What we are told we want

Desire seems natural to human existence. We desire the basics, sustenance, water, shelter and warmth. After that we desire companionship and purpose for our lives. Since having evolved to a somewhat intelligent species we have come to desire other things as well such as art and luxury. We began desiring comfort and expensive possessions as we no longer needed to find food on a daily basis. The basics were simply ever present and so more became possible.

Currently, in Canada for example, things are going pretty well for the middle class. One is able to purchase many luxuries which are far from necessary. There are still natural desires I suppose but almost any possible decision that one will make is heavily influenced by society. One could argue that influence also comes from family or literature but each of these is also influenced by the international corporations that are battling for our dedication to their products. In essence we are being told what we should want.

"If you buy this product, it will make your life easier more enjoyable and more efficient so you can have more time to make more money." This seems to be a common message portrayed through advertisements. When one thinks about this for a little bit, it is quite apparent that there isn't an end to the cycle that is being sold. Buy this so you can make more money, thus becoming happier, and able to afford more stuff. Desire for products seems natural but happiness is not achieved until these desires subside. If one is constantly desiring more and better stuff (because the last stuff was engineered to go out of date) it is very difficult to be happy.

Let me know entertain an example. Many times those who go overseas to third world countries are shocked and amazed and the simple happiness with which residents carry out their daily activities. They do not have the luxuries found in North America and yet they seem more content with their lives without the constant acquiring of possessions. These people do not have a constant desire for more products that do not actually accomplish anything important in their lives.

Another example. Clothing. This is important mostly in environmental extremes for purposes of warmth. However, clothing commercials make it appear to be a status symbol that will give you immediate friends and success. We are told that we need certain clothes in order to be happy. On one level this is true. Self respect accompanies being able to dress in a civilized manner. But on the other hand it is not necessary for the average person (someone who's job does not require a daily suit.) to own multiple expensive suits. However, this is the message that Hollywood, and television is sending us. If you are successful you demonstrate it with expensive articles of clothing and multiple cars which you don't have time to drive.

Now I love dressing up in fancy dress clothes and suits, and I don't mean to hate on those who also enjoy this luxury. I am however, suggesting that one should be aware of the messages that are being sent and one's motives for purchasing another suit or a brand new car. Is it to satisfy the desire for status symbols the media has planted in us? or simply because your best friend is getting married and it's time to celebrate?

The media has a controlling grip, don't water a seed of desire that can't ever be harvested for happiness.