Summary

The website content argues that the pursuit and display of luxury, such as expensive homes and yachts, is a detrimental force in society, contributing to inequality, resource waste, and personal unhappiness.

Abstract

The article "How Luxury Kills Our Society And Planet" presents a critical view of luxury consumption, suggesting that it is emblematic of the deep-seated issues plaguing society and the environment. It posits that while luxury items are often seen as symbols of success, they are actually indicators of greed and indifference towards the future of society and the planet. The author points out that the wealthy, despite their material abundance, often struggle with happiness and mental health, relying on medication and therapy. Moreover, the production and maintenance of luxury goods exploit workers, including children, and deplete resources that could be used for societal benefits like affordable housing, hospitals, and schools. The article emphasizes that the construction of luxury homes and yachts is a vulgar display of wealth and an unethical use of space and resources. It calls for a reevaluation of societal values, advocating for a shift towards frugality, sustainability, and a new definition of success and happiness that is not rooted in materialism.

Opinions

Luxury items are seen as a measure of success in society, but this measure is shallow and unfulfilling.
The wealthy, despite their affluence, often suffer from unhappiness and require psychological intervention.
Luxury consumption drives inequality, gentrification, and exploitation of workers, including children, often in hazardous conditions.
The construction of luxury homes and yachts wastefully uses resources that could serve the broader societal needs.
Luxury is a symbol of privilege and excess, which is morally questionable in a world where many lack basic needs.
The pursuit of luxury leads to a cycle of stress and dissatisfaction, as the rich constantly strive to maintain and acquire more expensive goods.
A simpler, more sustainable lifestyle can lead to greater contentment and free up time for more meaningful experiences.
The author advocates for a societal shift away from materialism towards a more ethical and fulfilling measure of success.

How Luxury Kills Our Society And Planet

Luxury is the signature of what is wrong with our society and our planet. It is time to change that.

It is hard to miss the number of luxury homes and yachts that seem to sprout up all over our planet. Yes, they still are.

They are often touted as a sign of wealth and success, but what they represent is greed and a lack of concern for the future of our society and our planet.

My friends in the United States frequently contact me to boast about how they bought a $1.5 million home or her husband’s sister is purchasing a $7 million mansion, and so on. And how she is disappointed, because of how good and successful life his sister has and they are the failures affording only the 1.5 million home, not the 7 one.

They buy everything luxurious; from luxury homes to luxury brands, expensive jewelry; you name it. But there is still something missing, and they are not happy.

Our society measures success and happiness by how materialistic you are.

Which proves nothing because despite their filthy wealth and luxury surrounding them, none of my millionaire acquaintances are happy.

How do I know?

All of them, I repeat, all of them are on Prozac, or have a therapist.

Does a happy person need a therapist?

In my understanding, no. I only need a glass of wine, a good friend, and little tapas.

Those luxury millionaires are at the highest pedestal in our society, but they are truly screwed up.

Luxury destroys planet resources

But not only they are the ones who suffer, others suffer, too. Luxury creates inequality.

Luxury structures promote gentrification by pushing out the middle and lower classes into the fringes of society.

Luxury items are expensive to produce, and those who can’t afford them, meaning workers ( incl.children) are exploited, and work in dangerous conditions to create your Cartier ring or design your new iPhone 20 (it isn’t on the market, yet, but soon will be) in the Congo’s forests.

Last night I saw Captain Fantastic, a film about a father who raised his children in nature and opposed the establishment before becoming disillusioned with capitalism and American life. His daughter says in one scene while they are staying at their wealthy grandfather mansion property:

“Dad, we aren’t going home?

“No,” dad answered.

“I am not staying here. This house is a vulgar display of wealth. And unethical use of space.”

I remember the book Secret, the first time I watched it, I asked myself.

OMG, such a shallow shit. How can anyone fall for it?

People may have odd desires and aspirations.. Is the $5,000 lamp really capable of making you happy?

I have one for 3 Euros and I am very content.

Do you really need the Ferrari, or the million dollar mansion?

For me a tiny eco-home or 400sqft is enough, with an old clunker.

Abundance and prosperity aren’t infinite or limitless. You are always taking from someone.

Luxury homes and yachts are built using precious resources that could be better put to use elsewhere.

The construction of a single luxury home can use enough concrete to build an entire neighborhood of affordable housing.

Yachts require large amounts of steel, aluminum, and other materials, all of which could build things that would benefit society, like hospitals and schools.

But even beyond resources, there is the matter of what these luxury items represent.

Luxury symbol of privilage

They are a symbol of excess and privilege, while many people in our world do not have access to basic needs like food, clean water, and healthcare. In a world where so many people are struggling, it is morally wrong to build luxury homes and yachts while others go without.

It is time to rethink our priorities and put people and the planet before greed. We should focus on building things that will benefit society, not just a privileged few.

As I mentioned, no one is satisfied in the end. The rich aren’t happy. Imagine all the work and stress you’ll have to put into maintaining and pursuing your expensive toys and goods.

I need 2000 Euros a month and my rich friends in America need $25k a month and that is still not enough for them. We are a family of 3 and they are a family of 4.

Even here on Medium, I see many articles on how to make $10k a month.

Why do you need so much?

I am happy with $1k which I work for 20 hours a week, and the rest I am off.

I have a lot of free time which means wealth to me.

But luxury steals your time. Materialistic life is boring and empty.

Frugality and sustainability gives you time back.

In conclusion, luxury homes and yachts are the signatures of what is wrong with our society, and it is time to change that.

They represent greed and a lack of concern for the future of our society and our planet. We need to find a new way to measure success and happiness, one that is not based on materialism.