What sets us apart for other animals is that we have ability to reason, as a tool for survival its paramount, however with the onset of the world-wide web and the abundance of material choice (we have never been better off), this paradox of abundant choice has caused anxiety on an unprecedented scale.
Anxiety from which fear is manifested is often mistranslated, simply because fear is a reaction to a thought which is the cause of the anxiety. How its perceived and translated is the issue.
Over 40 million Americans (no idea worldwide) now suffer from anxiety disorder and its fair to say that it’s the most abundant and wealthiest county on earth the paradox is the option of choices and the pressure to conform.
Fashion and advertising are the main culprits, convincing insecure people into buying a handbag for an investment or trainers that are made in a sweatshop in Asia will make you a more complete person is just silly, as are buying torn jeans.
Fear of rejection is one of the most difficult emotions to cope with, hence the need to belong to the tribe, ironic since many assume their fashion style to be unique and what is easier than belonging? By simply buying what others look good in with the help of a celebrity or sportsman or two.
Buying status is like two bald men fighting over a comb, not only is it irrational it’s also futile since fashion or style goes out as quickly as it comes in.
A tattoo or body adornments are interesting which is actually a way to show loyalty to a tribe, ironic if you think that few people really know the reasons or origins for their tattoos or adornments… is it reasonable ask why people need to deface what is already perfect without assuming low self esteem may be a part of the problem?
So what would happen when we no longer need to search for happiness but simply accept that life is good enough, and that status can be bought but is an artificial commodity invented to make others wealthy.
In this abundant world where we have everything at hand immediately we still search for more, because we believe that more is better…. perhaps its time to rethink the equation and take an example from of our grandparents who had few material things but led a so much more fulfilled life.
Ironically in this day and age of abundance, more people are searching for fulfilment that ever before, perhaps time to accept that we already have more than we need.