Being Simple Is Beautiful
In Hong Kong, the motto ‘more is better’ has been rooted in the local culture for long. Be more, have more, do more. Since almost everyone is trying to get more, you just feel like you are a loser or at a disadvantage if you don’t strive for more. But is it really good for us? The answer is of course ‘no’. On the contrary, a simple lifestyle which encourages people to reduce consumption and pursuit of luxury is more favorable.
There are numerous advantages to lead a simple life but the most crucial one is to save our environment. If we lead a simple life, we will think twice before we pay. The lesser the unnecessary products we buy, the lesser the rubbish we will produce. Moreover, it is indeed an act of protection for ourselves and even our following generations. It may prevent the earth being destroyed by the result of over-consumption, pollution, climate change and resource scarcity. If resources can be used properly, the human development will be more sustainable.
Although many people know the adverse effects of leading a materialistic life, they are unable to turn to a simple life for a combination of reasons. One of the reasons is that it is too easy to buy things nowadays. These days, purchases can be done in various ways. If people hate hanging out, they can do online shopping. If people like shopping at shops, there are various kinds of shops. Hence, people buy more and more and become materialistic in the end.
Moreover, peer pressure can be regarded as another reason. It is extremely difficult to have a simple life nowadays. People like comparing themselves with each other in every aspect of life. If somebody thinks another one’s belonging is better than his or hers, he or she may develop an inferiority. Therefore, he or she may eventually buy some “better” items to avoid feeling inferior.
So how can students resist this materialistic trend? First and foremost, it is important to stop comparing themselves with others. It is a general misconception that possessing expensive items is equivalent to being stylish and superior. Therefore, students are suggested keeping a simple mind. They had better focus on their study and avoid getting any ideas of materialism through various media.
All in all, leading a simple life is important to everybody. It is a right value of living. Before you buy anything, please ask yourself - do I really need this?
Let’s start the simple life together!