Is there any truth that materialistic people are compensating? What is behind it all?

[hiphopanonymous]

People that get into collecting and sharing their expensive guns or cars or shoes, or clothes, or boats, or a very visibly opulent home. Often their possessions are name brand and are of some sort of significance they wish to share with you and rarely do they have it for "themselves" as they don't want to hide it from others in fact they are hoping others comment on what they have and enjoy it in some capacity with them. Part of the fulfillment process for them I think.

It requires hard work to have a nice enough base of money to achieve a lot of these things so I find it difficult to fault that aspect of the behavior behind this. Hard work is a good thing IMO. But on the other hand I often wonder are they lacking something that even through their hard work (which can be rewarding to the soul in and of itself) they somehow aren't getting something in life to the degree that they need to 'loudly' seek validation from others? Gives me a vibe that they're empty on the inside somehow.

IDK what do you guys think of this behavior pattern? Would any of you steer your life into the direction of material possession like this if you earned money that would allow you to do so and if so why? Or would you be more subtle about it and if so, why?

[BigKobeFan]

Materialistic people are usually people who grew up poor and didn't have much luxury growing up.

The ones that got everything from their parents are the ones that always says "money doesnt buy happiness".

Then again, the materialistic people are the ones that wouldn't commit suicide.

[n00bie]

Materialistic people are usually people who grew up poor and didn't have much luxury growing up.

The ones that got everything from their parents are the ones that always says "money doesnt buy happiness".

Then again, the materialistic people are the ones that wouldn't commit suicide.

I actually find that materialistic people often grew up rich and have pressures from family and friends to keep up that standard of living.

If all your friends and family members are driving luxury cars, can you imagine yourself pulling up in a POS?

[Overdrive]

Did you read the unabomber manifesto recently?

[Manny98]

Materialistic people are usually people who grew up poor and didn't have much luxury growing up.

The ones that got everything from their parents are the ones that always says "money doesnt buy happiness".

Then again, the materialistic people are the ones that wouldn't commit suicide.
I can relate as I was that kid who got picked on at school for not having the nicest clothing brands so that has lead to me being kinda of a materlistic person later in life which I am not very proud of

[Chick Stern]

Guys with giant lifted bro trucks are definitely compensating

[Charlie Sheen]

I actually find that materialistic people often grew up rich and have pressures from family and friends to keep up that standard of living.

If all your friends and family members are driving luxury cars, can you imagine yourself pulling up in a POS?

That illusion is just as attractive to people who grew up poor. Rolling through the old neighborhood in a new car that nobody there could afford. Not disagreeing with your point, adding to it :cheers:

[Overdrive]

I actually find that materialistic people often grew up rich and have pressures from family and friends to keep up that standard of living.

If all your friends and family members are driving luxury cars, can you imagine yourself pulling up in a POS?

Both types exist. People who became wealthy over nothing and showing off their new found wealth and rich off spring who have to keep up their standards. Rarely will poor people who worked hard to earn their fortune show off.