The underlying psychological forces contributing to the political implications of materialism and progress are deep-seated in human-being’s natural tendency towards unconsciousness. Throughout the course, contemplative practices have shown to be a positive factor in experiencing the present moment with a different attention. Materialism has stemmed from the human tendency to not accept oneself in the present moment, running to other things to find or satisfy oneself through. This is depicted through mass consumerism, product marketing, drug addiction, and other factors awakening the human race.
In Active Hope, Joanna Macy states that, “a recovering alcoholic, mentioning his fears for our world in his support group, found himself challenged with the question, ‘what are you running away from in your own life that you bring up such concerns?’” (66). The evasion from one’s own life is the central factor contributing to the perplexing chaos materialism exhibits. Because they are unsatisfied with present life, human beings employ materialism, purchasing products and service, to replenish the heart. The moment one becomes aware that the act of materialism is an attempt to escape life, he or she will realize, the short-lived satisfaction of material will never suffice, and thus will lead to contemplative existence and clarity within oneself. The new understanding of the usage of materialism will, consequently, transform the intention of materialism throughout the upcoming decades, creating positive progressive in the biophysical dimensions.
This shift in intention behind materialism will consequently affect the political progress we are making as a nation, as a world, and as a planet. It is clear that modern and contemporary materialism has led to negative progress. Macy notes that in “the twentieth century, global consumption of fossil fuels increased twenty-fold. Oil has been our dominant fuel, and we are now consuming more than 80 million barrels a day. If we continue at this rate, we will use up available supplies within a few decades” (19). While the process of change has always existed with the need to progress as a society, this illustration puts the intention behind progress at the serious question of necessity.
