An Excess of Materialism and Scientism
In the modern era, particularly since the Industrial Revolution, society has increasingly embraced materialism and scientism. Materialism posits that physical matter is the only reality, leading individuals to prioritize tangible assets and wealth accumulation over intangible values such as wisdom, compassion, and spiritual growth. Scientism extends this perspective by asserting that empirical science is the ultimate path to knowledge, often dismissing philosophical inquiry and spiritual experiences as irrelevant or unscientific. This cultural shift has resulted in a worldview where success is predominantly measured by financial prosperity and material possessions, overshadowing deeper existential questions about purpose, meaning, and the nature of human existence.
The materialistic paradigm has become so entrenched that even our language reflects this shift—we speak of “spending” time rather than “living” it, of “investing” in relationships rather than nurturing them, and of human “resources” rather than human beings. This commodification of existence has infiltrated nearly every aspect of contemporary life, from education to healthcare, from art to interpersonal relationships.
Having Rather Than Being
The consequences of this materialistic mindset are profound. Individuals often find themselves trapped in a cycle of consumption—constantly seeking satisfaction through external means while neglecting their inner lives. The relentless pursuit of work, money, and status can lead to feelings of emptiness and disconnection from oneself and others. As philosopher Erich Fromm noted in “To Have or To Be?“, modern society’s focus on having rather than being fosters alienation and dissatisfaction.
This preoccupation with acquisition manifests in the phenomenon of “hedonic adaptation”—the tendency to quickly return to a baseline level of happiness despite major positive or negative life changes. A person buys a new car or home and experiences a brief surge of satisfaction, only to find themselves yearning for the next acquisition within weeks or months. This psychological treadmill creates an insatiable hunger that no material possession can permanently satisfy, leaving individuals perpetually chasing the next fleeting moment of pleasure rather than cultivating enduring contentment.
The Human Need for Higher Meaning
Human beings possess an innate drive to seek meaning beyond mere survival or material gain. This quest for meaning is deeply rooted in our consciousness; it reflects our capacity for self-awareness and introspection. Ancient philosophical traditions have long recognized this need. For instance, Aristotle emphasized the concept of eudaimonia—often translated as “flourishing” or “the good life”—which encompasses not just happiness but also virtue, purpose, and fulfillment.
This search for meaning manifests across cultures and throughout history. From the Aboriginal Dreamtime stories that connect people to their ancestral lands, to the Japanese concept of ikigai (a reason for being), to the African philosophy of ubuntu (I am because we are), humans consistently create frameworks that transcend material existence and place individual lives within a larger, meaningful context. These diverse traditions share a common understanding: that a life devoid of purpose beyond consumption and physical comfort is fundamentally unsatisfying to the human spirit.
Uncertainty and Dissatisfaction Are Part of Life
Moreover, existential philosophers like Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche explored the importance of individual meaning-making in a world that can seem chaotic or indifferent. They argued that confronting life’s inherent uncertainties allows individuals to forge their own paths toward authenticity. When people focus solely on external achievements without addressing these higher existential needs, they may experience a profound sense of dissatisfaction—a phenomenon supported by psychological theories such as Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
This existential discomfort—what philosophers call “angst”—is not merely a problem to be solved but rather a fundamental aspect of human existence to be embraced. It is precisely in wrestling with uncertainty that we discover our capacity for courage, creativity, and genuine choice. Viktor Frankl, psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, observed that those who survived the concentration camps were often not the physically strongest but those who maintained a sense of purpose and meaning despite unimaginable suffering. His logotherapy approach suggests that the primary motivational force in humans is not pleasure or power, but the search for meaning, even—or especially—in the face of unavoidable suffering.
Surviving Is not the Only Purpose
Maslow proposed that once basic physiological (food, shelter) and safety needs are met, individuals seek higher-level needs such as love/belonging, esteem, and ultimately self-actualization—the realization of one’s potential. Without engaging with these higher needs through philosophical inquiry or spiritual practice, many may feel an existential void that cannot be filled by material possessions alone.
This void manifests in various cultural phenomena: the surge in mental health issues despite unprecedented material prosperity in developed nations; the paradoxical increase in loneliness despite hyperconnectivity through technology; the rise of “diseases of despair” like addiction, depression, and suicide in affluent societies. These trends suggest that material abundance, while necessary for basic well-being, is insufficient for human flourishing. As the Dalai Lama once remarked, “Material success may solve some problems, but it also creates new ones”.
Challenges Faced by Younger Generations
Today’s youth face a multitude of unique challenges as they navigate a social landscape increasingly dominated by technology and its often dehumanizing use. One of the most pressing issues is the transformation of educational systems, which have begun to resemble businesses more than institutions dedicated to fostering holistic human development. This shift prioritizes efficiency and productivity, usually at the expense of nurturing critical thinkers or compassionate individuals. In this environment, students are frequently subjected to standardized testing regimes that emphasize rote memorization and regurgitation of facts over creativity, innovation, and philosophical exploration. While these assessments may measure academic performance in a narrow sense, they do not account for essential skills such as problem-solving, emotional intelligence, or ethical reasoning.
