Materialism vs. Spiritualism: What's the Difference?
By Aimie Carlson & Janet White || Updated on May 23, 2024
Materialism focuses on physical possessions and worldly success, while spiritualism emphasizes the importance of spiritual experiences and beliefs.
Key Differences
Materialism is the belief that physical possessions and wealth are the primary sources of happiness and success. It centers on tangible objects and the accumulation of material wealth as key aspects of life. Spiritualism, on the other hand, emphasizes the significance of spiritual experiences, inner peace, and the connection to a higher power or the universe. It values immaterial aspects of life, such as personal growth and enlightenment, over physical possessions.
Materialism often associates fulfillment with external achievements and societal status, while spiritualism seeks fulfillment through internal development and a deeper understanding of oneself and the cosmos.
In a materialistic view, reality is primarily defined by what can be observed and measured. Spiritualism, conversely, holds that reality includes dimensions beyond the physical, often focusing on the metaphysical and the unseen.
Materialism tends to prioritize scientific and empirical evidence, whereas spiritualism values intuition, faith, and mystical experiences as pathways to truth.
The goals of materialism are typically oriented towards economic success and social prestige. Spiritualism's goals are more aligned with achieving inner peace, spiritual awakening, and a sense of connectedness with a greater whole.
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Comparison Chart
Focus
Physical possessions and wealth
Spiritual experiences and beliefs
Source of Fulfillment
External achievements and societal status
Internal development and connection to higher power
Definition of Reality
Observable and measurable phenomena
Includes metaphysical and unseen dimensions
Evidence Preference
Scientific and empirical
Intuition, faith, and mystical experiences
Primary Goals
Economic success and social prestige
Inner peace and spiritual awakening
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Materialism and Spiritualism Definitions
Materialism
Philosophy asserting that physical matter is the only reality.
Materialism suggests that everything in the universe is composed of matter.
Spiritualism
Practice of connecting with a higher power or the universe.
Through spiritualism, she felt a profound connection to the divine.
Materialism
Belief that material wealth is the primary measure of success.
His materialism drove him to work long hours for a luxurious lifestyle.
Spiritualism
Philosophy that prioritizes the soul and immaterial aspects of existence.
Spiritualism teaches that true fulfillment comes from within.
Materialism
Focus on physical objects rather than spiritual or intellectual pursuits.
Her materialism was evident in her collection of designer clothes.
Spiritualism
Belief in the existence of spirits and their communication with the living.
Spiritualism led her to seek guidance from mediums.
Materialism
Valuing tangible items over experiences or relationships.
Their materialism led them to prioritize buying new gadgets over spending time together.
Spiritualism
The belief that the dead communicate with the living, as through a medium.
Materialism
(Philosophy) The doctrine that physical matter is the only reality and that everything, including thought, feeling, mind, and will, can be explained in terms of matter and physical phenomena.
Spiritualism
The practices or doctrines of those holding such a belief.
Materialism
The theory or attitude that physical well-being and worldly possessions constitute the greatest good and highest value in life.
Spiritualism
A philosophy, doctrine, or religion emphasizing the spiritual aspect of being.
Materialism
Concern for possessions or material wealth and physical comfort, especially to the exclusion of spiritual or intellectual pursuits.
Spiritualism
(philosophy) A doctrine, opposing materialism, that claims transcendency of the divine being, the altogether spiritual character of reality and the value of inwardness of consciousness.
Materialism
Constant concern over material possessions and wealth; a great or excessive regard for worldly concerns.
Spiritualism
A belief that the dead communicate with the living, especially through a medium. Used in a broader sense than spiritism/Kardecism.
Materialism
(philosophy) The philosophical belief that nothing exists beyond what is physical.
Spiritualism
The quality or state of being spiritual.
Materialism
Material substances in the aggregate; matter.
Spiritualism
The quality or state of being spiritual.
