Answer to Question #233945 in English for Ashi

Question

I have learned to seek my happiness by limiting my desires, rather than in attempting to satisfy them. Do you agree or disagree?

Answer 1

I agree. It is better to seek happiness by limiting my desires, rather than in attempting to satisfy them.

It is better to have unsatisfied higher desires that fulfilled lower desires. Limiting pursuit of lower pleasures helps us pursue higher pleasures which leads to greater happiness.

Having the means to fulfill desires creates problems. For example, desire for status and recognition motivates us to work hard and be constructive but unbridled desire for status causes harm as seen too often in political leaders. One should therefore limit his or her desires.