What does it mean in your personal opinion to be a Materialist? And are you a Materialist? If you are may I know the reasons why you are?

[thegreenyogi]

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

In order to be a materialist, you need to have a high priority for material things, meaning there are physical things that you will not compromise on. The best example I can give of this is both a positive and negative one.


Positive materialism is a pragmatic and finance-focused individual. They’re constantly preparing for the future with financial savings, sacrificing their present time to save for years down the line when they know being rich will make their life better. Their determination towards this goal is unique and often celebrated.


Negative materialism is things like refusing to be with your partner unless they meet a certain physical standard, and I don’t just mean sexually, I also mean romantically. If your partner gains too much weight, or if they have a debilitating accident that suddenly disables them, or they cut their hair in a way you don’t like and you contemplate leaving them alongside ignoring and avoiding them, to me that is also materialism.

[Anonymous]

A materialst isn't really about material things. I mean it entails them. But it's the belief that it somehow adds value to your life, makes you a better person.

Like for example I've had a goal of being a millionaire by the time I was 60 (a very achievable goal) being almost 50 now it's become a near mathmatical certainty that I will avhieve this goal. But this does not make me materialistic. Because to me money is nothing more than a tool, a means to an end, a necessary evil. The relationships in my life mean exponentially more to me.

Conversely I have a friend that works a lot of hrs. He has little time for his friends and loved ones. His check is always spent before he gets it because he's always bought the newest toy or gadget. I'm not criticizing him (though I do not understand the obsession) because this is what he feels gives his life meaning and value. I know whether I have 1 dollar to my name, or 1 million dollars to my name my value is basically the same. Material things and money do not make you a better person.

My friend is a materialist because he puts material things above people.

[Summeroflove]

They’re people who value material items more then they value anything else. They value it more then making connections with other human beings whether that be friends, family, romantic relationships, business relationships, etc. They value money and material things over all else.

You will notice most of their relationships are superficial in nature. Not just the romantic ones their family ones and their friendships as well. You’ll notice there are members of their own family they won’t really talk to because they don’t have money and status. Their friendships are usually a means to obtain things.

Someone whose materialistic isn’t just someone who has nice things or wants nice things. It’s someone who prioritizes it over literally everything.

[Nikki1989]

Materialists believe that matter is the fundamental reality. It goes beyond just owning or collecting countless things. It has deeper connotations.

[Kaneki05]

Someone who likes to own many things that aren't necessary? And yes I'm by that definition.

Main reason is there is lot of things I like to collect cause I like them it's not deep really.

A secondary reason is wealth, money devalues as time goes on due to inflation and while you can save money the rate of interest can be way higher on items that day by day are becoming more rare. Along with the fact there is no tax or ISA limit to the things I own. If I go up to 6000 in savings, I'll start losing money from UC so then I have to spend, therefore buying something that collectible that will retain value only makes sense

[HawkPerception]

A materialist by definition is a person who considers material possessions and physical comfort as more important than spiritual values.

I'm not so sure I agree with the spiritual connection part, but for me, it's pretty much that. I'll change it to fit my definition. A materialist is someone who values material possessions over HUMAN CONNECTION.

It's someone who values money, cars, houses, vacations, food, and just overall standard of life and luxuries in life over people.

[Staximus]

I don't need a fancy house, car, clothes, jewelry, or any of that crap. I will spend as much as I can afford to on things my life or health might depend on like brake pads, tires, knives, guns, bullets, pepper spray, medicine, home remedies, work shoes or boots, and survival stuff I might take when I go out into the middle of nowhere

[Shiprex]

I'm not because I think s materialist wasnts the latest, best fashion item without needing it.

I'm perhaps a different kind of collector that places sentimental value on things instead and tends to keep stuff longer than needed.

[glennos89]

Materialism is someone who puts value on having a shit load of money to be able to buy a shit load of material objects she really doesn't need but just wants to have

[Anonymous]

I'm not a materialist.

Materialists are people who are obsessed with this material world, and their current life.

I'm not... I'm aware that this body is just temporary, it's not who I really am.

[Panthero80]

Materialism is the opposite of spiritualism.

[cavedweller1973]

I’m not a materialist at all