Are we obsessed with having more?

Consumption has evolved beyond the mere act of purchasing items. It has become intertwined with our perception of success. We have become obsessed with acquiring more, even the things that were once pursued purely for pleasure. This change is evident when we consider the case of a record player playing Janis Joplin's "Mercedes Benz", a song that satirizes our desire for material possessions. Reflecting on this, one might wonder if we ever truly grasped the humor behind the lyrics.

Books have long been instrumental in teaching us various aspects of life, from language and expression to more abstract concepts like love, loss, and longing. However, songs have also played a crucial role in conveying these emotions. Before we had the vocabulary to articulate our feelings, artists had already encapsulated them within their melodies.

Despite our inclination towards material wealth, such as owning cars, houses, titles, and lucrative careers, there exists a significant allure in owning simple possessions that enrich our lives, such as a well-worn book or a beloved record player.

This obsession with accumulation has transcended material goods and infiltrated our pursuit of personal growth and self-improvement. Reading, once considered a leisurely activity, is now viewed as a means to become better leaders, sharper thinkers, and more employable individuals. Even the act of exercising and networking is expected to yield measurable results. It seems that even rest has become a form of productivity.

The concept of personal identity is deeply rooted in our consumption habits. We are constantly comparing ourselves to others, whether they are family members, colleagues, or neighbors. In Malaysia, this tendency is particularly pronounced, with people eagerly sharing their achievements on social media platforms. From earning higher salaries to securing promotions, Malaysians are quick to broadcast their accomplishments, often before breakfast. This incessant comparison never seems to end, leading to a perpetual cycle of wanting more.

In Malaysia, progress is measured through various metrics such as economic growth, investment, income levels, infrastructure development, and overall development. While these indicators are undoubtedly important, one must question whether true progress should be felt at the grassroots level. A decent home, access to quality education, meaningful work, affordable healthcare, and quality time spent with loved ones should also be considered as essential components of progress.

Moreover, having sufficient financial resources to enjoy life's pleasures and a retirement fund that provides security in old age are crucial aspects that should not be overlooked.

Ultimately, the question arises: does a good life need to constantly produce something? Perhaps there are certain things that should be allowed to exist solely for the purpose of enhancing our experiences and making life more fulfilling. In the spirit of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, where the hookah-smoking Caterpillar asks the poignant question, "Who are YOU?", perhaps some elements of life are meant to be enjoyed without the expectation of immediate returns.

The record player, still spinning beside me, and the charming little book about Alice remind me that the richness of life can be found in the simple pleasures, even when we are not striving for a particular outcome.