As society becomes increasingly consumed by the pursuit of wealth and possessions, we must recognise the toll on our morality, mental health and the planet, and seek a deeper connection with nature and spirituality.
In the present age, materialism has become mankind’s main concern. People earn and spend without any other significant concern in mind. Religious books make it clear that the primary causes of moral degradation and wars are rooted in materialism. Yet, man continues to tread this path hurriedly, without pausing to reflect. His life revolves around a single theme: accumulating more and more material possessions. He wakes up from his sleep craving material wealth and refuses to rest, fearing that his hard-earned possessions might be stolen.
This situation is the product of several factors. Finding solace and comfort in material things has led humanity to focus solely on them. Bank balances, cars, houses, and property have been considered the ultimate sources of comfort and ease. A man’s constant fear is that if his material wealth is lost or depleted, he may lose his status or even his life. Furthermore, he continually compares himself with others’ material gains, which compels him to follow the same path. Last but not least, believing that this world is eternal, he strives to accumulate as much material wealth as possible.
The consequences of this relentless pursuit are evident. Wars, diseases, and anxiety have become common sights. People resort to violence, even taking others’ lives, to seize their wealth. The desire to dominate the entire earth has become a new obsession for mankind. This mindset drives people to exploit the planet’s resources without hesitation, destroying its beauty in the form of human lives, rivers, mountains, and forests. Diseases are on the rise, as are mental disorders and anxieties about the future. No one seems content with their life. Ironically, the wealthy often live in constant fear, worrying about what might happen to their material possessions.
To live a meaningful life, man must free himself from the snares of materialism. Yes, we must live in this world, but living here does not mean ignoring the beauty of this remarkable planet. The perfect bliss provided by nature cannot be found in any material possession. It is up to us to open our eyes, reconnect with nature, and strengthen our relationship with God. Our interactions with others must be rooted in humility and empathy. Earning a livelihood is a necessity, but earning and spending should not be the sole purposes of life.