Waldorf News

The High Price of Materialism

By Tim Kasser

Scientists have found that materialistic values and pro-social values are like a see-saw. As materialistic values go up, pro-social values tend to go down. This helps explain why people act in less empathic, generous and cooperative ways when money is on their minds.

When people are under the sway of materialism, they also focus less on caring for the Earth. The same type of see-saw is at work here. As materialistic values go up, concern for nature tends to go down.

Intrinsic values not only promote personal, social and ecological well-being, but can also act to immunize people against materialism. It’s that see-saw again. As intrinsic values go up, materialism tends to go down.

Build a life that expresses your intrinsic values. Spend more time with people you care about, finding meaningful work, volunteering for causes that you care about. But change in our lifestyles isn’t enough. We also need to advocate for policies that promote intrinsic values. Recognize that well-being and a sense of community are necessary parts of policies that truly encourage intrinsic values.