Less is More

I find, like many others, that this quote portrays a disturbing mentality. This mentality, however, is pervasive throughout the world. While many of us, including myself, believe that there is more to life beyond the number on the bank statement, we find ourselves in the struggle to make more, accumulate more, and show it off more. The word 'more' has become ingrained in our very beings. The country that we live in has become the epitome of this quote. People immigrate to America from other countries with the 'American Dream' fresh in their minds. This the land of opportunity, and opportunity mostly means money.

In his quote, Veblen proposes that the accumulation of money should be the primary goal and the definition of success. Success is now measured by the square footage of a house, the brand that encases your feet, the amount of the down payment for a car, and how many zeros appear on a payment. In our mad scramble to acquire more, or to become more successful, we have lost sight of the things that make successful worthwhile. What is the point of having a large house if there is no one to fill it with? What is the point of a nice car if we have no where to go to? As the saying goes, "Don't judge a book by it's cover". We cannot look at someone and say that they are leading a successful, fulfilled life simply based on their outside, the wrapping of their life. What lies within is what truly matters. Just as there is no purpose in an empty box that is wrapped beautifully, but nonetheless is empty, there is little purpose in a money-driven existence that is void.

This "showing of accumulated wealth" has affected every aspect of our lives, usually in a negative manner, yet we have yet to turn back from this blind pursuit of material happiness. We are told that a certain face cream, a name brand, a car, or some other object will bring us happiness. We trick ourselves into thinking that we will be content once we get that "one last thing", yet find ourselves growing bored with our possessions. Many have sacrificed family, friends, and health to become successful only to find success rather unsatisfying.

The definition of success requires a change before many of the problems that society is facing are going to be fixed. Don't get me wrong, I don't think that having money is a bad thing. There are many things that can only get accomplished with money, but it should not be the focus. Once we can learn to content ourselves with less, we will truly feel as though we have more.