when was the last time i practiced an ascetic lifestyle? i look at myself now and i see no trace of what i used to be. i had a sense of discipline then. well, more of self-control. my wants and desires were fully restrained. too restrained that i felt that they didn't exist. i didnt have a longing for things (well, not as much as i do now). there's only need. now im just a materialistic person. i still operate on the basis of need but there is now a recognition that i do want things in life other than the basic necessities. ive become that person i used to prevent myself from becoming. someone who is having a difficult time controlling himself and his desires.
there's nothing wrong with wanting stuff. the problem lies with wanting more and not being contented or satisfied. im not going to say its immoral to want more than necessary but its really a problem because one will be in a perpetual state of frustration and dissatisfaction. especially when one has the tendency to be greedy. there's no such thing as enough for a greedy person. there's always something more. having it all means a never ending desire to acquire things just for the sake of acquiring it. there's no such thing as enough.
i used to aspire to live a very simple life because i know my greedy tendencies. i limit myself to the basic necessities. only go for what i need. my wants and my happiness were never my concern. i managed to get by without it. well, i had to. because i knew then that i will never be happy with something not good enough. i would rather not have what this life can offer if its not good enough. it will only disappoint me in the end. now that i think about it, its kind of weird that i denied myself things, like happiness, for the simple reason that i want more than what's available to be given or offered. so, my ascetic lifestyle was based on an "all or nothing" philosophy.
the last time i remember trying to live an ascetic lifestyle was 2003. i really should revert back to my old ways. besides, i think that lifestyle is more attuned with where im heading right now.
1 comment:
Hi!
Reading your post above, finding through google seaching on 'Wanting more than one can handle'.
Personally I reacted pretty much the same way as you, but probably a bit more hardcore. On my way, I have studied and read up on 'Dualism' by Plato. The divide between 'Idealism' and 'Materialism'. My conclusions to it, is that I went into this phase due to escalated warfare and endless consumption all over, including myself, allthough I was never that focused on the Materialism itself, yet I got it all through work, fancy stuff and lifestyle.
I have learned when taking Asian philosophy and 'farmers sense' (as we call it in Sweden) that it is the BALANCE of those two that matters. 'Cause' and 'Effect' matters, I went into the phase due to several Causes. The Wars and Propagandas around us made me turn Idealistic and living an ascetic lifestyle and just do 'free' studies.
Thank you for your post! Best of wishes and your seek of Balance and Harmony.
In politics and propaganda there is something called 'Either/Or-fallacy'. Its 'Bipolar' per se. I think it yields this syndrom on the general crowd. Capitalism as its function also seem to endlessly seek profit, wich therefor needs to create needs in individuals, may it be through fear mongering or lust.
In spirit I trust!
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