An epidemic is spreading across America. This epidemic has affected nearly every individual in America. Millions of people may be diagnosed with the disease but don't realize they have it. It is changing the daily thoughts and actions of those affected. It harms all individuals who allow themselves to be consumed. It is almost impossible to cure. Against this, drugs are useless. There is no fully proven immunity to prevent someone from contracting this nasty disease. It can cause symptoms such as stress, overwork, waste, desperation, emptiness and recklessness, to name a few. What is this devastating disease? Affluence, “the bloated, sluggish, dissatisfied feeling that results from efforts” to pursue all happiness with wealth and material possessions (Introduction). Wealthy people are obsessed with obtaining more wealth and material objects, dissatisfied with the things they have, but are mentally damaged in a way that is difficult to heal. To begin with, all those who are wealthy become obsessed with the pursuit of money and material objects in order to obtain happiness and satisfaction. The vast majority of people in the United States buy more and more things every year. Source E states that “per capita consumption in the United States has increased 45% over the past twenty years.” This strong increase shows that the desire for new items is strongly increasing. According to this statistic, most of the United States is very wealthy. Eventually the majority became obsessed with getting more items. They believe that “'just a little more' will ultimately buy happiness” (Source E). The rich continually become infatuated with wealth and material objects to achieve this happiness. However, the sad truth is that money cannot buy happiness. Source F......middle of paper......in a certain sense, they don't deserve the same consequences as the rest of the majority. They placed themselves above the majority of Americans. Whoever places himself above the majority is harmed. “All men are created equal” (Jefferson et al.). Everyone should face the same consequences regardless of how much wealth they have. Anyone who believes otherwise is psychologically damaged. The turnout has not only been obsessive and unsatisfying, but has left large numbers of people emotionally and mentally damaged. In conclusion, affluence has created a great impact on many individuals by perpetuating an unfulfilling and harmful obsession. This epidemic has spread to dangerous levels and affects so many people. It has become nearly impossible to free oneself from this devastating disease because it can consume the mind and soul. The flu can only shatter dreams of happiness.