BE A '"HUMAN BEING" INSTEAD OF A "HUMAN HAVING"

[Brutal Brian]

The following article caught my interest in my online college course I am currently taking through the University of Phoenix.

 

Here it is:

BE A '"HUMAN BEING" INSTEAD OF A "HUMAN HAVING"

 

 

 

September 4, 2004

 

 

 

Johan V. Campbell

 

 

 

 

 

So often we try to create our identity with what we have, with our

possessions and our position, yet our identity is actually created by

our behavior, by what we do and more importantly by how we do what we

do. What really matters is not what you have got or the position that

you hold, but who you are and how you behave.

 

We have become a society where we tend to measure a persons status by

their possessions and their position. We no longer measure them by their

contribution to society. This has created an enormous pressure to

constantly flaunt the trappings of "success" the material things that

create the impression of status.

 

Yet the very drive to constantly acquire the trappings of "success"

creates a problem. The problem of spending money that you don't have, to

buy things that you don't need, so that you can impress people that you

don't like.

 

This leads to constant insecurity, firstly can I afford these things and

secondly, what if someone gets something bigger, better, faster,

brighter. You sacrifice your peace of mind for the illusion of material

comfort and power.

 

We have to learn to do more with less. Realise that your personality is

more important than your possessions. Realise that what you do is more

important than what you've got. Realise that how you do what you do is

more important than what you do.

 

Your actions have a greater influence on your reputation than the

position you hold or the possessions you accumulate. The one thing that

you take with you where ever you go, is you. Make sure that you are

worth taking along. Realise that all possessions and positions are

transient, here today gone tomorrow. Think of all the changes that have

already taken place in your life. The only constant is "you".

 

So choose to "Be a 'Human Being' instead of a 'Human Having'".

[Brutal Brian]

I responded with this input:

 

Ahh here is a fine case of "Easier said than done."

I agree that people should value personality and inner strength over Power and Money, but we live in a world where things are run on the almighty dollar. How many lost friendships I have had over money and how I am sickened by people who can think nothing of anyone or anything but their own shallow selves.

 

Pardon, but this article has opened up a can of worms, and I need to express the views more directly.

 

A fine shining example of Material Values is California. Look no further than the Valley, and the Plastic Surgeons that make disgusting amounts of money off of women and men who are never satisfied enough with what they have and always want more because society has decreed that we all have to be beautiful people to be in on this thing called life. Young girls are bombarded by all the waifish Barbie doll models and sexy spreads and pop stars like Britney Spears and young men are bombarded with ads for preventing hair loss, "performance" pills like Viagra(Yes young men take it), and body sprays.

 

We have become the generation of the Material and it is disgusting. I am so appalled by the images I see, that I rarely watch TV anymore and get my news from the Internet or Word of Mouth so I can get away from the commercials. Overindulgence and mass consumption are the order of the day and something needs to be done. I only wish I could come up with a logical solution.

 

Sorry for the length of this, but it just grinds my gears. Go outside and read a book sometime, it will do you good. And you just might meet someone who will value someone who can do something other than "Stand there and look cute."