In the modern world, the focus on material well-being often becomes the measure of success.

Inner Harmony Over Material Success

In the modern world, the focus on material well-being often becomes the measure of success. However, true satisfaction in life lies beyond measurable metrics – in inner harmony, moral principles, and mutual care. Today, when achieving external comforts—whether a new car or elite real estate—is seen as the pinnacle of success, it is easy to lose sight of the fundamental values that bring genuine joy. Material acquisitions can secure a certain level of convenience, yet without a steady internal compass, they risk turning into an endless cycle of consumption, where each new achievement only temporarily quenches the thirst for happiness.

That is why, for real life harmony, one must build an inner world based on sincere moral guidelines, love for others, and a commitment to not only their own well-being but also that of the community. In balancing external successes with spiritual values, we can not only enjoy comfort but also view every moment of life as an opportunity for personal and spiritual growth.

How does a material approach to happiness affect our understanding of life’s values, and what can material well-being not replace?

When the material approach to happiness becomes dominant, it essentially reduces the system of life values to measurable external achievements—money, possessions, and status. This focus limits our understanding of true values because it emphasizes what can be acquired and compared, at the expense of the immaterial: the inner moral core and the spiritual and ethical guidelines without which life’s satisfaction is fleeting.

As noted in one source, while the material factor is undoubtedly an important aspect of human well-being, it cannot serve as a substitute for the internal moral regulator. In particular, consider the following example:

“But what about external factors? For some, external well-being is an indispensable condition for happiness—salary, car, apartment… money, money, money… Yes, the material factor relates to the fullness of human life, and it might be tempting to assert otherwise. Unfortunately, some people evaluate the role of the material factor very strictly and negatively. However, it should not be seen solely in that light: the material factor is a vital component of wellbeing. But what happens when it becomes the main focus? Here’s what happens: a person starts living well, buying one thing after another; they acquire a car, a house, and then they look around to see that their colleagues live even better—their house is superior and their car more impressive, and the boss even owns a private jet and several houses abroad! Suddenly, the once-desirable house or the first car that once symbolized the pinnacle of happiness ceases to be appealing… And in the absence of an internal moral regulator, this process becomes endless. Consumption may be unlimited, and eventually, it stops providing satisfaction. I once asked a very wealthy man—who possessed cars, airplanes, yachts, and houses abroad—‘Do you ever feel happy or satisfied when you acquire something?’ He gave a condescending smile and replied, ‘Yes, at the moment I sign the check.’ There is no joy; one may have everything, but that external factor no longer brings satisfaction.”

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From this text, it follows that while material well-being can provide a certain level of convenience and comfort, it cannot replace the foundation for true happiness, which lies in solid internal values such as moral and ethical principles, love for others, and a commitment to the greater good. Without these essential guidelines, a material approach to happiness only leads to an endless cycle of consumption, where satisfaction from acquired goods is short-lived and does not deliver deep inner fulfillment.

Thus, the material approach affects our understanding of life’s values by reducing them to external markers of success. This, in turn, means that genuine happiness—rooted in morality, spiritual completeness, and care for others—remains unattainable in its absence. Material well-being cannot substitute for the internal moral regulator, without which even the most coveted material possessions lose their allure and meaning.