Damn good question. And I have no idea! ;-)

So we'll have them to enjoy while we are here. ;-)

Because we most often live in the here and now.

If one owns something then one has control over it. The more things one owns, the more control one has. Having as much control as possible in a turbulent existence is something many people aspire to achieve.

Because we have been tricked into believing that more and more things will make us happy. Ha Ha Ha. The jokes on us.

Some things are simply creature comforts, others are for status, but most give us a false sense of security and accomplishment. Ask anyone who has lost everything through a flood, fire or other natural disaster. The important things are not tangible.

While we are here on Earth we would like to make the best of it and live like kings and queens if we can. Also, securing a decent future for your children and relatives for after you pass is another reason for hard work.

because we can have power status, and the adoration from all the fans collecting it. Yuo can even brag about how you found it too. It is all about the hard work and dedication to it and even the power to see it whenever you want instead of having to go to the museum or having to go to some friends house to see it.

Mr friend, according the Bible whether you believe in the afterlife or not, it is said that whatever we do on Earth is rewarded in Heaven (of course we don't do things just to earn rewards for the sake of it that would be wrong). We work hard to make the world a better place, to be able to give greater things to our next generation, plus if we don't work we won't live as everyone needs to earn a living. "Diligent hands will Prosper". Please feel free to look these up. "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty." (Proverbs 21:5). "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; (Matthew 6:20). - working hard will profit in the afterlife whether charitable deeds, giving, building organizations etc. "You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" (Mat.5:20-21). ..Christians believe that whatever work you do on Earth is rewarded with new experiences in Heaven. 1 Corinthians 3:13 each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. In simple,the whole journey is permanent but after death of this life we can take our skills, experiences, people we have helped, talents, knowledge with us and look down on Earth the continuation of our generations work. This life is temporary to prepare us for the everlasting eternal life ahead of us. The reason we work is to enjoy the outcome both here and the future. Finally work is not meant to be endured constantly. "Try to enjoy the work you have or find work that you enjoy". Ecclesiastes 2:24-26. I can't force anybody to do or believe anything but this is one of the things that caused me to believe in God and hope. http://www.jesus-is-lord.com/2_heaven.htm

keeping up with the Joneses! Everyone thinks they have to have "better" than everyone else.

it would be a lot harder to survive to not own anything.

Why, when you are on vacation, would you rather stay at the nice hotel, and not the local dive? Maybe because as long as you're there, it may as well be nice despite it's a temporary residence. Besides, leaving your mark in this world is a permanent thing, not temporary.

Do "we?" Many have different priorities... One may still have nice things and not be attached to them in an unhealthy way. Abundance and wealth are not "bad." Perhaps the worship of these things (above all else) can be?

They tricked us to get us to pay more taxes!

To make what time we DO have, as enjoyable and comfortable as possible.

I always wondered that myself. I recently had occasion to go into Wal-Mart. I had time to kill and wandered around the store. I'm amazed at how many things for sale I saw that I can do without!

Not to sound smug and superior, but that is precisely why I don't work so hard to own things. I'm happy just having what I need, anything else is just a bonus.

Who said "nothing is permanent"? My goodness there are still artifacts around from Roman times and before! 'Stuff' can certainly be permanent. But that's not what is valuable in life...we all know that. Values, situations, relationships, status, ecology, cultures, language, mood, state of mind...and a myriad of other things change and flex, disappear and grow......stagnation is NOT a good thing. Change is often for the better. True progress is fluid. Your need to have 'more' will hopefully change too, as you truly 'get it'...that 'stuff' doesn't really matter in the end.

Because we're stuck here for awhile before we go to Heaven. We need a certain amount of things to live here on the Earth.

I don't work that hard to own things, I just want to maintain what I have. I try to live under my means because as you said, material possessions can be here one day and gone the next.