Relationships between People and Things - Essay Example

In the USA and many countries all over the world, materialism has been dubbed as the most important thing that brings joy and happiness to an individual. Having a Mercedes in these times means that a person has accomplished so much in his lifetime and is content with what has been gained by them. Many of the researches and surveys have shown that the new generation is primarily focusing on the image, fame, and money associated with them (Schensul et al, 389).

Yet a recent survey of thriving families by a professor at the University of Chicago shows that their adult members picked their most cherished memories as the things that made their time together with other people memorable. Even the people who are more materialistic and try to find happiness by buying things have the lowest life satisfaction scores and materialism hurts the happiness of a person according to subjective well-being research.