The modern education system often treats students as future economic units rather than developing humans with multifaceted potential. The arts, humanities, and physical education—subjects that historically cultivated creativity, emotional intelligence, and bodily awareness—are increasingly marginalized in favor of STEM fields that promise greater economic returns. While technological literacy is undoubtedly important, this imbalanced approach creates graduates who may be technically proficient but philosophically impoverished—capable of building complex systems without adequately considering their ethical implications or broader impact on human flourishing.
Lack of Ethical and Moral References
As a result of this educational paradigm, many young people experience a disconnection from traditional sources of wisdom that have historically provided frameworks for understanding human existence. Literature, philosophy, and spirituality—fields that encourage deep reflection on life’s fundamental questions—are often sidelined in favor of curricula focused solely on vocational training or test preparation. This lack of engagement with profound intellectual traditions can leave students ill-equipped to grapple with complex moral dilemmas or to cultivate a nuanced understanding of their own values and beliefs.
Consider how rarely modern education addresses questions that have preoccupied humanity for millennia: What constitutes a good life? What are our obligations to others? How should we relate to the natural world? What is the nature of justice? Without exposure to these foundational inquiries, young people may default to the prevailing cultural values of consumerism and individualism without critically examining their validity or consequences. The result is a generation that may be technically skilled but ethically adrift, lacking the philosophical tools to navigate an increasingly complex moral landscape.
Elders Are no Longer Guides
Moreover, the absence of mentorship from elders who once embodied these teachings further exacerbates this issue. In many cultures today, the role of elder mentors has diminished significantly, as well as their number; young people may find themselves without guidance from those who possess life experiences rich in wisdom and insight. Consequently, they may struggle to develop coherent worldviews that effectively integrate material ambitions with spiritual fulfillment. This disconnect can lead to feelings of isolation and confusion as they attempt to reconcile societal expectations with their inner desires for meaning and purpose.
Traditional societies often featured structured relationships between elders and youth, from apprenticeships to storytelling traditions to formal rites of passage. These practices transmitted not just practical skills but also cultural values, ethical frameworks, and spiritual perspectives. In contemporary societies, these intergenerational bonds have largely been replaced by peer relationships and digital influences, leaving young people to navigate life’s complexities without the benefit of accumulated wisdom. The acceleration of technological and social change has further widened this gap, as older generations’ experiences may seem increasingly irrelevant to the challenges faced by today’s youth.
Appearing Rather Than Being
As if that were not enough, social media amplifies feelings of inadequacy among youth by promoting unrealistic standards based on curated lifestyles rather than authentic experiences. As they navigate these pressures without guidance from past wisdom traditions—such as Stoicism‘s emphasis on resilience or Buddhism‘s focus on mindfulness—they may find themselves adrift in a sea of superficiality.
The digital realm has created a new ontological category—the virtual self—that exists alongside the physical and inner self. This virtual persona is often carefully crafted to elicit approval rather than to express authentic being. Young people now navigate multiple identities across various platforms, each with its own expectations and performative demands. This fragmentation of self can lead to what psychologists call “identity diffusion”—a state where individuals lack a coherent sense of who they are across different contexts. Without philosophical frameworks to integrate these disparate aspects of identity, many young people experience profound existential uncertainty and anxiety.
Spirituality as Reconnection With the Soul
The Western Philosophical Perspective
Spirituality serves as a profound pathway for individuals seeking to reconnect with their souls, a concept deeply rooted in various ancient philosophies and traditions. The notion of the soul has been a central theme in many philosophical discourses throughout history. For instance, Plato, one of the most influential philosophers of Western thought, extensively explored the idea of the soul’s immortality in his dialogues, particularly in “Phaedo”. In this work, he articulates that the soul embarks on a journey toward truth and goodness that transcends earthly concerns and material existence. This philosophical framework posits that understanding one’s soul is essential for achieving true knowledge and virtue.
The Platonic concept of anamnesis—the idea that learning is actually a process of remembering truths that the soul already knows—suggests that spiritual insight involves looking inward rather than merely accumulating external information. This perspective was later developed by Neoplatonists like Plotinus, who described the soul’s journey as an ascent from the material world toward union with the divine. Similarly, Augustine of Hippo, blending Platonic philosophy with Christian theology, explored the soul’s restlessness and its yearning for connection with God: “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”
The Eastern Transcendental Point of View
Similarly, Eastern philosophies such as Hinduism and Taoism present spirituality as a means to transcend physical limitations and gain insight into one’s true nature. Hinduism teaches about the Atman, or the true self, which is eternal and beyond physical form. Likewise, Taoism emphasizes harmony with the Tao—the fundamental principle that underlies and unites all things—encouraging individuals to recognize their interconnectedness with the universe. Both traditions advocate for practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and self-reflection to facilitate this reconnection.
