Discover the Stoic perspective on desire and how true freedom and happiness come from eliminating desires, not satisfying them. Reflect on whether desires are attempts to fill a deeper void and find the key to true inner happiness.
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Quick takeaways
True happiness and contentment come from working on ourselves and our inner life, rather than placing our desire on external things.
Our overwhelming desire for certain external things can be a reflection of something missing within ourselves, and it is important to focus on our inner self and personal growth for lasting happiness.
Deep dives
Eliminating Desire and Finding Inner Fulfillment
In this episode, the speaker discusses the concept of desire and how it can often lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and longing. He emphasizes that placing our desire on external things, such as possessions or relationships, is not the path to fulfillment. Instead, the speaker suggests that true happiness and contentment come from working on ourselves and our inner life. The Stoics understood this well, as they recognized the importance of not becoming too attached to external things and finding happiness from within. By eliminating our desire for external things and focusing on personal growth, we can achieve a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
Importance of Internal Life over External Things
The speaker also explores how our overwhelming desire for certain external things can be a reflection of something missing within ourselves. Instead of seeking fulfillment from possessions or achievements, the speaker encourages us to reflect on our needs and work on developing our inner life. While it is not suggested to eliminate all desires, it is important to be cautious of placing too much importance on external things as a source of happiness. Ultimately, it is our internal life and personal growth that will lead to lasting happiness, as external things can come and go. By focusing on our inner self, we can attain a sense of contentment and fulfillment independent of external circumstances.
“People to whom such things are still denied come to imagine that everything good will be theirs if only they could acquire them. Then they get them: and their longing is unchanged, their anxiety is unchanged, their disgust is no less, and they still long for whatever is lacking. Freedom is not achieved by satisfying desire, but by eliminating it.” - Epictetus