Insatiable: Embracing the Human Drive for More, Without Going Overboard
Ever feel like you will never have enough? Welcome to the club, humanity!
The human trait of always wanting more, even when we have enough, is not a flaw – it is built into our very nature. Alan Watts’ quote, “People always want more than they have,” neatly captures it. This endless pursuit has been around since the beginning of time. We are always trying to be better and overcome obstacles to ensure our survival. Of course, too much dissatisfaction can be harmful, but this desire for “more” is just a normal part of who we are.
Why are we never satisfied?
Our constant search for happiness can be traced back to how our ancestors lived. They always had to work hard to stay safe and find what they needed. This meant they could not just settle for where they were - they had to keep getting better. So now, we have this urge inside of us to improve ourselves. But it is not entirely in our control - it is woven into the fabric of our being.
The dual nature of insatiability
On the one hand, our never-ending desire for more has been the driving force behind human advancement. It has sparked new ideas, pushed us to discover uncharted territories, and led to amazing scientific and artistic achievements. The constant question of “what if?” has motivated us to go beyond the ordinary and reach for greatness. It's what pushes us to fulfill our true potential as humans, which is something we all deeply crave.
On the flip side, this never-ending need can cause a lot of stress and dissatisfaction. Always wanting more can make us overlook what we already have, which ends up making us frustrated and unhappy. It's even worse when we compare ourselves to others on social media who seem to have perfect lives. This whole situation can even lead to depression and hinder mental growth.
Dancing with more, not drowning in it
So, how do we harness the benefits of our insatiability without being consumed by it? Here are a few ways to do that:
Embrace the journey, not just the destination: Focus on the process of growth and learning, not just the ultimate “win.” Find joy in the small victories and celebrate your progress along the way.
Practice gratitude: Cultivate an appreciation for what you already have, whether it is good health, loving relationships, or even the simple pleasures of life. Remind yourself that true happiness often lies in acknowledging and savouring what is already around you.
Compare yourself to your past self, not others: Track your own progress and celebrate how far you have come. Looking at other people, especially the picture-perfect lives they portray on social media, will only make you doubt yourself and feel unhappy.
Focus on personal growth, not external validation: Set goals that align with your own values and aspirations, not someone else’s idea of success. True fulfilment comes from internal validation, not external approval.
The symphony of wanting and having
Our insatiability is not a curse, but rather a force to be reckoned with. It is the fire that drives us forward, the spark that ignites innovation, and the compass that guides us towards self-actualisation. But like any powerful force, it needs to be held in check. By acknowledging its double-edged nature and practicing moderation, we can harness the power of insatiability to create a fulfilling and meaningful life, one where we strive for more while savouring what we already have.
