Affluenza - rampant consumerism

A Reuters Life! article titled “Affluenza” echoes my sentiments regarding materialism:

Beware the Affluenza Virus. An epidemic of mindless consumerism is sweeping the world with the compulsive pursuit of money and possessions making people richer but sadder.

I wish people would listen to the words of British psychologist Oliver James and change their ways.

Some excepts from the Reuters article:

“We have become addicted to having rather than being and confusing our needs with our wants,” he[Oliver James] told Reuters in an interview to mark publication on Thursday of “Affluenza.”

Bigger houses, more cars, larger televisions, younger faces — these goals are frenetically pursued by middle-class workaholics afflicted by “Affluenza.”

Always wanting bigger and better is an emotional cul de sac, argues the 53-year-old psychologist, broadcaster and author.

Technorati tags: materialism