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MATERIALISM – TOTAL SATISFACTION DENIED
Marian Baltazar
Class of 1980, University of the Philippines College of Manila
AB Political Science
In this material world that we live in, people have a lot of possessions that can be substituted for happiness but
in reality these things don’t make them a complete person, and therefore we can actually conclude that
materialism is tot...al satisfaction denied. You may think that the rich and the famous are living a hell of a life
but in fact, they don’t get any satisfaction from whatever material possessions they own. They do get some but
it’s only for a while and it doesn’t even last too long. Happiness for them is just fleeting, in passing fancy and is
apparently short-lived. Every item they purchased turns out to be less than the satisfying object that they
thought would really make them happy. Then they discover what the real score is, “There is more to it than
meets the eye.”
To pursue satisfaction would mean going out of your way and doing all the best that you could to finally be
contented. The twist lies in the fact that “Is there any point and time that a person could reach total
satisfaction through materialism and wealth?” We pretty well know what the answer is; definitely it’s a no, no
thing. Well, that my friend is an honest answer. Up to what extent have we gone or would go through just for
us to get what we want which is very much opposed to what we need for us to truly live a satisfying life?
Wouldn’t it just be trying to satisfy our ego that we experience all of these in life?
What really causes man to be materialistic is the misconception that you can increase your happiness by
acquiring more money and more material wealth. Come to think of it, “What profits a man if he gains the
whole world but loses his soul?” Unfortunately, some people don’t realize that they are just pawns used by
their own weaknesses, especially by their pride driven selfishness. Then it’s rather too late for them to realize
that in no time at all, they have just wasted their time and the better part of their lives chasing and going after
their goals based on artificial rewards and man’s own ideals. More often than not, some have been blessed by
God to come into the realization that they have been looking at the wrong place for success, satisfaction and
happiness.
Then they would be aware of the emptiness in their heart that will lead them to the direction of God. More
often than not, others may return as the “Prodigal Son” but for some they will not realize it until their time has
come to an end and they are left with only the man-made objects that they possess to show in their life. Things
that they believe are of value will no longer hold its value for you simply cannot bring them with you to the
next life and worst of all is that they do not truly know our Lord. Now you will no longer wonder why some of
the poorest people monetarily can find such satisfaction, happiness and fulfillment with nothing more than
their knowledge and love of God and their family. After all, the fact remains that materialism is actually total
satisfaction denied for us to be truly happy and contented in life.
Questions for discussion:
1. Do you agree that materialism is total satisfaction denied? Why or why not?
2. Can being so materialistic make you truly happy in life? Explain your answer.
3. Do you believe that there is far greater value than being a materialistic person? Justify your answer.
4. What are the things that can satisfy a person aside from materialism? Explain further.
5. How can you truly live a satisfying life apart from materialism? Explain how.