The problem isn't materialism as such. Rather it is the underlying assumption that full satisfaction can arise from gratifying the senses alone. Unlike animals whose quest for happiness is restricted to survival and to the immediate gratification of sensory desires, we human beings have the capacity to experience happiness at a deeper level which, when achieved, can overwhelm unhappy experiences.

We are social animals. Others' suffering is ultimately your suffering; their happiness is ultimately your happiness.

I am like a wounded animal in a remote isolated place - How wonderful! - How happy!

Basically, a human being is a social animal. So, if you create some short moment of happiness for people, you get deep satisfaction.

Life is as dear to a mute creature as it is to man. Just as one wants happiness and fears pain, just as one wants to live and not die, so do other creatures.

Morally speaking, we should be concerned for our whole environment.