More and More – Why Are Most Humans Driven to Want More of Everything?

Modern unhappiness often stems from our endless pursuit of "more"—more possessions, more achievements, more knowledge, more wealth, more experiences, more power, etc.

Me having a joyful moment near my cabin in the wilderness of the Yukon | Photo taken with my tripod

Those who have built empires worth millions now fixate on joining the billionaires' club, and those who achieve billionaire status still want more. In this ceaseless pursuit of "more" and "better," most people are unable to derive contentment from their considerable achievements and possessions.

True joy and fulfillment, as many eventually discover, does not reside in the realm of more and more material possessions or more and more financial milestones—it lies in the simple act of recognizing, appreciating, and celebrating the beauty of ordinary, everyday moments.

Many people aspire to accumulate more wealth, and while the pursuit of a comfortable living through hard work is admirable, our relationship with money often becomes more complex. We exist in a world that is fundamentally structured around financial systems and economic change, making it virtually impossible to operate outside of these parameters. This reality necessitates that we engage in productive work to secure a living wage, maintain our financial obligations, and establish a comfortable standard of living.

Human nature, however, rarely allows us to remain content with mere financial stability. Had humanity been satisfied with basic comfort, our world would undoubtedly look vastly different today. Instead, we observe a pattern where achieving one level of success invariably leads to pursuing the next. Upon reaching each new milestone, our aspirations expand further, creating an endless cycle of achievement and desire. This perpetual yearning extends beyond mere monetary wealth to encompass broader forms of success—greater recognition, expanded influence, enhanced social status, and increased fame.

The complexity of human psychology manifests in our deep-seated need for more and more societal validation and respect. When this validation proves elusive, many people often resort to increasingly ambitious pursuits to attain it. Yet even upon achieving such recognition, the satisfaction proves temporary, as the desire for more quickly resurfaces. This pattern is particularly evident among the world's wealthiest individuals—even those who have amassed billions continue their relentless pursuit of greater wealth and influence, highlighting the seemingly insatiable nature of human ambition.

In search of an alternative perspective, I made the conscious decision to experience simple life in the Yukon wilderness, embracing minimalism and forging a closer connection with nature. For six consecutive years, I resided in modest, off-grid cabins, enduring extreme temperatures that often plunged to minus 45°C. Throughout this period, I gained profound insights into the authentic meaning of peace and tranquility. While maintaining regular employment, I adopted a fundamentally different approach to living—one characterized by humility, minimal consumption, and reduced material needs. This simpler existence proved remarkably fulfilling, yielding valuable life lessons that I've since shared through various forms of creative expression, including my writing and artistic endeavors.

Let me share one of my joyful and memorable experiences — one of many dance videos I created while living in my remote cabin, surrounded by the pristine, snow-covered wilderness of the Yukon. This footage captures an authentic moment of pure happiness as I moved freely around my cabin, embracing the serene solitude and natural beauty of my surroundings. The video offers an intimate glimpse into my daily life in this deep forest setting, showcasing not just the physical space of my cabin but also the profound sense of contentment and freedom I discovered in this simple way of living. Enjoy:

The prevalence of unhappiness in contemporary society can largely be attributed to our constant race for more—more possessions, more achievements, more experiences. When these aspirations remain unfulfilled, we encounter deep disappointment and dissatisfaction. While it's certainly positive to appreciate our accomplishments and maintain a sense of gratitude, true contentment becomes elusive when our minds continuously seek something better. Genuine joy necessitates finding complete satisfaction in our current circumstances and achievements. The modern tragedy lies in our persistent pursuit of external validation, often at any cost, which undermines our capacity for authentic happiness. Despite our numerous technological and material advances, we seem to have lost touch with the fundamental ability to experience pure joy, contentment, and wonder. However, reclaiming this capacity remains possible through conscious lifestyle changes, shifted perspectives, and a renewed focus on life's essential elements.

This shift opens the door to genuine joy.

*****

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Cheerfully,

Gurdeep