Introduction
In the 21st century, humanity finds itself at a breaking point. Our pursuit of material wealth and consumption has brought about unprecedented environmental destruction, social inequality, and spiritual decay. We live in a world where success is measured by external markers—money, possessions, status—while the deeper, more meaningful aspects of life remain neglected. Our obsession with materialism has led to the degradation of the planet, fractured societies, and, most significantly, the disconnection of humanity from its own spiritual essence.
Yet, as dire as this situation appears, there is hope. The last frontier that humanity must cross is not in space, technology, or economics—it is the frontier of consciousness. The true revolution of our time will not come from the development of new technologies or the accumulation of wealth, but from a collective spiritual awakening that leads to the end of our obsession with materialism. This revolution will mark the birth of a post-materialist world, where fulfillment is no longer sought in external possessions, but in inner peace, self-realization, and connection to the cosmic self.
In this thought leadership piece, we will explore how humanity’s relentless material pursuits are rooted in the egoic mind, and how Phillip’s teachings about the true essence of being offer a path to liberation from this destructive cycle. By awakening to the cosmic consciousness that exists beyond the ego, humanity can collectively transcend its attachment to material wealth and embrace a new paradigm—one where fulfillment is found in spiritual enlightenment rather than in consumption.
The Crisis of Materialism: The Illusion of External Fulfillment
Materialism has become the defining ideology of the modern world. From the moment we are born, we are conditioned to believe that happiness and success are achieved through the accumulation of wealth, possessions, and social status. The media, advertising, and cultural norms reinforce this belief, presenting us with images of the “ideal life” filled with luxury, convenience, and comfort. This narrative suggests that the more we acquire, the happier and more fulfilled we will become.
But the reality of materialism is far different from the fantasy. Instead of leading to lasting fulfillment, the pursuit of material wealth often results in spiritual emptiness and emotional suffering. The endless desire for more creates a cycle of attachment, anxiety, and dissatisfaction. The more we seek fulfillment in external possessions, the more disconnected we become from our true nature—the cosmic self that exists beyond the material realm.
At the heart of this crisis is the ego, the false sense of self that defines its worth through external validation. The ego thrives on comparison, competition, and accumulation. It believes that happiness is something to be obtained through achievement, possession, or status. But no matter how much we acquire, the ego is never satisfied. It always wants more, leaving us in a perpetual state of lack.
This insatiable desire for more has not only led to personal suffering but also to the degradation of the planet. The relentless pursuit of material wealth has driven environmental destruction on a massive scale. Forests are cleared, oceans polluted, and species driven to extinction, all in the name of economic growth and consumption. The consequences of materialism are not limited to the environment; they extend to social inequality as well. The gap between the wealthy elite and the rest of the population continues to widen, creating deep divisions in society and perpetuating cycles of poverty and injustice.
Yet, the greatest consequence of materialism is the spiritual decay it has caused. As we become more focused on external possessions, we lose touch with the deeper aspects of our existence—the inner peace, love, and oneness that come from recognizing our true nature. Materialism keeps us trapped in the illusion that we are separate from one another and from the universe, perpetuating a sense of isolation and disconnection.
The Path to Liberation: Awakening to the Cosmic Self
The ultimate solution to humanity’s crisis of materialism lies not in reforming economic systems or redistributing wealth, but in a spiritual awakening that transcends the egoic mind and reconnects us to our true essence. This awakening is the realization that who we are is not defined by what we own, but by our connection to the cosmic self—the infinite, boundless awareness that exists beyond time, space, and form.
Phillip’s teachings about the dissolution of the ego and the awakening to the present moment offer a clear path to this spiritual liberation. The key to ending our obsession with materialism is to recognize the emptiness of external possessions and to find fulfillment in the inner stillness of the present moment. When we rest in the silence of mind, the desire for more begins to dissolve, and we realize that we are already complete.
This awakening to the cosmic self is not a distant goal or a mystical state reserved for a select few. It is available to every human being, here and now, in the present moment. The material world, with all its distractions and illusions, has kept us from seeing the truth of who we are. But as we begin to dissolve the egoic mind and embrace the infinite awareness that lies beyond it, we experience a profound shift in consciousness—one that leads to the end of our obsession with materialism.
