Materialism is a piece of Consumerism, the idea that was sold to Americans (and probably other First World Countries) by rich business men who wanted to make more money. This is where Keeping Up With The Jones' mentality is born as well. People are natural competitors and these Rich People used that nugget to get richer.
Minimalism is when you are fine living with the bare necessities. For years, I lived with a bed, a couple books, a Walkman radio, and a couple sets of clothes. I had very little, and actually found that this simpler, less cluttered life, I was happier. There were less distractions, and less competition for my time. I also found that I was more social, and tended to hang out with people and talk over a coffee or tea.
Materialism is a cancer. I think that People are starting to wake up from the propaganda, especially Gen Z (A bunch of smart people, they are!) Then again, with all the
lacking going on in America, most people are barely just making ends meet with rent and utilities, and getting back and forth to work. I think the idea of Materialism is dying because most people, just don't have the money to spend on all this
junk anymore.
Today, I live a life of slightly more than Minimalism. Yes, I have vast collection of books that I'm interested in, but it's mostly digital. I have a computer (do I really need it? No, but it gives me options for creating the life that I want [employment]). I have a bunch of kitchen appliances, that I use weekly. I basically have a rule before I spend money:
Will I use this several times a week? If the answer is no, then I'll live without it.
Ironically, I'm finding that I've applied this test to getting health insurance. Is spending $200+ per month really worth it for me... especially when you consider that you still have to PAY just to see the doctor, on top of that monthly FEE? No thanks. I'm really struggling with having to find new health insurance.