> So in our culture, where needs are very easily met for even the poorest among us, what are we meant to do?
>
There's nothing wrong with wanting material items. I and every other normal person on the planet do it every day. The key word is <i>immoderate</i>. Everything needs to be balanced and put into perspective. If someone thinks that their life will be miserable forever if they don't get that one fancy toy, then they have a problem.

>> However, I know that more material objects will not make my life any better than it already is.
>>
>Yeah, I know that's trendy, but why is it necessarily true? I can think of a *lot* of ways in which my life could be improved by material objects, and I don't believe you're so well-off that yours could not.
>
I'm not saying that I'll never get another material object in my lifetime, but those objects will not make my life any better than it is now. Will they make my life a tiny bit more pleasureable? For a little while, yes, until the novelty wears off and I desire another item. Will they make my life easier? Probably. Will they increase the value of my life, make me feel better about myself, and change the way I look at the world forever? No. Material items do not hold that power. Every single defining moment in my life that has made me who I am today has been shaped by non-material things. I have gotten some fleeting enjoyment from material items, but they have not improved my life.

mindless_drivel