The Loss of Life’s Meaning Amidst the Race for Wealth
Until a few decades ago, the defining features of Nepali society were collectivism, close family ties, cultural coexistence, and a harmonious relationship with nature. An individual’s success was measured not solely by personal achievements but by the respect earned by their family and community. Village resting spots served as dialogue hubs, neighbors shared joys and sorrows, and family extended beyond blood relations to form the very foundation of life. However, by the 21st century, this social fabric has been rapidly transforming. Three major forces now shape Nepali society: forced foreign employment, uncontrolled urbanization, and social media, which influences people’s awareness around the clock. These factors have ushered in unprecedented changes in economic opportunities, consumption patterns, and lifestyles. Yet, these changes have also pushed society toward a materialistic competition where people increasingly forget the true purpose of life and the value of relationships in the race to acquire resources.
Under the influence of foreign employment, urbanization, and social media, we are blindly sprinting toward material prosperity. However, this race is weakening our family values, inner peace, and social harmony. The most immediate and direct impact of this crisis is visible within families. Remittances are supporting the national economy and lifting families out of poverty. From remote villages in Karnali to the plains of Madhesh and the hills, large permanent houses are being constructed. Yet, these concrete homes are growing emotionally hollow. While millions of young people sweat in the deserts of the Gulf countries, an entire generation at home is forced to grow up without close parental guidance.
Long separations between husbands and wives have led to trust breakdowns, resulting in growing rates of divorce. Last year, around 24,522 divorce cases were filed across the country—the highest number ever recorded. Children, instead of spending their formative years in their parents’ care, are being raised in expensive boarding school hostels. Elderly parents face emotional emptiness and loneliness living either in vacant village homes or modern city residences. Despite material wealth, familial bonds and emotional connections are deteriorating. Meanwhile, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok present people with curated versions of others’ lives. Success is highlighted; struggles are hidden. Achievements are shown; failures are concealed. Economist Richard Easterlin’s study also reveals that personal satisfaction depends more on one’s perceived position relative to others than on actual income.
As a result, people struggle to feel content. Although technology appears to connect human relationships more than ever, emotionally, people are growing distant. Despite expanded communication channels, intimacy has narrowed. The number of contacts has increased, but the depth of relationships has weakened. Villages are being progressively abandoned, while cities expand unchecked. Social media makes virtual worlds more enticing and compelling than real life, directly affecting people’s psychological well-being. Comparison, dissatisfaction, mental stress, and loneliness have become common social problems. Outwardly, families and society may appear affluent, modern, and developed, but internally, the erosion of relationships, decline of human values, and the crisis of spiritual emptiness are deepening. Therefore, the greatest challenge today is not just economic prosperity but preserving human empathy, social harmony, and the warmth of relationships.