Why am I passionate about this?

I have always been the ‘observing individual’ and deeply interested in knowing the connection between mind and soul. This always led me to the question what are the roots of happiness and content? Since materialism has a strong, complex, and intricate impact on our lifestyle and choices, my observation led me to conclude that despite unparalleled access to wealth, people still struggle with concepts of serenity, peace, happiness, and contentment. This disconnect prompted me to explore the various socio-psychological dimensions of materialism. While writing this book my objective was to highlight subtle yet profound materialistic omnipresence on our life choices, often at the expense of genuine well-being. 


I wrote...

Rising Consumer Materialism: A Threat to Sustainable Happiness

By Afia Khalid, Faisal Qadeer,

Book cover of Rising Consumer Materialism: A Threat to Sustainable Happiness

What is my book about?

This book is an insightful exploration of the inescapable influence of materialism in today's society and its implications for long-term…

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The books I picked & why

The High Price of Materialism

By Tim Kasser,

Book cover of The High Price of Materialism

Afia Khalid Why did I love this book?

I read this book while I was writing an article about what we have done to ourselves. It was the first time I was reading in detail about materialism and it immediately sparked interest in the topic.

I particularly liked it because it was not just a general observation or mastery of words but rather a scientific explanation of how our contemporary culture of consumerism and materialism affects our everyday happiness and psychological health. I would recommend this book because it explains in very simple ways how materialism and consumerism undermine our quality of life. 

The High Price of Materialism

By Tim Kasser,

What is this book about?

A study of how materialism and consumerism undermine our quality of life.

In The High Price of Materialism, Tim Kasser offers a scientific explanation of how our contemporary culture of consumerism and materialism affects our everyday happiness and psychological health. Other writers have shown that once we have sufficient food, shelter, and clothing, further material gains do little to improve our well-being. Kasser goes beyond these findings to investigate how people's materialistic desires relate to their well-being. He shows that people whose values center on the accumulation of wealth or material possessions face a greater risk of unhappiness, including anxiety,…


The Materialistic World: How to Escape Materialism, Theory of Materialism, Mindful Living, Living with True Happiness

By Grace Scott,

Book cover of The Materialistic World: How to Escape Materialism, Theory of Materialism, Mindful Living, Living with True Happiness

Afia Khalid Why did I love this book?

I read this book on a friend’s recommendation and loved the way it is presented. In very relevant examples, the book establishes the way materialism has taken over us. It is a matter of time that we realize "Money can't buy happiness", and a lot of us are under the control of the media and advertising industry.

The obsession with having fancy clothes, nice cars, or bigger houses has distracted many people from being kind, friendly and respectful to each other and I have several observed this fact around in my personal and professional settings. 

The Materialistic World: How to Escape Materialism, Theory of Materialism, Mindful Living, Living with True Happiness

By Grace Scott,

What is this book about?

What's The Next Thing You Want to Buy? We all have heard of the phrase "Money can't buy happiness", but what we don't realize is a lot of us are under the control of the media and advertising industry, and have been fed by the idea that having more materialistic possessions can help you experience a much happier and a more fulfilling life. This obsession with having fancy clothes, nice cars, or bigger houses has distracted many people from being kind, friendly and respectful to each other. The materialistic mindset has also caused a large number of people to get…


Pure Simplicity: The Art of Minimalism

By Heidi Wren,

Book cover of Pure Simplicity: The Art of Minimalism

Afia Khalid Why did I love this book?

I found the book while searching online. Anything that has ‘simplicity’ in its title attracts me. I particularly feel that finding joy in simplicity is an art worth mastering in a world filled with never-ending distractions. This book does exactly the same by inviting you to embark on a journey of decluttering, both physically and mentally.

I love the concept of creating space for more with less, and the book helps me understand the principles that can help me do so. 

Pure Simplicity: The Art of Minimalism

By Heidi Wren,

What is this book about?

Are you ready to clear away your clutter and make space for what really matters? Learn how to transform your life with the power of minimalism.

Are you overwhelmed by the chaos and clutter in your life?

Do you find yourself unsure as to where and how to begin decluttering your life?

Do you desire more control over your life?

If you answered “yes” to the following, Heidi Wren’s Pure Simplicity: Mastering the Art of Minimalism is the book for you.

Finding joy in simplicity is an art worth mastering in a world filled with never-ending distractions. Pure Simplicity invites…


Hypercapitalism: The Modern Economy, Its Values and How to Change Them

By Larry Gonick, Tim Kasser,

Book cover of Hypercapitalism: The Modern Economy, Its Values and How to Change Them

Afia Khalid Why did I love this book?

