The Modern Trap: Finding True Happiness Beyond Materialism" by Marsen Riram

My name is Marsen Riram, and I come from a small, lower middle-class family. Growing up, I had various experiences shaped by the environment around me. Many of my friends had bikes, cars, and expensive phones (Materialistic things), and I found myself wanting the same. I once demanded an iPhone from my parents, who have always provided me with everything I asked for. While it may not be a big deal for those who have grown up in fortunate families, for me, it was significant. I now realize that this wasn’t something I truly needed; it was simply a desire born from the materialistic environment I was exposed to.

At the time, I thought having an expensive phone would make me look good or feel successful. But today, I understand that my happiness doesn’t lie in these material things. Looking back, I never truly considered how hard my parents worked to fulfill my requests, and I now regret how their hard-earned money was spent on something that didn’t bring me true happiness or lasting fulfillment. But now I realise that My happiness is not in possessions, but some how I feel about being myself and my family. Till today I have never expressed how I feel about my parent but I truly admire my mummy and daddy, not because they have done something great in their life but because what they have taught me to be in my life. I know I'm not done yet but till today what I am is because of my parents.

As a student in an era dominated by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and social media, I’ve witnessed how easy it is to fall into the trap of valuing materialism over true contentment. This is the main reason I’m writing this blog—to reflect on how technology and materialism have shaped our lives and how we often lose sight of what really matters.

In our modern world, we are bombarded with distractions that prevent us from living in the present moment. Technology has its benefits, but it often leads us to focus on the past or future, rather than embracing the present. As Matshona Dhliwayo wisely said, "One who looks around him is intelligent, but who looks within him is wise." I now see the importance of looking inward, finding peace within ourselves, and understanding that true happiness is not dependent on external achievements or possessions.

Through this journey, I’ve also been inspired by the book I recently read Don't Believe Everything You Think, which explores the nature of psychological suffering and provides insights into how we can free ourselves from negative thought cycles. The book teaches us how to detach from materialism, embrace love and joy, and tap into our inner wisdom. It emphasizes that happiness comes from within, not from the things we own. Like (Likes, Followers, Phone, car, bike and many more)

At last, I would like to say that the technology and material success are important aspects of modern life, but they should not define us. True success is not measured by material gains or external validation, but by the peace and contentment we feel within ourselves. Please don’t make the mistake that I made—happiness is within you, not with what you want. It’s time to focus on living in the present, appreciating who we are, and finding happiness in being true to ourselves.

"There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so" WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

-By Marsen Riram