SoulPancake / Conversations / How do we scrape off the superficial obsessions of our generation?

Jump into a Conversation about Life's' Big Questions

GinsLikesPancakes

- 3 years ago

Feature
0
Like
Follow

How do we scrape off the superficial obsessions of our generation?

Okay I take it back, it's not just our generation. People in general are so obsessed with materialism. Having the right status symbols and looking just right. I try and talk to some of my friends, have deep conversations that have a point besides he says she says nonsense. It's really, really hard. So many people don't care, or don't want to take the time to think. It's frustrating...

Recent Discussed Liked

First level responses second level responses

I am not sure which generation you are refering to, but yes in general it is a human condition. I am 48 and have the exact same complaint. Sorry, but so far my best friends are books and now the computer. I have found a couple of I called "authenic" people whose intention in life is to fulfill their highest potential concerning humanity not money. But I too have mostly find people who want to talk about the weather and issues they know little to nothing about...Maybe to some extent people are just "lazy"??? or maybe they did not come here to do what we are doing....I call myself a philosopher these days because not everyone is....

My formula for freedom for materialism: 1) Read as much as you can, about anything and everything. Get to know the universe and your place in it. You'll eventually get your priorities straight. 2) TURN OFF THE TV. Now. You DON'T need a Sham-Wow. 3) Go outside once in a while. See as many sunrises and sunsets as you can. Get dirty. It's all free of charge!! 4) Listen to as much music as you can, of every kind. You can learn a lot about a culture through its music. 5) Treat everyone with respect, even if you don't think they deserve it.

I agree with the questioner and find that it is disheartening the degree that people are consumed with the material. I live in L.A. so sometimes I think it might be different other places.... And I could not agree more with the post prior to mine: read Eckhart Tolle!!

I suggest that you read 'A New Earth' by Eckhart Tolle and also recommend it to those friends because the materialism, the looks, the body, the superiority of one, really doesn't matter... It really doesn't... People made it matter but it really shouldn't... It has caused the world to be the way it is today.

This is one plus side of the economic meltdown. A lot people are starting to figure out that they are not their stuff, and I imagine it's quite a relief. Regarding 2012, which has been mentioned a few times on the site, I have a feeling this may be the first sprout of a widespread change that is going to take hold. Don't worry. If you are a thinker and a lot of your friends are not, it's only a matter of time before they fade away (or you fade away from them) and thinkers show up in your life to take their place. Eventually, you will become irrevocably dissatisfied with the status quo. That has been my experience, anyway.

Like Gandi said "You must be the change you want to see in the world" And this my friend is that you ONLY can control what you think what you do that it.

I agree acceptance is the key. I would point out, however, that you can't MAKE anyone change their minds. You can't make anyone do anything. Live by your truth, but remain open to the possibility you could be wrong. We're all here to teach and learn from one another. Don't give up on your friends. When they are ready, they will be open to considering the deeper questions. Maenwhile, keep searching, keep opening doors to discussion. :)

Acceptance is key. There will always be people that are concerned with superficial things and there have always been those people throughout history. Treat them no different because there is a time and a place for those ideals. A lot of people fear the truth therefore they run from it. The question is how can you make people take a hard look at reality. Some can't handle it and would rather live in superficial world. For those who need the truth like oxygen and water: Forsake not the assembly of yourselves. To gather with like minded people, or discuss deep issues on soul-pancake LOL we show the world there is nothing to be afraid of. The truth hurts but it's a good pain, a growing pain that allows us to become stronger, and enables us to take a different look at what's important for the moment, and what will always be important to humanity.

GinsLikesPancakes you are not alone! Thats why I thank God for this site it came just right in the nick of time.. I was about to lose my mind. Everywhere I go people would prefer to talk about nonsense rather than God. I bring God up and they look at me like "wow." How the world has changed. Sometimes I think i was supposed to be born in back in the day... I'd rather be on the mass knowledge discovery spree- than a shopping spree personally.

I have a tendency to surround myself with people who are a good balance of deep and flippant. Just remember that one is not necessarily better than the other, it is a matter of preference. It sounds from the way you phrased your question that you see deep as inherently better but when you think about it it is just another outlook. Don't be so quick to dismiss those people but don't be afraid to find people who enjoy discussing the ineffable. Each has something to offer you, I guarantee it.

that picture grosses me out... as for the question, you can't make people care, and you can't make people think, and you can't stop uncaring, thoughtless people from reproducing more useless, self-focused people. So, I guess just try to hope there's some kind of universal karma and balance, and don't stress out about it. You'll find people that're wiling to discuss this stuff eventually, and until then, you have SoulPancake.

@GinsLikesPancakes

Follow Message

SoulPancake

GinsLikesPancakes

How do we scrape off the superficial obsessions of our generation?

Hummingbird

Hooflungpoo

nikola6

I agree with the questioner and find that it is disheartening the degree that people are consumed with the material. I live in L.A. so sometimes I think it might be different other places.... And I could not agree more with the post prior to mine: read Eckhart Tolle!!

GCollins

SharonM

lnow

Like Gandi said "You must be the change you want to see in the world" And this my friend is that you ONLY can control what you think what you do that it.

BlueCrayon

shahidah

saralee09

Pantheran

guttagcw

How do we scrape off the superficial obsessions of our generation?

I agree with the questioner and find that it is disheartening the degree that people are consumed with the material. I live in L.A. so sometimes I think it might be different other places.... And I could not agree more with the post prior to mine: read Eckhart Tolle!!

Like Gandi said "You must be the change you want to see in the world" And this my friend is that you ONLY can control what you think what you do that it.

What's Next?