Every philosophical orientation is matched by the hardcore facts that lead to it. I love this book and recommend as it is a serious discussion on how Hyper-capitalism draws from contemporary values, well-being, and consumerism that are based on corporate power, free trade, privatization, deregulation and the associated reactions developed in the system.

The profound cartoon narratives provide a deep exploration of the global economy and the movements seeking to change it. The graphics, I feel, give it a different texture and connectivity to the reader compared to other books, and the hilarious rendition takes it to another level. 

Hypercapitalism: The Modern Economy, Its Values and How to Change Them

By Larry Gonick, Tim Kasser,

What is this book about?

Bestselling 'overeducated cartoonist' Larry Gonick has delighted readers for years with sharp, digestible, and funny accounts of everything from the history of the universe to the intricacies of calculus. Now Gonick teams up with psychologist and scholar Tim Kasser to create an accessible and pointed cartoon guide to how global, privatising, market-worshiping hypercapitalism threatens human well-being, social justice, and the planet. But Gonick and Kasser don't stop at an analysis of how the economic system got out of whack - they also point the way to a healthier future.


Book cover of Stumbling on Happiness

Afia Khalid Why did I love this book?

Any book written with an imaginative undertone gets to be amongst my favorites. In this brilliant book, the foibles of imagination and illusions of foresight are discussed, which cause each of us to misconceive our tomorrows and misestimate our satisfactions.

What I really like is the penetrating insight and sparkling prose that the author has used. Moreover, the very interesting take on why we seem to know so little about the hearts and minds of the people we are about to become has a flavor of its own. Mature readers will definitely love it!

By Daniel Gilbert,

Why should I read it?

11 authors picked Stumbling on Happiness as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Bringing to life scientific research in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, philosophy, and behavioral economics, this bestselling book reveals what scientists have discovered about the uniquely human ability to imagine the future, and about our capacity to predict how much we will like it when we get there. 

• Why are lovers quicker to forgive their partners for infidelity than for leaving dirty dishes in the sink?

• Why will sighted people pay more to avoid going blind than blind people will pay to regain their sight?

• Why do dining companions insist on ordering different meals instead of getting what they…


Explore my book 😀

Rising Consumer Materialism: A Threat to Sustainable Happiness

By Afia Khalid, Faisal Qadeer,

Book cover of Rising Consumer Materialism: A Threat to Sustainable Happiness

What is my book about?

This book is an insightful exploration of the inescapable influence of materialism in today's society and its implications for long-term happiness and well-being. The book unravels the paradox in a stimulating narration of what we have done to ourselves by the relentless pursuit of wealth and belongings, leading to deterioration in true contentment and inner peace.

The interesting aspect of cultural norms, social media, and advertising plays a role in fostering a mindset focused on possessions and success puts a different lens on the discussion of materialism. The unapologetic focus not only creates consumerism pressure but also an unending cycle of desire and dissatisfaction. The book offers practical insights and suggestions for breaking free from this cycle. It advocates for a shift in values.

Book cover of The High Price of Materialism
Book cover of The Materialistic World: How to Escape Materialism, Theory of Materialism, Mindful Living, Living with True Happiness
Book cover of Pure Simplicity: The Art of Minimalism

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Today Was A Good Day: A Collection of Essays From The Heart Of A Neurosurgeon

By Edward Benzel,

Book cover of Today Was A Good Day: A Collection of Essays From The Heart Of A Neurosurgeon

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Edward Benzel Author Of Today Was A Good Day: A Collection of Essays From The Heart Of A Neurosurgeon

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Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Edward's 3 favorite reads in 2024

What is my book about?

My book is a collection of monthly Editor-in-Chief letters to the readership of World Neurosurgery, a journal that I edit. Each essay is short and sweet. The letters were written for neurosurgeons but have been re-edited so that they apply to all human beings. They cover topics such as leadership, empathy, vulnerability, stress, burnout, and on and on…. These essays are relevant for all who strive to craft a better version of themselves.

Life lessons learned by the author during his 40+ year neurosurgery career are shared and translated into real-life scenarios. Between the covers are many lessons that are…

Today Was A Good Day: A Collection of Essays From The Heart Of A Neurosurgeon

By Edward Benzel,

What is this book about?

About the Book
Today Was A Good Day: A Collection of Essays From The Heart Of A Neurosurgeon features many topics that pertain to how neurosurgeons interact with others and how each of us can use introspection to modify how we are using tools and strategies such as empathy, respect, stress management, and much more.
This book provides some insights into leadership, effective communication, and fulfillment from the perspective of a neurosurgeon, and it causes the reader to think about and consider many, many attributes of a leader.
We all want to have a good day. This book provides strategies…


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Interested in materialism, happiness, and life satisfaction?

Materialism 52 books
Happiness 355 books
Life Satisfaction 227 books