact that work often has its own motivators. For many, work is an outlet for their purpose in life, while others serve simply to provide bare essentials. Perhaps, we have been doomed from the beginning by the constant pressure and want to hoard items and money. After all, the fundamental inclination of all humans is to gain all that we can, literally and physically. This is evident in the power structure of culture from the past (with the evolution of states) and the present.
It yet remains, that the balance of acquiring money and intrinsic value with the appreciation of life itself is all too real. In many ways we as a society are required to work hard to be successful and seemingly happy; as we must provide ourselves with bare necessities. We must be careful, though, as people who always chase success will never slow down to appreciate the world in which they live; they will ride past life’s rich experience.