Age Quote by Alain de Botton
“The materialistic view of happiness of our age starkly revealed in our understanding of the word "luxury.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Architecture of Happiness, Alain de Botton, 2006
Modern happiness is often linked to material luxury, revealing a shallow pursuit of fulfillment.
In simple terms: Happiness tied to materialism is shallow.
Key Takeaway
Reevaluate what truly brings joy.
Themes
consumerism
materialism
fulfillment
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- shopping habits
- career choices
- lifestyle design
- financial planning
Key Concepts
philosophy
economics
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you equate possessions with happiness?
- What non‑material sources of joy could you prioritize?
A Different Perspective
Luxury can distract from deeper, lasting satisfaction.
![“Luxury is dangerous to people who have never known it and to whom its temptations are held out too suddenly. [...] Just as the advantage of culture is that it enables you to talk nonsense with distinction, so the habit of luxury allows you to regard its frills and furbelows with a proper…” quote by W. Somerset Maugham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d8/w-somerset-maugham-237_quote_luxury-is-dangerous-to-people-who-have-n_1262444.jpg)
