Interesting quotes
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Reviewing a vast array of research studies across the world, American psychologist Tim Kasser of Knox College, reports
"Existing scientific research on the value of materialism yields clear and consistent findings. People who are highly focused on materialistic values have lower personal well-being and psychological health than those who believe that materialistic pursuits are relatively unimportant. These relationships have been documented in samples of people ranging from the wealthy to the poor, from teenagers to the elderly, and from Australians to South Koreans." (Kasser, The High Price Of Materialism, MIT Press, 2002, p.22)
Kasser adds
"Almost everyone believes that getting what you want makes you feel good about yourself and your life. Common wisdom, as well as many psychological theories, says that if we reach our goals, our self-esteem and satisfaction with life should consequently rise..." However "people who are wildly successful in their attempts to attain money and status often remain unfulfiled once they have reached their goal." (p.42)
Martin Seligman, Professor of Psychology at Pennsylvania University adds
"In the laboratory, children and adults who are made happy display more empathy and are willing to donate more money to others in need. When we are happy, we are less self-focused, we like others more, and we want to share our good fortune even with strangers. When we are down, though, we become distrustful, turn inward, and focus defensively on our own needs. Looking out for number one is more characteristic of sadness than of well-being." (Seligman, Authentic Happiness, Nicholas Brealey, 2002, p.43)
Who says now, that Islam is not the truth?