Like many others have said, it's not the things themselves, it's the desire behind them. The problem with material items is that the want to have the best, latest, fastest or whatever turns into material lust - envy, greed, gluttony. Yuck!
It is possible though to want the material things in order to enable a greater and more wonderful life. You can use money to experience more, to expand who you are and to be more fully alive. There's no doubt that in today's society money can open doors, but it's which doors you open that make the difference.
In the end, if the energy you gain from material items is positive and growth oriented, then there's no reason not to go for it. It's why we are all here, to experience, to grow, and to love.
Btw: I was a "oversized computer nerd with no ambitions", but I've recently finished shedding that skin, I'm just not sure where to go next. Working out lots more is definately on the list though. Thanks for sharing too.
