Less Accumulation, More Meaning

Recently, I walked through a vast, nearly empty grocery store, overwhelmed by the sheer abundance surrounding me. Rows of shelves displayed twenty varieties of chips, thirty kinds of soda, and countless bottles of alcohol. The variety felt excessive and disorienting.

What unsettled me was not just the volume but the realization that much of it catered to desires we scarcely recognize. Every item seemed crafted to promise satisfaction or ease, yet the abundance felt hollow. It made me wonder how much of it truly adds value to our lives and how much is simply noise.

That store became a symbol of a broader paradox: a world saturated with choices that often leaves us unfulfilled. The issue is not the abundance itself but our disconnect from what we genuinely need. This dynamic reflects a deeper truth about human nature.

Our minds evolved in scarcity, where survival demanded constant resource-seeking. In modern times, while basic needs are often met, this drive persists, redirected toward intangible goals such as status and recognition. Abundance shifts our focus from sufficiency to comparison. We no longer ask, “Do I have enough?” but instead, “Do I have more than others?”

The ease of acquiring goods and information can create decision fatigue, while superficial connections amplify loneliness. The challenge lies in discerning what truly enriches our lives. By focusing less on accumulation and more on meaning, we can honor what we have while fulfilling our deeper need for connection and growth.