Is it part of human nature to never be satisfied?

• metta
  
  Posts: 52244
  
  
  Apr 23, 2008 6:40 AM GMT

  I think it is one of the reasons why humans have progressed so much.
  
  I also think that it may be one of the reasons why so many relationships fail.
  
  What do you think?

  QUOTE REPORT SPAM
• Posted by a hidden member.
  Log in to view his profile
  
  
  Apr 23, 2008 8:28 AM GMT

  Of course.

  QUOTE REPORT SPAM
• Posted by a hidden member.
  Log in to view his profile
  
  
  Apr 23, 2008 10:12 AM GMT

  I think there's something in that.
  
  But believe that people can overcome their need to move on, and learn to work with what they've got.
  
  Once you stop struggling and imagining there's something better out there, I think it's perfectly possible to be happy and satisfied.
  
  

  QUOTE REPORT SPAM
• Posted by a hidden member.
  Log in to view his profile
  
  
  Apr 23, 2008 10:25 AM GMT

  For some people that is definitely the case. I find so-called "Type A" personalities often seem plagued by with feelings of not being satisfied and the need to constantly strive and succeed. My best gay friend and my brother are both Type As and they are often frustrated in life. I am more of a go with the flow type of guy, I like to sit back and "smell the roses" so to speak!

  QUOTE REPORT SPAM
• Posted by a hidden member.
  Log in to view his profile
  
  
  Apr 23, 2008 11:17 AM GMT

  Even laidback guys are never satisfied. It's part of being human. It's why we have dreams after all.
  
  Type A's however have too much of that drive, hehe.
  
  Personally it doesn't take that much for me to be reasonably satisfied. But total contentment if it ever happens will only ever be fleeting.
  
  The only moment we can be truly satisfied is probably with a total mind wipe or death.

  QUOTE REPORT SPAM
• Posted by a hidden member.
  Log in to view his profile
  
  
  Apr 23, 2008 11:24 AM GMT

  In the Western world, we have that urge to constantly change. But I dont think it is true in all cultures.
  
  Like in China, until the West showed up on their doorstep, I believe many things, like fashion, stayed the same for hundreds of years.
  
  Can anyone speak to this more authoritatively?

  QUOTE REPORT SPAM
• Posted by a hidden member.
  Log in to view his profile
  
  
  Apr 23, 2008 11:29 AM GMT

  Ah yes, thanks for the invitation, Caslon.
  
  I am the ultimate authority on myself.
  And, so saying, the answer is both yes and no.
  
  I am quite satisfied materially.
  I am never satisfied with my personal improvement.
  
  This may describe a lot of us.

  QUOTE REPORT SPAM
• Posted by a hidden member.
  Log in to view his profile
  
  
  Apr 23, 2008 11:59 AM GMT

  Well, I know very few who don't like a new pair of shoes.

  QUOTE REPORT SPAM
• Posted by a hidden member.
  Log in to view his profile
  
  
  Apr 23, 2008 1:09 PM GMT

  RunintheCity saidWell, I know very few who don't like a new pair of shoes.

  
  
  Moi.
  
  Imelda Marcos I am not, I only buy shoes (even running shoes) when I absolutely have to.

  QUOTE REPORT SPAM
• Posted by a hidden member.
  Log in to view his profile
  
  
  Apr 23, 2008 3:55 PM GMT

  metta8 saidI think it is one of the reasons why humans have progressed so much.
  
  I also think that it may be one of the reasons why so many relationships fail.
  
  What do you think?

  
  I think "fail" is a term used too often for relationships.
  Sometimes it comes down to a choice of deciding to grow and allowing yourself (and your partner) to change.

  QUOTE REPORT SPAM
• Posted by a hidden member.
  Log in to view his profile
  
  
  Apr 23, 2008 5:55 PM GMT

  Uhhh - YEAH!
  
  ">

  QUOTE REPORT SPAM
• Posted by a hidden member.
  Log in to view his profile
  
  
  Apr 23, 2008 6:01 PM GMT

  Wysiwyg60 said[quote]
  
  Moi.
  
  Imelda Marcos I am not, I only buy shoes (even running shoes) when I absolutely have to.

  
  
  I didn't say like shopping for shoes.
  I said like a new pair of shoes.
  There's a distinct difference.
  I hate shoe shopping, as I can't often find what I like in my size (14) - but I do like that new shoe feeling.

