But materialists should at least be happy when they first buy something, shouldn't they?

　　To figure it out, Howell did another study. He classified a group of adults according to their personality types, ranging from less materialistic to more materialistic. Each person was asked different questions to see how they felt about spending money on material goods versus spending money on experiences.

　　As expected, the more materialistic participants got less happiness from purchases than the less materialistic, because such purchases didn't fit with their personalities and values. But to Howell's surprise, he found that materialists weren't any happier even if they spent money on material items.

　　This is because materialists worry that others may criticize or look down on their choices. “There are certain value systems that are rejected by society，” said Howell. “When we find out someone is materialistic, we think less of them, and that drives their happiness down.”

　　Another reason is that materialistic people always focus on what they don't have instead of what they have now. This makes them feel less satisfied and grateful.

　　If you happen to be a materialistic person, there's something you can try. “If materialists make more accurate purchases, rather than trying to impress others, they will be happier，” Howell said.

　　You should also remember what an ancient Greek philosopher once said, “Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”

【2017届高考英语一轮复习教师用书：必修5（外研版）】相关文章：

★ 2017届高考英语二轮复习课时训练：18（含解析）

★ 重庆市2014高考英语阅读理解一轮（精品）训练题（15）附答案

★ 2017届高考英语二轮复习大题冲关秘籍之日常交际用语大全：高考英语非谓语动词及其用法的常考点（含解析）

★ 湖南省汝城二中2014届高考英语一轮复习阅读训练 (46)

★ 安徽省淮南市2014高考英语一轮单项选择及文章训练（3）及答案

★ 【外研英语，七省专用】2014《走向高考》英语一轮总复习（2016春出版）第一部分 教师讲义手册：选修七7-3

★ 2014届高考英语一轮复习课时作业(二十三)必修4Module 5《A Trip Along the Three Gorges》（外研版）

★ 2014届高考英语一轮复习课时作业(六)必修1Module 6《The Internet and Telecommunications》（外研版）

★ 2014届高考英语一轮复习选修8参考答案（外研版）

★ 2017高考四川省广安市英语阅读理解一轮系列训练：7（含解析）