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Are humans by nature not meant to achieve long-lasting satisfaction and happiness? Consider the cycle below:-
stability -> dissatisfaction -> action -> problems -> off-equilibrium -> misery -> action -> back to equilibrium -> stability -> (repeat)

Suppose you start with life in a state of equilibrium where things are going ok, smooth like clockwork. However by nature, you then become restless which leads to dissatisfaction with your current state and desire for something you do not possess. You thus take some action, stirring things up and creating some excitement or to set out to attain your new desire. This inevitably leads to problems and an off-equilibrium state, causing unhappiness and general misery. You then take the required action solve the problems, or achieve your desire, and return back to the state of equilibrium. The cycle repeats. What goes up, must come down. What is down, will go up.

Thus, a lasting state of happiness is not possible.

Is it possible to escape this cycle of misery?

One way is to achieve the ultimate state of satisfaction. Always find and reach for a higher goal. But what is ultimate satisfaction? Do our human desires have a limit? How long and how much effort will it take to reach the highest state of satisfaction? Can you satisfy all your needs?

Another way is to be content with what you already have. That is, to resist any temptation to desire for anything new. Some senior and not-so-senior citizens I know seem to do this- they stick to a routine in their life and won't have anything to do with possible disruptions to it. Fine for them if they're already retired and living off their pension fund (maybe they're so worn out they don't care for anything anymore). However, for others, this state of satisfaction has its inherent dangers which may threaten the very survival of the person. It is known as being "stuck in the comfort zone", being in a rut. And that will eventually lead to dissatisfaction anyway.

The third way is to forego any desire altogether to escape this cycle. No wants, no problems. Buddhist monks take this to the extreme - they shave their heads bald, go live in an isolated monastery, spend their time chanting prayers and live a simple life rejecting any desire (except for most basic survival needs).

Or, lastly, accept the cycle as a fundamental fact of life, and indeed is the meaning of living life. To live means taking in the good with bad. Having not tasted bitterness, you would not be able to appreciate sweetness. No joy without sorrow. Life is a cycle of ups and downs, and you, the hamster, all you can do is to ride along with it.

.: 5/3/2002 :.

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