Is Happiness an Illusion? Does materialistic pleasure bring happiness? And how does Politics play a part in it?
Choice is an illusion created between those with power and those without.
Karl Marx
Money is, in fact, a universal, self-constituted value of all things. It has robbed the whole world of its intrinsic worth. The qualities that form the foundation of being human, have become distorted by materialistic objects leading to a lifeless future involved in a violent struggle.
Our society participates in consumer culture and values material possessions to feel superior, delighted, fulfill necessities, or be accepted by others. Then again, enjoying monetary value need not necessarily make someone greedy or materialistic. For many, it may be about Status Concerns, while others may be about feeling Content and Successful.
However, the structure of Humankind has led me to question the society we inhabit.
Do humans have free will despite “Independence?” Is “Freedom of Choice” just a concept, an idea, or a thought process?
Regardless of the situation, the politics of a nation, and the way it governs and constructs, can drastically determine the happiness, success, and well-being of an entire community.
Political leaders who are more intoxicated with their limelight and financial resources than “Human Justice” are one of the primary reasons for the “destruction” of human society. The political system plays a significant role in how the rulers of all nations lead their countries.
From the USA to India, are the people of either community entirely delighted with their way of life, regardless of whether it is a high-income nation or a growing low-income nation? It is a definite NO!!!
There is such an emphasis on making banknotes that we have really taken “Humanity out of Business.” For people to enjoy a basic healthy lifestyle, the Government can alter the overall environment by providing free healthcare services, workshops and educational programs, mental well-being, etc. But again, many countries have such policies to some extent, and those government entities deduct substantially higher taxes from their citizens. Even if the governmental authorities intend to fulfill all the needs of its citizens, where will they obtain the capital? Ultimately, it goes back to encouraging an abundance of Financial Capital.
Realistically, do Material Possessions bring true lasting Contentment? Is Happiness a Luxury or a Necessity?
Humankind is the most intellectual yet the most foolish being alive today. To illustrate, a man struggles his entire life to make an income so he can find peace for the future or the “old age” without having an assurance of the present life; the 2020 pandemic offers consolidated proof of this. Life and death are two things that are beyond our control. People can die at war, from sickness, or in an accident; it is never certain. So why dwell on the past or the future when we can enjoy the day in front of us?
Perhaps, most people would want to break free from the Status-Driven Culture or Status Quo and live a life that does not dictate their actions at the drop of a hat. There are many people on the streets today who choose to beg. However, that is not healthy. The current system of governance and construction makes it impossible to survive without financial necessities. For a society to be free to exist, more and more people will also have to be willing to rebel against the system that is against “Human Justice.”
Today, experts believe that lack of Financial Capital results in the choices of Criminal Behavior, Childhood Traumas, Inequalities, and even being Productive or Healthy to an extent.
How can we find more possibilities to eradicate Poverty worldwide? Or, can a society operate on Egalitarianism, particularly Economic Egalitarianism?
Race, Class, Gender, Culture, Sexual Orientation, and Ethnicity often lead to conflict within social groups. And among those, the opposite set of people has been protesting for equality for many decades. However, while there have been multiple advancements in modern society, achieving “True Liberation” is still a global issue.
Societal Norms and Liberation
For example, Clothing is a social product that carries social meanings and modifies social interactions. Yet, some groups within society believe that clothing may not be necessary for absolute terms. In other words, people often blame the Fashion industry as an insignificant field of profession. So, why does a specific type of garment violate cultural norms? To this end, “women are always told” to dress appropriately, as it might evoke the sentiments of male hormones. Furthermore, when it comes to wearing religious clothing, how does it matter to God what we wear or do not wear, and why is it relevant to these communities if they disagree on whether or not clothing is essential?
Likewise, Criminal Behaviour violates societal norms resulting in punishment by law. Many people hold the opinion that the world would be free of violence without excessive government regulation. No matter how much we would all dearly wish to experience that, do you genuinely want to believe that the Euphoric world can indeed exist? Violence is not acceptable. But, how can we control the behavior of criminals? Over the centuries, the law punishes individuals who disobey societal norms but has it ended Felony?
Do we have a solution?
The bottom line is that human Society has boundless norms. Yet, when it comes to the subject of Financial Capital, why does Mankind struggle to feel accepted in the slavery of a Money Hungry Society? The materialistic perspective of humans, believing that the relationship with objects can keep one fully content, could only lead us all to “True Misery.”
As Aristotle once said, “Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim, and the end of human existence.”
Until the human race recognizes its true meaning or purpose of living, the very “idea” of happiness will remain only a Concept. Over and above, the never-ending cycle of hate will dominate the homo sapiens when “Love should be the only Law.”