Six feet is all we need?

In Leo Tolstoy’s short story “How Much Land Does a Man Need” man’s greedy nature is put under speculation. As I read, I was reminded of Eddie Vedder’s song “Society”. The three verses of the song complete summarize and embody all that Tolstoy is expressing:

Oh it's a mystery to me.
We have a greed, with which we have agreed...
and you think you have to want more than you need...
until you have it all, you won't be free.
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When you want more than you have, you think you need...
and when you think more then you want, your thoughts begin to bleed.
I think I need to find a bigger place...
cause when you have more than you think, you need more space.
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There's those thinkin' more or less, less is more,
but if less is more, how you keepin' score?
It means for every point you make, your level drops.
Kinda like you're startin' from the top...
and you can't do that.

In order to understand what Tolstoy is saying, first one must distinguish the difference between a need and a want. There are very few material items which we need to survive. However we tend to confuse our needs with the desire to acquire material items for the believed purpose of self-fulfillment. “I need to have at least 20 different pairs of shoes.” Or “I need to own the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera.” when in reality, owning these items will not bring the true, internal happiness many seek. Temporary pleasure yes, however the “need” and greed to always get more is never ending. Because the capacity of the human mind is limitless, our desires therefore are also limitless. In essence, we will be in a perpetual state of wanting more in the hopes of achieving personal satisfaction. As Tolstoy pointed out, the more you allow greed to consume you, the harder it will be to find happiness. 

“You often earn more than you need, you are very likely to lose all you have.” - Leo Tolstoy

However, I should point out that there is nothing wrong with wanting to be successful and own nice things. Our society is based around the concept of achieving and acquiring. It is all about finding a balance between these superficial objects and yourself. You should not allow these material things to define your life and its meaning.

Think about it, how much of what you own now do you really need?

Happy Trails.