Money does not buy happiness

Is it the never ending scuffle of acquiring possessions that has taken over? Or it’s an excuse to escape the emptiness that resides deep within? The quest for happiness has never been so thirsty until we became a part of the fake syndrome. The rat race of acquiring various possessions to stand in the so-called, self-built, imaginary status quo of one’s own beliefs. How pitiful it it of a society to judge a person by his or her possessions, position or circle, rather than on the basis of generosity, wisdom and morality?

The practice of helping others brings immense bliss and contentment that no worldly possessions can procure.

Especially living in an era where one is surrounded by an artificial fascination of the world, in which every direction sees you bombarded by brands, making it easy to subject ourselves to the extravagant indulgence of our impulses.

Have I not become a slave to associate myself with the social circle either by adopting their behaviours, or following their footsteps? Have I not left my mind somewhere in the race, the most precious organ that I have been gifted with?

To some extent we all participate in consumer culture and value material possession and that’s perfectly fine. But the over indulgence of it can take a toll on our wellbeing and relationships. It seems that it may not be the money that leads to dissatisfaction, but rather, the continuous strive for greater wealth and more possessions that is linked to being unhappy.

The only way to gain something is to embrace our humanity, be kind and benevolent to the beings around us.

This social stigma created by few people and that is being followed by the mindless flocks is what precisely describes the world that we live in today, so bound and slaves to our limitless desires of possession. Unknowingly, if this could bring happiness, the wealthiest would have been the happiest.

- The reader is a Pakistani business development manager based in Dubai.