The Tyranny of Desire

I recently read an article that, in a nutshell, said that the more we have, the more we want. I don't disagree with that essential point - it's been proved in case studies, surveys and in common experience. Part of the human condition is wanting just a little more than we have.

Actually, that's why I wouldn't want to win the lottery. I do enjoy having money, but I have realized that I enjoy saving money even more. I don't see money for the things I can do with it; rather, money is the way I keep score. I enjoy seeing my net worth climb because it's a function of a thousand clever little ways to either earn more or spend less. To see the inspiration, planning and dedication of years dwarfed by simple dumb luck... well, I think it would be rather depressing actually.

That's why I think that lotteries tend to ruin people's lives. Joe Sixpack suddenly comes into more wealth than he ever thought he'd need to be happy and ... suddenly realizes that he's the same schmuck as before. Except that now every friend and family member wants a piece of him. No wonder they turn to risky sexual practices, booze and drugs. As Robin Williams said, 'cocaine is God's way of telling you that you have too much money'.

Envy is an inborn trait. It must be; entire religions revolve around the quest to free people from the tyranny of desire. There are good darwinian reasons, I suppose. The hominids that said 'don't worry, Yorik -- your clan can have this one, we'll take the next mammoth that wanders by' probably didn't last too long. Perhaps we just have to remember that it's the chase that is satisfying - not the kill.