We all know how terribly cliché this sounds, but happiness and love cannot be afforded by money. It is clarified as a form of currency that manages numerous essential items. There are countless reasons for its advantages on a day-to-day basis from necessities to items of satisfaction to various other opportunities — who knows? This idea circles around the idea of materialism and believe it or not, we all are to one extent. Reaching a level of contentment during one’s life should not be purchased and rather be earned.

Money controls people from reaching their full potential because instead of focusing on our dreams, we stray away and reach for things that seem more attainable. It is a form of distraction and I understand we do it to ourselves, but materialistic items are not something we should always be dependent on. Sometimes, I do believe I would be much happier if I bought a material product, but other times, I personally feel a greater sense of regret following the purchase. Natural human impulses are pointed towards buying nonessential items just because of its simple appeal. Following that, the urge diminishes, and regret is interlaced fairly quickly. Regret does not exactly apply to every person but growing up, I was well aware of my usage of money because my parents work incredibly hard to develop a sustainable lifestyle for themselves as immigrants and for my brother and me as first-generation Vietnamese Americans.

With the media being a fore front of this generation, I believe people are becoming increasingly more materialistic. Teenagers are easily manipulated because they find the need to fit in with their peers and be socially accepted. Cyber-bullying is skyrocketing based on trends and enforced by certain standards. Students find the need to buy new clothes, school supplies, or maybe even a better phone to satisfy the guide developed by the public.

“After each big loss, his mind was set on new riches, pursued trade more zealously, forced his debtors more strictly to pay, because he wanted to continue gambling he wanted to continue squandering, continue his disdain of wealth.” – Siddhartha, Chapter 7

Yes, there should be a balance when it comes to money, but oftentimes, it brings out the inner greediness out of everyone. For example, in the novel, Siddhartha, his time begins to be consumed with the intense desire of securing a large sum of money as a form of diversion. He was unsatisfied with his spiritual journey and other aspects of his life, so instead, he approaches gambling as his very own method of therapy. Money only serves as a TEMPORARY fix to suppress our feelings or bring happiness, however, over time, it develops into a depleting and isolating condition. After spending a very interesting year in high school, I understand that we are not meant to be happy all the time and it is completely okay. If we are always meant to be cheerful, we will never learn the importance of balance and everything in moderation.

It is a dangerous thing. Money. It is not the easiest thing to obtain, but far from the hardest. Money nowadays is a leading factor in why we decide to support society by maintaining a job. If we truly think about it, the entire concept of exceeding in school and then college is to be successful. We centralized our success around the idea of having a lot of money because it can bring happiness through a beautiful house, our dream car, or other goods. Realistically, yes, materialistic things can bring satisfaction. However, the sole emotions of unconditional love or endless joy always triumph upon the gift of money. To put it in perspective, have you ever woken up one day and only feel positive emotions outshine the rest that you cannot help but smile? That feeling is priceless. Not even a million dollars could be equivalent to complete contentment with life.