The Buddhist concept of anatta or “no-self” offers a fascinating counterpoint to Western conceptions of the soul. Rather than positing an eternal, unchanging essence, Buddhism suggests that what we experience as “self” is actually a collection of constantly changing processes. Spiritual awakening involves recognizing this impermanence and interdependence, leading to liberation from suffering. This perspective doesn’t negate the importance of spiritual reconnection but reframes it as awakening to the true nature of reality rather than discovering a discrete, eternal soul.
Body and Mind, but Also Soul and Spirit
Reconnecting with one’s soul involves a profound recognition that while we inhabit physical bodies subject to worldly concerns—such as financial stability or social status—our essence transcends these limitations. This realization fosters a sense of freedom associated with understanding our immortal nature; it encourages individuals to look beyond transient pleasures towards lasting fulfillment derived from inner peace and meaningful connections with others. By engaging in spiritual practices that promote self-awareness and introspection, individuals can cultivate a deeper comprehension of themselves and their place within the broader tapestry of existence.
The dichotomy between body and soul is not necessarily one of opposition but rather of integration and harmony. Indigenous wisdom traditions often emphasize the interconnectedness of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of being. The Lakota concept of “Mitakuye Oyasin” (we are all related) and the Maori understanding of “mauri” (life force) suggest that spiritual reconnection involves recognizing oneself as part of a living, interconnected whole rather than as an isolated individual. This perspective offers a counterbalance to the fragmentation and alienation characteristic of modern materialistic society.
Practices such as meditation, mindfulness, yoga, or contemplative prayer serve as tools for this reconnection process; they allow individuals to cultivate awareness of their thoughts and emotions while fostering compassion toward themselves and others. Engaging with philosophical texts can also stimulate critical thinking about life’s fundamental questions—encouraging deeper reflection on personal values aligned with one’s authentic self.
These practices work not through magical thinking but through neurological and psychological mechanisms that modern science is beginning to understand. Meditation, for instance, has been shown to alter brain structure and function, enhancing attention, emotional regulation, and empathy. Contemplative reading of philosophical texts activates neural networks associated with self-reflection and perspective-taking. What ancient traditions described as soul-work can now be partially understood as the cultivation of neural pathways that support integrated, meaningful experience.
Conclusion: A Call for Philosophical Inquiry
In conclusion, philosophical and spiritual research is more crucial than ever in countering the pervasive materialistic and technocentric mindset prevalent in contemporary society. This journey enriches personal lives while contributing positively to society by fostering compassionate relationships grounded in shared human experiences rather than competition over material wealth alone. As we navigate an increasingly complex world filled with distractions focused on consumption and technological illusions rather than contemplation, it becomes imperative for both individuals and communities alike, to prioritize philosophical inquiry alongside scientific advancements, ensuring that humanity does not lose sight of its most profound questions regarding existence itself.
The integration of philosophical and spiritual perspectives into education, healthcare, urban planning, environmental policy, and technological development could transform these domains from their current materialistic orientation toward a more holistic approach that honors the multidimensional nature of human experience. Schools could cultivate wisdom alongside knowledge, healthcare systems could address existential suffering alongside physical ailments, cities could be designed to facilitate community and contemplation rather than merely consumption and transportation, environmental policies could recognize the spiritual dimension of our relationship with nature, and technology could be developed to enhance rather than diminish human connection and meaning.
MINI SELF-ASSESSMENT TEST: DO YOU HAVE A PHILOSOPHICAL MIND?
The philosophical quest is driven by two fundamental principles: curiosity and the need to know. Philosophers are compelled by an insatiable appetite for knowledge and are conscious of the fact that the pursuit of truth is an ongoing process. What about you?
Read the sentences below and select the ones you agree with and that you think make the most sense.
Count the number of checked boxes and read the corresponding profile.
0: Your mind is anti-philosophical
1-2: Your mind is unphilosophical
3-4: Your mind is prone to philosophy
5-6: You are a true philosopher
MINI SELF-ADMINISTERED TEST: ARE YOU A SPIRITUAL PERSON?
Let’s see if you have an ethereal, transcendental side, or if you are completely absorbed by the material world and its logic. In short, do you know how to take care of your soul as well?
Review the following statements and check the ones you agree with and consider best aligned with your perspective.
Count the number of checked boxes and read the corresponding profile.
0: You are not spiritual at all
1-2: You are hardly spiritual
3-4: You are quite spiritual
5-6: You are very spiritual
