Socrates once walked through a busy market and said,
“I see so many things I do not need—and am made richer for knowing it.”
The more you need, the less free you are.
I understand this, but wanting things feels so natural, so human. Ironically, I find myself wanting to not want things, which contradicts the whole idea of not wanting. But not wanting anything also feels extreme, like being a monk, and I don't want to be a monk.
Instead of shaving my head and wearing robes, here's what I tell myself now:
I'm grateful for the privilege of regularly getting what I want.
Living in New York City. Savoring coffee each morning. Walking by the water. These are some desires I'm lucky I get to fulfill every day.
The key is to keep wanting the things I already have, instead of always wanting more. If I want what I already have, then wanting doesn't seem so bad.
