Root of All Evil?

There has been a debate brewing at Southern Methodist University about materialism, consumerism, and if money really does buy happiness. Some discussion has lead to the point that money can buy happiness. For example, buying a new car or some new shoes might make someone happy. But once this new car or these new shoes are worn in, so is the happiness. In other words, this feeling is fleeting, and you would have to buy and spend more in order to recreate it.

There is the myth that money can solve all your problems, and there is also the myth that money is the root of all your problems. Your perspective depends on what sort of life you live. I have lived a less fortunate life, and the fortunate life I live right now, so I’ve seen both perspectives. If you are poor, an excess of money can solve all your financial problems, but when you become wealthy, money creates a whole new set of issues. These issues can also be financial, as well as social and emotional. For example, supposedly there is a curse involved with winning the lottery. Many lottery winners go from a simple poor or middle class life to a life of insane wealth, and most do not know how to invest their money wisely. While there are the select few winners who spend a little money to better their life styles and then save rest of there money, using it over their lifetimes, most winners spend all the money pretty quickly. They get caught up in affairs, drugs, scandals, and either end up dead or in trouble with the law.

Personally, I believe that people will experience monetary problems no matter what situation you’re faced with. People will always have the need to buy and spend, and while it is a good feeling to be able to afford and have nice things, there is a point where spending becomes ridiculous. It becomes obsessive and uncontrollable. It can take over and ruin a person. Taking pride in what you own is one thing, but letting consumerism consume you is another.