So much of it is driven by competition in the self. Self worth comes from being able to perceive oneself as better than another which very soon gets extended to what one has. I am better because I have...
There must be a 'happy middle ground' somewhere which I think lays in the lack of identification with the material goods. Which would mean there is no need to have anything unless actually useful. perhaps through there would be enough to distribute rather than a relatively small minority hoard the majority.
Why would we spend time collecting what we don't need?
Learning to recognize the difference between want and need is probably the biggest problem people face. Some folks never get it. The more domesticated you are as a human, the more you think you need. I've lived without running water, indoor plumbing, refrigeration and electricity for the last few years. When I can use those facilities--something like endless streams of hot water running from a tap--I recognize what luxuries they really are. I've found I don't really need them and as such my want for them has subsided quite a bit. The simpler the life, the better and more satisfying it becomes. Most would never agree, nor even try it.