I remain convinced that more people are driven by the acquisition of stuff than emotional (and perhaps even spiritual) growth. I’ve fallen into this trap a few times myself. In American parlance we cal it ‘trying to keep up with the Jones” but in reality it is a reflection of wanting things as a surrogate for growth and happiness. I believe it is socialized into us and wanting things (as a reflection of status and goal attainment) becomes a focus of our lives. Sadly, that focus often does not correspond with the goal of emotional and spiritual growth.
I want stuff as an expression of goals, and perhaps moreso as a way to put others at ease or even impress. I’ve always wanted to have the space people want to be in because it reflects on me as a person and someone individuals want to spend time with. Part of that is the classic, ‘I want people to like me’ stuff that we all go through. More of it is the media influencing me as to what a proper home needs.
I ought to give this a closer look in the future, but for now my 10 minutes are up.