Materialism
The doctrine of materialists; materialistic views and tenets; called also philosophical materialism.
The irregular fears of a future state had been supplanted by the materialism of Epicurus.
Spiritualism
The doctrine, in opposition to the materialists, that all which exists is spirit, or soul - that what is called the external world is either a succession of notions impressed on the mind by the Deity, as maintained by Berkeley, or else the mere educt of the mind itself, as taught by Fichte.
Materialism
The tendency to give undue importance to material interests as contrasted with spiritual concerns; devotion to the material nature and its wants.
Spiritualism
A belief that departed spirits hold intercourse with mortals by means of physical phenomena, as by rappng, or during abnormal mental states, as in trances, or the like, commonly manifested through a person of special susceptibility, called a medium; spiritism; the doctrines and practices of spiritualists.
What is called spiritualism should, I think, be called a mental species of materialism.
Materialism
Material substances in the aggregate; matter.
Spiritualism
(theology) any doctrine that asserts the separate existence of God
Materialism
A desire for wealth and material possessions with little interest in ethical or spiritual matters
Spiritualism
The belief that the spirits of dead people can communicate with people who are still alive (especially via a medium)
Materialism
(philosophy) the philosophical theory that matter is the only reality
Spiritualism
Concern with things of the spirit
Materialism
Perspective that happiness comes from owning things.
His materialism made him believe that a new car would bring him joy.
Spiritualism
Emphasis on spiritual growth and inner peace.
He turned to spiritualism to find deeper meaning in life.
Spiritualism
View that reality extends beyond the physical world.
Spiritualism posits that there are realms beyond what we can see.
FAQs
What is materialism?
Materialism is the belief that physical possessions and wealth are the primary sources of happiness and success.
How does spiritualism view reality?
Spiritualism includes dimensions beyond the physical, such as the metaphysical and unseen.
What is the main focus of spiritualism?
Spiritualism focuses on spiritual growth, inner peace, and connection to a higher power.
What is spiritualism?
Spiritualism emphasizes the importance of spiritual experiences and beliefs, often focusing on inner peace and connection to a higher power.
What is the main focus of materialism?
The main focus of materialism is on physical possessions and worldly success.
What type of evidence does spiritualism value?
Spiritualism values intuition, faith, and mystical experiences.
How does spiritualism impact personal relationships?
Spiritualism often enhances personal relationships by fostering empathy and deeper connections.
How does materialism view reality?
Materialism views reality as being composed of observable and measurable phenomena.
What are the primary goals of materialism?
The primary goals of materialism are economic success and social prestige.
Can materialism and spiritualism coexist?
While they are often seen as opposites, some people find ways to balance both material and spiritual aspects in their lives.
How does spiritualism influence lifestyle choices?
Spiritualism influences lifestyle choices by emphasizing practices like meditation, mindfulness, and altruism.
Is materialism linked to consumerism?
Yes, materialism is often linked to consumerism and the pursuit of goods and services.
What are the criticisms of materialism?
Criticisms of materialism include its association with superficiality and the neglect of emotional and spiritual well-being.
What are the criticisms of spiritualism?
Criticisms of spiritualism include the potential for gullibility and the lack of empirical evidence for certain beliefs.
What type of evidence does materialism prefer?
Materialism prefers scientific and empirical evidence.
Is spiritualism linked to any particular religion?
Spiritualism can be part of many religions but also exists independently of religious frameworks.
What are the primary goals of spiritualism?
The primary goals of spiritualism are achieving inner peace and spiritual awakening.
How does materialism influence lifestyle choices?
Materialism influences lifestyle choices by prioritizing wealth accumulation and luxury.
How does materialism impact personal relationships?
Materialism can lead to prioritizing possessions over experiences and relationships.
Can one switch from a materialistic to a spiritualistic outlook?
Yes, individuals often shift their focus from materialism to spiritualism, especially after life-changing experiences.
About Author
Written by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
Co-written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
