Materialism: The Proper Means to Happiness?

We have all been told since childhood that “things” can’t make us happy, that the transient fancies of this world should not be confused with the higher ends towards which we should strive.  While the contrary would be convenient, lasting security and peace of mind cannot be bought and sold like stock in the marketplace.  Yet we often plunge headlong into the pursuit of material possessions, in search of fulfillment, regardless of such time-tested wisdom.

Adam Smith, the great sixteenth century economist and philosopher, explored this contradiction (and its negative connotations) in The Theory of Moral Sentiments.

Power and riches appear then to be, what they are, enormous and operose machines contrived to produce a few trifling conveniencies to the body, consisting of springs the most nice and delicate, which must be kept in order with the most anxious attention, and which in spite of all our care are ready every moment to burst into pieces, and to crush in their ruins their unfortunate possessor…They keep off the summer shower, but not the winter storm, but leave him always as much, and sometimes more exposed than before, to anxiety, to fear, and to sorrow; to diseases, danger, and to death.

Smith argues that contentedness is essentially a subjective state, a realization that happiness is attainable in any situation.  The intrinsic worth of one’s life is not contingent upon buying the latest trend or owning the latest fashion.  This perspective serves as a striking contrast to modern society’s fascination with consumerism, questioning its rationale and suggesting an alternative path.

In the meantime, how about that new iPad?