BY: SHANE KYLE LABE|BSN 4A
The meme above shows a person surrounded by shopping bags, with a caption that reads: “Retail therapy: because nothing says happiness like maxed-out credit cards.” It’s meant to be humorous, but behind the joke lies a real issue in our society—how we often turn to shopping and material possessions as a way to deal with stress, sadness, or emptiness.
In many parts of the world today, buying more things is seen as a sign of success and happiness. Ads constantly tell us we need the latest gadgets, clothes, or lifestyle products to feel good about ourselves. This meme points out the excess—how consumerism is often used as a quick fix for emotional struggles, but rarely offers real satisfaction.
If we look at this from the perspective of Aristotle’s virtue ethics, we can understand why this habit can be harmful. Aristotle believed that to live a good and meaningful life, we must practice virtues—good habits that help us become our best selves. True happiness, or eudaimonia, comes from living with balance and purpose, not from material things.
One of the key virtues that Aristotle talked about is moderation or temperance—the ability to control our desires and not give in to extremes. The person in the meme is clearly engaging in excess—spending too much, likely on things they don’t really need, just to feel better emotionally. Aristotle would say this is not a balanced way to live. Too much focus on external goods distracts us from what really matters: inner growth, relationships, and self-respect.
Another virtue that’s missing here is practical wisdom (phronesis). This is the kind of intelligence we use to make good decisions in everyday life. A person with practical wisdom wouldn’t buy beyond their means just to escape their feelings—they’d find healthier, more meaningful ways to cope, like talking to a friend, resting, or reflecting on what really matters.
Lastly, Aristotle emphasized the value of authentic happiness—the kind that comes from within, not from temporary pleasures. The meme highlights how people often chase short-term joy through shopping, but still end up feeling empty afterward. This shows the difference between fleeting pleasure and lasting fulfillment.
In conclusion, the meme is a funny but truthful reminder of how materialism has taken hold of modern life. Through the lens of Aristotle’s virtue ethics, we learn that real happiness doesn’t come from what we buy, but from the kind of person we become. By practicing moderation, wisdom, and self-awareness, we can move away from the need to “buy happiness” and start living a life that is truly rich in meaning.
Student Nurse 