[EvertonDiehard]

While materialism defines success through the relentless accumulation of possessions, it's shallow, superficial and not long lasting.

The attachment with our belongings actually begins at childhood. Owning something as if it is a part of us begins early in life. Envy is felt once children discover that certain toys belonging to others appear more attractive and expensive than theirs. Through adolescence, people start to view personal possessions as reflecting how they would like to see themselves. Car ownership often becomes the ultimate symbol of the emerging identities of young adults who have embarked on their careers. Superficial as it may be, it is very real indeed in materialistic S'pore.