The ownership of tangible objects usually leads to negative character development, while intangible ownership tends to have a beneficial effect on one’s character development.
The most evident example of the negative effects tangible possessions have on character development is in the case of Bernard Madoff. Bernard Madoff was an investment banker that eventually became enveloped with greed due to the money he was making. His obsession with tangible possessions such as yachts, cars, and houses led to the largest Ponzi scheme in history. After conning his clients out of over 50 billion dollars with little concern for their well being, Madoff was finally exposed and sentenced to multiple life sentences in prison. Despite being caught, Madoff was given plenty of time to manifest his negative character trait of true evil. Due to his evident enthrallment with material possessions, his negative character development was clearly displayed through his greed and selfishness.
Furthermore, another integral example of the negative character development that spans from owning material possessions is in the example of slaveholders during the nineteenth century. During the nineteenth century, slavery was still legal in America. This time period saw slaveholders change from honest men working for a living to power-hungry bosses desperate for money. The slaveholders often put their “property” under extremely harsh conditions with little food and whippings. This physical ownership of people during the nineteenth century accurately depicts how tangible ownership has a negative effect on a person’s development as slave-owners became brutal and greedy.
On the contrary, intangible ownership of religious values often has a very positive impact on a person. For example, Christianity’s values preach positive traits such as moderation and abstinence. Also, the Bible contains a specific story on being a Good Samaritan. Coupled with warning against “seven deadly sins” such as greed and envy, the religious values contained in the ownership of Christianity demonstrate a clear positive impact on character development. Furthermore, my religion of Judaism that I own has separate positive impacts on my life. The Torah has taught me values to improve my sense of self such as giving to charity, being appreciative and loving others. By following my Jewish culture, my positive character development has been boundless.
The tangible ownership of material possessions is a clear obstacle in positive character development that often leads to negative characteristics as displayed by men such as Bernard Madoff and slave-owners in America, while the intangible ownership of values held in religions such as Judaism and Christianity lead to a better sense of self and allow the fostering of positive character development.