i can understand that argument indeed. i, however, do believe that virtually all aspects of our current way of life is in one way or another, a certain degree of materialism. i will agree that obsession is another step, but i, and many academics feel that since that way of life depends on so many unsustainable methods of consumption, it is inherently materialistic in nature. i'll also agree that that way of life is partially driven, if not wholly driven by a desire to make those around you happy, but i think it's fair to say that it does also qualify as materialism. a fundamental change in what makes people happy is probably going to need to be addressed in the future. check out the film End of Suburbia, it's a bit doom & gloom but it's worth a shot for everyone i think.
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