We live in a world that constantly tells us to want more – a bigger house, a fancier car, the latest smartphone. Advertising and social media feed into an endless cycle of desire, convincing us that newer, bigger, more is always better. But is it really?
At some point, the pursuit of more wants and possessions can become an insatiable hunger that leaves us feeling paradoxically more vulnerable, not more fulfilled. The more we allow our happiness to hinge on acquiring more stuff, the more we become enslaved by those very wants and desires.
Think about it – when our self-worth gets wrapped up in accumulating material possessions, we become mentally dependent on them. We anxiously crave the next thing before even enjoying what we already have. It sets up an unhealthy relationship where the things we own start owning us instead.
This incessant hunger also makes us more vulnerable emotionally and financially. We base our identity around impressing others and “keeping up with the Joneses.” We go into debt-chasing lifestyle inflation. If we lose those prized possessions, our self-esteem takes a huge hit.
Furthermore, this fixation on wanting more often comes at the cost of more meaningful sources of growth – creative pursuits, nurturing relationships, and finding purpose in our work. We get so caught up in acquiring that we neglect to live.
The antidote lies in simplicity and contentment i.e. growth fueled by intrinsic factors like curiosity, craftsmanship, self-expression and passion for our life’s work. Wanting things not to “be someone” but to create something meaningful and fulfill an inner drive.
Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing inherently wrong with aspiring to improve our circumstances through hard work and ethical acquisition. But when those aspirations become rudderless, hedonistic wants, we lose our way.
True wealth is internal – it flows from the simple joys of engagement, growth, and creating value for others. Paradoxically, the more we let go of our insatiable desire for more possessions, the more we open ourselves to what actually fulfills us. That’s a tradeoff worth making.