A Post-Materialist World: Fulfillment Beyond Possession
As humanity collectively awakens to the cosmic self, the world as we know it will undergo a radical transformation. The post-materialist world that will emerge from this awakening will be one where inner fulfillment takes precedence over external acquisition. In this new paradigm, success will not be measured by wealth, status, or possessions, but by the depth of inner peace and connection to the present moment.
In a post-materialist world, the need for constant consumption will be replaced by a sense of contentment and gratitude for what is. When we realize that we are already whole and complete, we no longer feel the need to fill the void with possessions or achievements. Instead, we find fulfillment in the simple joys of life—connection with nature, meaningful relationships, and the quiet stillness of meditation and presence.
This shift away from materialism will also have profound implications for the environment and social justice. As individuals and societies move away from the constant pursuit of wealth and consumption, the pressure on the Earth’s resources will diminish. A post-materialist world will prioritize sustainability and harmony with nature, recognizing that the well-being of the planet is inseparable from the well-being of humanity.
Moreover, the collective awakening to the oneness of all life will lead to a new understanding of social justice. In a post-materialist world, the gap between rich and poor will no longer be acceptable, as people will recognize that the suffering of one is the suffering of all. Systems of economic inequality will give way to more equitable distribution of resources, ensuring that everyone has access to the basic necessities of life—food, shelter, healthcare, and education. The old systems of exploitation and competition will dissolve, replaced by collaborative efforts to uplift all of humanity.
The Role of Spiritual Awakening in Ending Materialism
The end of materialism will not come through force, policy, or revolution. It will come through the inner transformation of humanity’s consciousness. As more individuals awaken to the truth of their cosmic identity, the collective consciousness of humanity will shift away from the egoic values of materialism and toward the spiritual values of love, compassion, and interconnectedness.
This spiritual awakening will not be confined to individuals alone; it will spread through families, communities, nations, and eventually, the entire planet. As more people experience the peace and fulfillment that come from living in the present moment, the desire for material wealth will naturally diminish. Society will begin to prioritize well-being over wealth, and the old systems of consumerism will fall away.
In this post-materialist world, the primary focus of human life will no longer be external achievement, but inner development. Education systems will teach not only academic knowledge but also the art of presence and emotional healing. Governments will shift their focus from economic growth to holistic well-being, ensuring that all citizens have the opportunity to develop their inner potential. Businesses will adopt practices that prioritize the well-being of the planet and its people, rather than maximizing profits at any cost.
The shift away from materialism is not an abandonment of the material world, but a rebalancing of our relationship with it. In the post-materialist world, material possessions will still exist, but they will no longer be the source of identity or happiness. Instead, they will be seen for what they truly are—tools for living, not measures of success. The obsession with accumulation will be replaced by a sense of abundance, where individuals and communities live in harmony with the natural world, taking only what is needed and giving back in return.
Conclusion: The Last Frontier of Consciousness
The greatest challenge facing humanity in the 21st century is not technological advancement, economic growth, or even environmental protection. It is the transformation of consciousness—the awakening of humanity to its true nature as cosmic beings. The last frontier we must cross is not a physical one but a spiritual one—the frontier of collective enlightenment that will end our obsession with materialism and bring about a post-materialist world.
As we awaken to the cosmic self and dissolve the egoic mind and embrace a deeper connection to the universe, we pave the way for a paradigm shift in how we view and interact with the world. This shift will not only heal our relationship with materialism but also foster a more profound, meaningful way of living that aligns with our spiritual essence. The call to transcend materialism is a call to embrace our true identity as interconnected, spiritual beings, where our true wealth is measured not by what we have but by who we are at our core. This is the essential journey of our times, inviting each of us to participate in the collective awakening that can redefine humanity’s future.
Feel your suffering within. I teach seekers of self a clear path toward enlightenment.
Phillip Lew helps you achieve a clear path to enlightenment, guiding you to uncover your true self. Explore his journey and transform your life with his book, Feel Your Suffering Within. With a profound understanding of human existence, Phillip’s mission is to lead others towards awakening and authentic living.
