The advertising industry tells us every day that new acquisitions and possessions make us happy. I personally have my doubts, because otherwise all people who have a lot of possessions would be extremely happy... but often the opposite is the case.
Why is that?
- Happiness fades as soon as you have bought the item. Often the product looks much nicer in the shop than at home. Retail professionals go to extreme lengths to create beautiful worlds where everything looks so perfect.
- There are always new things you could buy. Fashion changes all the time, there are always new kitchen utensils and of course there is always something new in the electrical and technology sector... as soon as you have bought it, it is already outdated or no longer "up to date".
- Possession clearly gives us more worries and stress. Every thing needs maintenance work. It needs to be cleaned, organised, stored, maintained, recycled or disposed of.
- We buy things to impress those around us, but this effect usually doesn't happen.
- There is always someone who has more than you... Happiness is not found in possessions. On the contrary: abundance leads to dissatisfaction.
- Great experiences and interpersonal relationships are the most important things there are.
