material possessions.*** It states that everything in the universe is matter, without any true spiritual or intellectual existence. Materialism can also refer to a doctrine that material success and progress are the highest values in life. This doctrine appears to be prevalent in western society today." I've tried to draw attention the simplified version of materialism that is often advanced as being the actual thing. The truth is that anyone who dismisses the possibility of meta physicality is a materialist. It amazes me how these same people use the term in the pejorative sense to scorn compulsive shoppers, without pausing to consider how it applies in a much more meaningful way to them. For western society to recover it will come down to each individual doing some serious work on themselves. Unfortunately the hideously hypocritical culture laid down by the baby boomers will take a while to dissipate. In the words of Keith Ward, people need to recover a 'feeling for the gods.' And I firmly believe that there will be a return to religion in the coming years. I've picked mine (having gone from atheist to taoist to finally Christian)and I wish you all the best in finding or continuing yours. Another A-level essay, full of meaningless generalisations to support a preconceived left-wing idea. I've lived in France for years, and one thing that hits you in the face here is the endless grumbling and angst. Countless newspaper headlines about how the French are terrified of the future, and