  QUOTE REPORT SPAM
• Posted by a hidden member.
  Log in to view his profile
  
  
  Apr 24, 2008 5:19 AM GMT

  New shoes always makes me feel new all over.
  
  But then I realize that they were made in sweatshoips where my countrymen probably slaved all over it to ship it off abroad and ship it back in again at twice the price.

  QUOTE REPORT SPAM
• Posted by a hidden member.
  Log in to view his profile
  
  
  May 02, 2008 2:59 PM GMT

  It's funny you should say that. According to the scientist and author Desmond Morris (he wrote the "Naked Ape") it's part of being human.
  
  Morris was the technical advisor for the film "Quest for Fire". In one scene, one of the cavemen is picking up some kind of vegetable that looks like cucumbers and he has a whole arm full of them and he keeps trying to add one more but drops another in the attempt. It's hilarious but very telling about human nature.
  
  

  QUOTE REPORT SPAM
• yogadudeSEATT...
  
  Posts: 373
  
  
  May 02, 2008 3:31 PM GMT

  It's our ego that keeps us wanting that next new shiny thing. As long as the ego can keep us distracted by external wants, the ego keeps itself relevant. It's only when we stop "buying" into the ego's demands that we can look inside, grow quiet, and find true peace of mind.

  QUOTE REPORT SPAM
• Posted by a hidden member.
  Log in to view his profile
  
  
  May 02, 2008 4:06 PM GMT

  jprichva saidA
  
  I am quite satisfied materially.
  I am never satisfied with my personal improvement.
  
  This may describe a lot of us.

  
  
  And I do think it does describe a lot of us. Materially I have most valuables I need, and some extras.
  
  I personally feel though that if you are satisfied, life may be a little bit more repetitive. I always set personal goals to allow room to grow. I know that if there isn't something for me to reach someday, I might as well throw in the towel.
  
  reminds me of benny benassi, push me, and then just touch me, til I can get my, satisfaction.

  QUOTE REPORT SPAM
• Posted by a hidden member.
  Log in to view his profile
  
  
  May 03, 2008 10:52 PM GMT

  The only moment we can be truly satisfied is probably with a total mind wipe or death.
  
  [sigh]

  QUOTE REPORT SPAM
• Posted by a hidden member.
  Log in to view his profile
  
  
  May 03, 2008 11:01 PM GMT

  Wysiwyg60 said[quote][cite]RunintheCity said[/cite]Well, I know very few who don't like a new pair of shoes.

  
  
  Moi.
  
  Imelda Marcos I am not, I only buy shoes (even running shoes) when I absolutely have to.[/quote]
  
  OMG. I have about 30 pairs of shoes. Pulse runners, sandals, thongs (flip flops in US of A). Is this not normal. Was thinking I need something new for my trip to Hawaii.

  QUOTE REPORT SPAM
• Posted by a hidden member.
  Log in to view his profile
  
  
  May 03, 2008 11:03 PM GMT

  RunintheCity said[quote][cite]Wysiwyg60 said[/cite][quote]
  
  Moi.
  
  Imelda Marcos I am not, I only buy shoes (even running shoes) when I absolutely have to.

  
  
  I didn't say like shopping for shoes.
  I said like a new pair of shoes.
  There's a distinct difference.
  I hate shoe shopping, as I can't often find what I like in my size (14) - but I do like that new shoe feeling.[/quote]
  
  Now you what they say about guys wit big feet.... I'd be satisfied with that.

  QUOTE REPORT SPAM
• Posted by a hidden member.
  Log in to view his profile
  
  
  May 03, 2008 11:08 PM GMT

  It is human nature to desire to be happy. The dissatisfaction is merely a failure to hit that mark, and a fundamental part of human Heuristic or learning mechanism.
  
  On the other hand in some thinking
  

  Tao Te Ching 58Happiness is rooted in misery.
  Misery lurks beneath happiness.

  The problem is actually with the deceptive nature of our desires.

  QUOTE REPORT SPAM
• Posted by a hidden member.
  Log in to view his profile
  
  
  May 04, 2008 12:25 AM GMT

  This all reminds me of the musical Pippin, who never seems to be quite satisfied. I would reccommend seeing it. Ben Vareen is amazing as the narrator!

  QUOTE REPORT SPAM