"It’s a Materialistic World, and We’re Just SUFFERING" The Hunger for More
Nidhi | Feb 10, 2025, 22:04 IST
In a world where success is measured by luxury cars, designer bags, and high-paying jobs, the pursuit of happiness has become synonymous with the pursuit of wealth. But does more really mean happier? This article explores the rise of materialism, its psychological toll, and why despite having more than ever, people feel empty and unfulfilled. Drawing insights from the Bhagavad Gita, we examine the wisdom of detachment, selfless action, and the true essence of happiness beyond material wealth. Is it time to redefine what truly matters?
What if I told you that the world’s richest man and a wandering monk have the same fate? That no matter how much wealth one accumulates, both will leave this world empty-handed?
Yet, here we are—racing against time, accumulating possessions as if they will grant us immortality. A bigger house, a shinier car, a closet full of designer labels—each new possession promises happiness, yet leaves us thirstier than before. We live in a paradox: surrounded by abundance, yet starving for contentment.
The Bhagavad Gita calls it Moh and Maya—the grand illusion of attachment, the belief that fulfillment lies in things that are, by nature, temporary. Krishna’s wisdom tells us that true joy doesn’t come from what we hold in our hands, but from what we release from our hearts.
And yet, modern society teaches us the opposite. The pursuit of "more" has become our religion, materialism our scripture, and capitalism our deity. But at what cost?
No matter how much we earn or own, there is always someone with more. This fuels insecurity, making people feel inadequate. Instead of celebrating what we have, we stress over what we lack. Happiness is no longer about inner peace but about staying ahead in the rat race.
Studies show that materialistic people are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and dissatisfaction. Why? Because external validation is fragile. The moment wealth disappears or trends change, self-worth crumbles. When our identity is tied to possessions, losing them feels like losing ourselves.
Social media makes people appear happy, but behind the curated posts lies deep loneliness. In the pursuit of material success, we neglect relationships, personal growth, and real happiness. We have more “followers” but fewer genuine connections. We capture moments for likes, but do we truly live them?
Materialism keeps us focused on the future—the next purchase, the next promotion, the next milestone. But life is happening now. When we constantly chase the next big thing, we fail to enjoy what we already have. The world tells us that slowing down means failure, but in reality, the happiest people are those who appreciate the present.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches that attachment leads to suffering. Krishna tells Arjuna that true peace lies in detachment—not in renouncing the world, but in not letting the world own you.

Krishna never said wealth is wrong—he only warned against being enslaved by it. The key is balance. Here’s how we can live in a material world without being consumed by it:
Enjoy what you have, but don’t tie your identity to possessions. A luxury car doesn’t define you, and neither does a simple one. What matters is your character, not your belongings.
Instead of asking, “How much money do I have?” ask:

Giving creates a deeper sense of fulfillment than buying. Helping others, sharing knowledge, and practicing kindness provide a happiness that material things never can. The Bhagavad Gita teaches that selfless action leads to inner peace.
Social media thrives on making us feel inadequate. Limit your exposure to unrealistic portrayals of happiness. Instead, invest time in real experiences, meaningful conversations, and self-reflection.
At the end of this life, you won’t take your wealth, your designer clothes, or your social media following with you. What will remain? The wisdom you’ve gained, the love you’ve shared, and the peace you’ve cultivated.
Imagine yourself at the end of your life. What will you cherish most? The car you drove, the money you made, the labels you wore? Or the love, experiences, and wisdom you gathered along the way?
The world will keep chasing, consuming, and competing. But you have a choice—to play along or to step back and see the illusion for what it is.
Because in the end, it’s not what you own that defines you—it’s what you let go of.
Yet, here we are—racing against time, accumulating possessions as if they will grant us immortality. A bigger house, a shinier car, a closet full of designer labels—each new possession promises happiness, yet leaves us thirstier than before. We live in a paradox: surrounded by abundance, yet starving for contentment.
The Bhagavad Gita calls it Moh and Maya—the grand illusion of attachment, the belief that fulfillment lies in things that are, by nature, temporary. Krishna’s wisdom tells us that true joy doesn’t come from what we hold in our hands, but from what we release from our hearts.
And yet, modern society teaches us the opposite. The pursuit of "more" has become our religion, materialism our scripture, and capitalism our deity. But at what cost?
How Are We Suffering Because of It?
1. The Anxiety of Never Having Enough
Anxiety
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
2. The Mental Health Crisis of a Materialistic Society
Never-Ending Desires
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3. The Loneliness Behind the Perfect Image
Loneliness
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4. Losing Touch With the Present Moment
5. The Detachment Lesson From the Bhagavad Gita
Detachment
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- Material possessions are temporary. They will either decay, be replaced, or belong to someone else one day.
- The more you chase desires, the more they control you.
- True fulfillment isn’t in owning things but in mastering the art of letting go.
Escaping the Materialistic Trap: Can We Be Wealthy but Spiritually Free?
1. Own Things Without Letting Them Own You
Materialistic World
( Image credit : Pexels )
2. Redefine Success Beyond Material Gain
Beyond Moh-Maya
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- Am I at peace with myself?
- Do I wake up excited for life?
- Am I making a difference in someone’s life?
3. Seek Happiness in Service, Not Just Consumption
4. Disconnect From the Noise of Social Media
Social Media Trap
( Image credit : Pexels )
5. Remember: Nothing Lasts Forever
Final Thought: What Will Truly Matter in the End?
Spiritualism
( Image credit : Pexels )
The world will keep chasing, consuming, and competing. But you have a choice—to play along or to step back and see the illusion for what it is.
Because in the end, it’s not what you own that defines you—it’s what you let go of.