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Our modern world is driven by the desire to own or operate the most up-to-date technologies and possessions. We live for trends and other products that give us the guidance we need in order to own the latest and greatest. Most believe this concept known as materialism is everything that is wrong with our world; spreading nothing but greed and other negative thoughts through citizens, but is it really so bad? Expansion and constant ability to update what we already have is what advances our society and what allows us to grow and increase our intelligence as a whole. As author James Twitchell mentions in his article, “Two Cheers for Materialism” consuming and owning the newest products on the market is what makes us happy (389).

Materialism is a way to express who we are through what we buy and what we choose to wear and drive. It does not always have to lead to clouded minds or corporate greed, but can bring us to our own place of happiness and satisfaction with ourselves. We work hard for our money and struggle everyday with the common man’s problems so shopping and spending can be a great stress relief just like any other hobby or after work activity with friends. Having a bad day at the office or at school can easily be solved with a great sale at the nearest shopping mall or department store. As long as people keep earning their money and working hard to get it, they will continue to spend it on the items and possessions that make them happy, and who would not want happiness?

The downside to materialism and what people focus most on is the idea that this concept leads to nothing but greed and other environmental defects we all have to suffer from. The truth is that in order to make all the cars, clothes, and other items we hold so dear it takes a toll on our environment and ideas about an ideal life. Decades ago, our world did not revolve around spending and constant turn-over of new products. It relied on hard work and dedication in order to make enough for your family and the small group of those around you. Now a new car or computer is purchased every few years in order to keep up with the trends and those around us so we can save face in our community. Whether we admit it or not, the car you drive, the furniture in your house and even the cell phone you carry allows others to get great insight into your world and whether or not you can “keep up with the Joneses.” Materialism and the need to consume will always be a part of our culture and the lives we lead everyday because that is how we choose to live and use the money we work so hard to get.