Modern society increasingly associates success with material achievements – recognition at work, stability, and the ability to display one's status have become a sort of measure of happiness.

Beyond Material Success: The Path to True Fulfillment

Modern society increasingly associates success with material achievements – recognition at work, stability, and the ability to display one's status have become a sort of measure of happiness. However, even when these basic needs are met, many people feel an inner emptiness, realizing that material comfort alone cannot fully nourish the soul. True well-being goes beyond material values and requires a balance with life’s immaterial aspects: emotional connections, self-realization, and spiritual growth. Only in the harmony between external status and one’s inner world can the elusive state of fulfillment be found, which truly fills life with meaning and joy. This quest inspires us not to limit our view of well-being to a narrow focus but to strive for holistic development that lets each of us tap into the source of real happiness.

How do material values relate to the concept of happiness in the modern world?

Modern society often regards material values as one of the means to achieve happiness, linking it with success in one’s career, stability, and the ability to showcase personal status. For instance, one observation notes that a successful job, timely acknowledgment of one’s merits, and material benefits are perceived as measures of happiness:
"And, of course, one should be respected at work, receive bonuses on time—not necessarily more than everyone, but not less either. That seniority, career advancement, being noticed—not necessarily being the first to be rewarded, but if bonuses are given to everyone, then to me as well... And if all these conditions are met, the person is happy. It would seem so. But in reality, you see that his soul still remains somewhat restless, longing for something more: they start distributing additional tasks at work... And it turns out that happiness is somehow not achieved." (source: link txt)

At the same time, there is criticism of placing too much emphasis on material aspects: while material values bring a certain amount of satisfaction, they cannot provide a deep and lasting sense of happiness. This is underscored by the following remark:
"However, it is completely wrong to think that by 'value' or 'values' one should imply only material values. Consumption can be endless, and then it ceases to bring satisfaction..." (source: link txt)

Thus, in the modern world, material values are seen as an important yet limited component of happiness. They offer a way to display status and meet basic needs, but true happiness requires a deeper inner harmony that does not rely solely on material wealth. This leads to the realization that the pursuit of happiness should also embrace other, immaterial aspects of life that extend beyond a utilitarian approach.