Doing a Dictionary search on this word, i found out a very not so simple explanation for this term.
"preoccupation with or emphasis on material objects, comforts, and considerations, with a disinterest in or rejection of spiritual, intellectual, or cultural values"
Though i do agree with the first part of the explanation about wanting a comfortable and achievable life, don't quite agree of it also means rejecting spiritualism. Both are different things and how? Well, read on..
Humans always desire for Comfort, Money, Growth, Fame, Power. That's the way they have been programmed to go about. While in his childhood, a person is taught to score well and get into a good college, in college he's asked to score well and get into a good Corporation, in work, he's asked to work hard and get that much needed promotion or a pay hike, He's also encouraged to switch his place of work for better better money which eventually translates into a better lifestyle and more fulfilling life. more money will attract a better marriage package(in some cases better dowry) and eventually when hes at the sunset of his professional life hes earned a big reputation in his career and made a huge stash of money worth feeding his inheritors for their lifespan
It all sounds so materialistic doesn't it? Just go through the above again and think, what has this person really obtained ? Money ? which his bad health and kids might take away from him. Power ? which someone more talented will replace him someday or Fame ? which eventually will fade away with time and age? Never did he think about Mental strength, Mental peace, a Healthy lifestyle, Lending a Helping hand out of selflessness. People around him might praise his achievements and greatness during his Obituary, but what about his own soul? Will it have peace, will it be content? He ran after things which gave him materialist comforts, But never did he think about his own spiritual contentment, his happiness. First half of his life spent in earning Money, and second half spent spending it on his Ailments. The MOTTO of life for Materialistic souls : SLOG SLOG, DIE DIE, REBIRTH SLOG SLOG DIE DIE...... it goes on.
Now take this one, A child when he grows is asked to pursue things he likes, hes forced to learn the general etiquette's of life, hes asked to chase ,HEALTH,HAPPINESS,RESPECT,KINDNESS and not MONEY, FAME, POWER. His values make him choose a different career in life, a lesser lucrative one in terms of money, but certainly less stressful and competitive. He earns well enough to take care of his family, but focuses on his core values he grew up with, Decides to open up an welfare centre for orphans and street kids by donations and bank loans. Though it does not go on to become the biggest NGO's , the person does his job silently all life. eventually when he dies, people around appreciate his noble deeds, though not as vocally as they did for the materialist's achievement's. But the person's soul rests in peace. He has done more than what his life could offer which is service to humanity, which is also service to GOD. He focused on growing his spiritual aspects in life rather than chase materialistic aspiration.
In today's world, Materialism and Spiritualism are quite debatable, A modern era that we are living in, we cannot be completely spiritual, as most of us have desires of our own. Those who choose a completely spiritual path are known as saints. The world definitely needs more of them, as we being pure materialistic souls,can at least reach out to them to get some inner relief and realise the purpose of life.
It is preoccupation with possessions, more than anything else, that prevents us from living freely and nobly. --Thoreau
