Is It Worth It?
 

The modern world has brought humanity many luxuries, such as better food, more entertainment, etc., but, is it worth it? Are all these luxuries worth the early mornings? The late nights? The sleepless nights? The a**hat bosses? The stress-related mental illness? The emotional disconnect? The high divorce rates? The generally debilitating stress? Take the example of Ed Norton in Fight Club. He had a cozy little apartment stocked with the latest IKEA stuff, but he was a broken, sleepless man, doing a job he hated for a man he hated even more. There are millions upon millions of people just like him in real life.

Are all these modern luxuries worth killing ourselves over? Just Google "chinese knife attacks" to see what all this modern-life stress is doing to people there.

I don't think that it is worth it without love. As you know, material possessions can go up in smoke at any moment. Many of us could lose our jobs. Everything is fleeting. It doesn't last forever. However, the bonds, the connections that we make in this life do last forever. That is only done with love and trust. What matters is the heart and soul. Sadly, in this society we are seen as nothing more than consumers, objects, material beings. We have forgotten the soul and the heart. I think this is also one of the messages that Avatar brings. It is the heart that matters. That is what we must cultivate. None of all this "civilized" stuff is worth it without love.

no, it is not worth it.but greed wants things that are tangible...

Yup, everything can go up in a second, just like in FC.

The problem though is that love has taken a back-seat in the modern world, to the point where I don't know if it is even possible to bring it back given the current state of the world. As each developing country (with the number constantly growing) vies for economic superiority, their citizens are being put under more and more stress. We are all pushed more and more to be "productive members of society," (I HATE that phrase) leaving less and less time for people to find love and connection. Heck, kids can't even be kids anymore. They have kindergarten entrance exams now...:shock:

Ironically, wasn't the whole point of technology in the first place to allow people to work less? It seems all it's done is make us work even harder. Instead of taking an attitude of "this technology will allow us to make the same amount of product for less time and money, giving the employees more free time and less stress," companies take the attiude of "this technology will allow us to make more product and maximize our profits." Greed strikes again. ;) God, I hope the Zeitgeists get there way...

wow. you're right.
kindergarten entrance exams
thats just stupid.

In answer to the OP, no, it isn't worth it, not in my opinion.

my opinion is split into 2 sides:

-some things no: alot of people would consider alot of the things you listed as luxuries such as better food, fancy furniture, going out to clubs, expensive clothes and so on. In my opinion alot of people get into these things because they want to fit into a particular social class. I find this extremely unworth it if it takes a toll on you. If you are going to squeeze yourself into uncomfortable, expensive clothes and drag yourself out to the city late at night just to be with friends at a club and "have a good time" then i say **** no. I've done it a few times and it sucks. On many, if not all, occasions I've had to stick with my friends despite me wanting to go home because one or more of my friends were drunk and no way could they make it home themselves OR my only way home was by sticking with them as they had a car. Expensive food is also another thing. I'm not fussy, as long as i eat then im happy. in highschool a friend tried to convince me to go with him and few of his friends to a resturant but i found it unnecesary, so i just went to nice and cheap subway and he called me stingy. maybe i didn;t fit in but atleats i saved money

-however some things yes: I'm not a materialistic person but some things I just need like my electric guitars, my playstation and tv and my sony walkman. I dont buy these just to fit in with a group, or because its considered cool. I love these things because it keeps me busy, it is fun, it improves certain aspects of me (playing games improves hand eye coordination :D) and also it just makes me forget about the bull**** i have to deal with in life such as stress from near due assignments, upcoming tests, angry parents, friends trying to pressure me into doing things i dont want to etc. these things dont take a toll on me but I do have to devote my precious time to them, time that could be used doing study or finishing work, but it's defenetily worth it.

well, that's just my opinion.

It's not worth working under high stress conditions to have the assorted luxuries one might desire.

The problem really is a simple one. First, find a job that you love, with bosses you can tolerate. Loving your boss is not a requirement. They might be ayskxawng, but if you love your job and you have reasonable working conditions, count your blessings.

THEN get the bling. Moderation is best. Get needs first, then reward yourself for doing a good job, being secure....or just plain for being alive. Make the possessions work for you, don't work for the possessions.

There is an order to things. Violate the order, even within our modern gotta-have-it-all society, and no amount of material booty will make you happy or relieve your stress.

That said, I must add: having cool toys doesn't suck. :D

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing." - 1 Corinthians 13 :)

It is absolutely not worth it in my opinion.

As others have said, there are indeed things I need. However the only thing I can honestly think of to hand would be my guitar. I think I could be quite happy living with nothing else but that. (material posessons wise anyway)

Although it is so easy to say this when you're sat in a nice, comfortable chair at home in the warm. I still however maintain that I would be much happier without living in such conditions, however that is another debate.

In a word, no, I don't think it's worth it. Fortunately, I am finally in a position to make my life what I want it to be, within reason. :) I work for myself and while I don't make a ton of money, I'm happy with my job which means I can keep doing it and making enough to get by. I'm okay with the concept that if I want more, I'm going to have to change my lifestyle. ;)

Sadly, I know this is true for the majority of society, but I live my life in love and try to share it with those around me. It is forefront in my mind and in my day, every day. Sometimes people see it. :) Some days, that's enough to keep me doing it. :)

:shock: Say what, now? Entrance exams for kindergarten makes no kind of sense at all. :( And I hate that phrase as well...I was a victim of that and for years it tore me up, trying to fit that "ideal"...I am glad to be liberated from such nonsense now. :)

Precisely! :)