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Maybe because they didn't have any money in the recent past. And the hunger, hardship, pain and suffering of the not-too-distant past are still fresh in the Chinese collective memory.
Since free-market principles were introduced with economic reforms less than 40 years ago, the Chinese have been having a field day making money. And eating and drinking and buying like their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents couldn't do. Just a guess.
Anyway, money is what makes the world go round and China is proving that today, I guess.
'On money'?
bill8899:
I guess it didn't occur to you that this might be a wumao.
Yes your stock "small penis syndrome" response was ... zzzzzzzz.
Scandinavian:
Sure I suspect Wumaos everywhere. But this particular question.... I mean, would a person who gets close to nothing to type garbage on the interweb ask this particular thing ?
What else they can believe in
* Civil society : There's none of it since 1949
* Personal aspirations : Individualism wasn't how thing rolled for quite a while here, and the education system does not encourage personal initiative
* Religion : Not much exposure to it since 1949, with active repression for a few decades (note : I'm agnostic)
But people who are rich get a free pass to everything, and their kids (might) have a good education. So yup, money is the center of the life for a lot people. As red_fox point it out, abject poverty is not far in the memories, uncle Deng gave a field day to get rich... So that's 2010's China for you.
That said, you can meet people here that are not focused on money. I married one. I met some before. Artists, scientists or just common folks caring for a community. Ok, it's not overwhelming, they are quite silent about not caring much for money (to not stand out), but such people exist.
Scandinavian:
There are an estimated 150 million Christians in China and the number is growing. Of course they are praying for more money, but that is not in this discussion.
DrMonkey:
Yup, I read articles talking about a thirst for a spiritual life. And also, going to the church as some form of status symbol, so one stone for two birds. Can't say the 120 millions Christians voices are very loud...
Scandinavian:
Yup. There is definitely face buying going on at the church. But if you ask me there is also a lot of face loosing. I was at an Easter Service, unknown to me why, everybody got a bag with two hard boiled eggs when leaving the service. Outside was a beggar with no legs. Number of people walking past him with their bag of boiled eggs,= very high. I was disappointed the Easter bunny was not present.
I'm thumbing everyone up here since it looks like the OP was not appreciative of any answer provided and took us all down.
There. You are all now neutralized. 
Scandinavian:
You're crazy, you cannot just pass out thumbs like that. You are devaluating the all-mighty thumb.
Red_Fox:
Well, if it makes you feel any better, I will down-thumb myself. Happy now?
China is the most materialistic country in the world. The more shit you own the happier you are, is what people think.
http://www.ibtimes.com/china-confirmed-most-materialistic-country-world-...
Red_Fox:
Interesting article. But are the wealthy, luxury-thirsty, ostentatious Chinese really happy? According to the 2012 Happy Planet Index, China wasn't even in the top 50 countries of the world:
bill8899:
And a thumb for you! I didn't upvote you due to kindness nor for any other good reason. I want the lowest + count.
Scandinavian:
No, I've been to the happiest country in the world. And compared to that, China is a pretty sad place.
Yeah, and what the hell else have they got to believe in?
It's only about the money. Material possessions. Because there's nothing else. Education is to only one end..."how much money will I make?" Certainly not "what can I learn, contribute, etc...?"
Cheatcheatcheat...get into the school with the best rep....pay money to get there...and then what? Increasingly, SFA! Har!
Actually, it's not funny at all. Just sad. Especially for the young people, who are increasingly aware of the mire they are in.
Education reform for China is PARAMOUNT! And I might just be the boy they've been waiting for! Yeah! From tomorrow I'm going to start to think about this.
I believe on money, I must be a fully integrated Chinese now.
