Life Through The Lens of Capitalism — How Materialism Steals Our Joy
Capitalism, as the dominant economic system of our time, shapes not just how we work and consume but also how we perceive happiness, success, and the meaning of life. It is a kind of system where happiness is equated with wealth, where happiness is something to be purchased rather than experienced. The system thrives by making us believe that financial success and constant work are the only paths to fulfilment, leaving us with little time and energy to truly live.
In this article, I would try to explore how capitalism distorts our perception of life, why materialistic needs overshadow true happiness, and how we can reclaim the time and true priorities.
Wealth over well-being —
Under capitalism, happiness is commodified. Advertisements, social media, and corporate culture sell us the idea that happiness comes from the next purchase—a new phone, a luxury car, branded clothes. This traps us in a cycle of discontentment. When we acquire something, the system immediately presents us with something new to crave. This eventually forces us into a never-ending rat race in which work becomes the main focus of our lives instead of a means of surviving.
- The system measures your worth by your salary and possessions rather than your personal growth or your impact on society. The myth of individualism makes people blame themselves for systemic failures ("If I’m poor, it’s my fault").
- Mental health suffers as people push themselves to longer hours, sacrificing sleep, family time, and personal interests for financial insecurity.
- Wellness becomes a privilege for those who can afford gym memberships, therapy, and organic food, rather than a universal right.
- Simple pleasures such as enjoying a sunset, reading a book, having a leisurely conversation, or engaging in hobbies for their own sake become luxuries that only a few can afford.
The system rewards exploitation, overwork, and ruthless competition while dismissing well-being as a luxury or an afterthought. This relentless pursuit of wealth ensures that workers remain obedient to capitalism’s demands, constantly striving for a success that is always out of reach.
Happiness becomes a commodity —
Capitalism doesn’t just shape our perception of success; it dictates how we pursue happiness as well. It presents us with materials to buy to pursue happiness.
- Advertisements convince people that they need the latest gadgets, luxury brands, and expensive lifestyles to be happy.
- Self-worth is tied to what we own rather than who we are. A person with an expensive car is perceived as more "successful" than someone with a rich inner life.
- A vacation isn’t just a break; it’s a curated experience sold by a travel agency. A meal isn’t just sustenance; it’s a gourmet experience at an overpriced restaurant. Even personal relationships are affected, with dating apps and "self-help" industries commodifying intimacy and personal growth.
- It makes us trapped in a pursuit of material possessions and experiences, believing that each purchase will finally bring lasting contentment. However, the satisfaction is fleeting as the system constantly introduces new desires and needs.
The time trap: Work. Consume. Repeat —
In a recent interview, two Indian businessmen and CEOs suggested that Indians should work 70–90 hours a week “to build the nation.” This reflects how capitalism demands not just our labour but also our time, pushing workers to devote most of their lives to work while leaving little space for introspection, relationships, or personal fulfilment.
- The 9-to-5 (or longer in most cases) work culture drains people’s energy, making them too exhausted to enjoy life after work.
- Those who choose a slower life, prioritising peace over wealth, are often ridiculed as “lazy” or “unambitious” by the capitalist society.
- Even leisure time is shaped by capitalism; weekends become opportunities for shopping rather than rest, and vacations are marketed as luxury products rather than genuine breaks from work.
- Productivity often extends beyond working hours, interfering with our personal lives. We are constantly urged to follow strict routines and track our activities. When we fail to maintain these routines, we experience guilt and anxiety and are often labelled as "unproductive."
The concept of "free time" becomes a paradox as it is often filled with activities designed to enhance our "human capital" or prepare us for future productivity. By monopolising time, capitalism prevents people from developing alternative lifestyles that could threaten its dominance.
The fear of insecurity keeps people dependent —
Even after working for more than 8 hours a day, the capitalist system ensures that people live in constant fear of financial instability. Fear holds such a tight grip on society that people no longer dare to question it.
- Basic necessities like healthcare, education, and housing are turned into commodities rather than fundamental rights.
- The fear of losing employment discourages people from demanding better working conditions or questioning the system. The insecurity keeps people obedient.
- Debt is normalised. Student loans, mortgages, and credit card debt keep people tied to the system, preventing them from exploring alternative economic systems and ways of life.
Alienation from nature, community, and creativity —
Capitalism hinders our connection to the natural world, to each other, and even to our own hobbies. The pursuit of endless growth and meaningless happiness come at the cost of our well-being and ecological sustainability.
- Nature is commodified. Instead of being valued for their intrinsic beauty, forests, rivers, and oceans are seen as resources to be exploited. Forests become lumber, rivers become waste dumps, and animals become commodities.
- Capitalism sets workers against one another (for jobs, promotions, status) rather than fostering solidarity.
- Art, music, and writing are valued only if they generate revenue, pushing many away to abandon passions that don’t pay.
According to studies, people are happiest when they engage in cooperative work, creative expression, and time spent in nature, all of which are devalued by capitalism.
Finding joy beyond capitalism —
We deserve a world where well-being isn’t a privilege for the rich but a right for all. Because no amount of wealth is worth a life devoid of joy. True fulfilment comes from human connections, creative expression, intellectual curiosity, and a harmonious relationship with nature. We must:
- Redefine success beyond wealth, prioritising well-being, creativity, knowledge, and community.
- Foster critical thinking to dismantle the myths capitalism perpetuates.
- Create an alternative society rooted in cooperation, mutual aid, and sustainability. As social beings, we thrive in communities that uplift one another by supporting each other financially and emotionally to ensure collective well-being.
- Foster critical thinking to dismantle the myths capitalism perpetuates.
By rejecting the capitalist definition of happiness, we can reclaim life’s simple joys and build a world where well-being matters more than wealth.
Conclusion —
The capitalist lens distorts our perception of happiness, trapping us in a cycle of consumption. It convinces us that suffering is inevitable, where stress, exhaustion, and isolation are merely the “cost of living." In our pursuit of superficial happiness, we end up wasting the truly valuable moments of our lives.
We deserve a system where equality is not a privilege but a guarantee, where workers receive equal pay for equal work, enjoy job security, and are free from exploitation. A society where opportunities are accessible to all, including the LGBTQAI+ community, and where free healthcare and education are fundamental rights, not commodities. In such a world, life’s true joys, experiences, hobbies, and inner peace hold more value than consumerism. Breaking free from the capitalist mindset means redefining what truly matters and building a society that values people over profit. Such a world can only be achieved through socialism. It is only through socialism that we can create a world where fairness, dignity, and well-being come before profit.
