IndexIntroductionThe Dangers of Material PossessionsConclusionWorks CitedIntroductionToday, statistics proving that the United States is an overly materialistic nation are not difficult to find. Materialism is a uniformity that has had quite a high impact on Americans, especially those of the 21st century. As an anchor of society, materialism, along with consumer goods, have acquired a meaning that violates the ultimate concern it should actually focus on. The focus has shifted from faith and guile to mutual exchange in the form of currency and personal possessions. To a large extent, materialism assumes that consuming goods and owning goods will make an individual a happy, well-established, and connected member of society. However, materialistic values ​​are unhealthy and as Americans we need to reorient our lives away from material possessions or monetary gain and back to what truly matters. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The Dangers of Material Possessions 21st century Americans live in a consumer society. This means that we live in a society where we devote much of our time, thoughts and resources to consuming certain materials that we believe are positively correlated with our happiness. This sudden belief that material possessions enhance a person's social as well as personal well-being pervades America. People as a nation are drained and possessed by the need to buy things and have something better than their neighbors because that makes them feel superior and better than others and no one wants to feel inferior to anyone else. However, it has been shown that the belief in materialism actually lowers both of the above-mentioned areas. Many psychological studies have actually shown that there is a greater risk of both anxiety and depression when they are linked to materialism. That said, material objects only provide momentary satisfaction while permanent happiness satisfies the soul. In The Sacred Arts of Life written by Thomas Moore, it is stated “But for the soul the minutest details and the most ordinary activities, carried out with awareness and art, have an effect far beyond their apparent insignificance” (1) . Although materialism has dug an unburyable hole, it has also produced unhappiness. To reach the ultimate concern we must get rid of everything that does not focus completely on faith. In this case it would be material goods and monetary values. The focus needs to be shifted back to ourselves and this can be done simply by taking a break. Our souls cannot thrive at a fast pace, which is why some people are unable to commit to certain things. They then take the void they contain and fill the void with unnecessary products. Taking the time to stop and smell the roses, as Moore states, “would lead us to wonder at the cosmos, at the distant reaches of time past and present, and at ultimate values” (15). Please note: this is just a sample. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Conclusion In conclusion, the prevalence of materialism in 21st century America has had a significant impact on our society, leading many people to believe that consuming goods and accumulating possessions are the key to happiness and social standing. However, psychological studies have shown that this pursuit of material wealth actually contributes to higher levels of anxiety and depression. The allure of material objects can provide a, 2018.