the dark side of human nature, page-25

Well, yes it does, materialism does tend to our survival in many ways and has provided us many exiting ways to live, excessive materialism is a distraction as it feeds the ego side of our nature.
Well, regardless of our choices on embracing whichever religion or philosophy, we are on the same boat. No one is better than anyone, IMO, the only better side of all is your own personal achievement.
If you are content with that choice so be it.