Don't feel inadequate

In western society, stress is everywhere, obviously caused by money. Is it a coincidence that the happiest people on earth are the tribal people who have only the bare necessities. Are people in western cultures stressed about money because they need to have that high salary to buy those expensive goods so that they can 'keep up with the jones's'? I have noticed that people who desire material things, like the big house and flash car, are unhappy on a day-to-day basis. Although these people are still unhappy, it's as if they have been brainwashed by advertising to continue to buy as much as possible, never getting enough, like their peers - like a bunch of sheep in a paddock. Three things that are seen as almost mandatory and cause probably the greatest deal of stress in western society is: Marriage, Mortgage and Children. If you don't have these three you will be viewed as "lower" by your peers. Western society is all about desire, and desire is linked to stress. No wonder the Buddha said to lose your desires and you will be happy. Of course the government and advertising wouldn't want this, they don't want you to use your money to aid other people's lives which in turn makes you a happier person. No, they want you to be selfish, to only worry about your immediate community and forget about the 3rd world issues, its your 1st world problems that are the real issue here - like purchasing the right hair product or makeup. When I think of advertising I think about a box being put over someones head, not allowing them to see past the superficial 'world' displayed to them. Focus on intrinsic values like relationships, spending time in nature and being others-centered and you will realize that this materialistic, egotistic, self-absorbing western culture is an illusion trying to trick us all.