Material Satisfaction

Sprinter

Sometimes, I am longing for something, like a Video Camcorder. After having it, I feel the joy for a short while only, followed by an un-named emptiness. Why ?
What can really make me happy forever?

tribdog

tried suicide?

Gale

i can make you happy baby, just gimme some whipped cream, a blindfold and a new calculator.

Sprinter

Kick your *** will be good?

tribdog

you asked for forever. kicking my *** only satisfies for a couple of hours.

Sprinter

Then I will keep on kicking till eternity. :lol:

tribdog

try it and it'll feel like an eternity, I guarantee it

JasonRox

By leading the virtuous life described by Aristotle.

Jonny_trigonometry

well, you could start by trying to capture all those moments you find meaningful with that video camera. Maybe after a while, sequences will roll through your head, and you'll know what music to put over it, or if it should just be dialog or silence, and your previous accomplishments will vector you towards new endevours ad infinitum... all with a measly little video camera...

honestrosewater

Don't worry, Sprinter, a tribdog guarantee isn't worth the paper it's scribbled in crayon on.

I like JasonRox's answer.

Astronuc

Most satisfaction from obtaining material things is transient.

I agree with JasonRox, but would add that others (various philosophical and religious authors) have mentioned leading a virtuous life.

Perhaps one can read "To Have and To Be" by Erich Fromm.

Otherwise, refrain from attachment to material things and develop oneself spiritually.

However, in the end, one must determine one's own happiness.

JasonRox

That's true. There are plenty of other philosophical ways to lead a virtuous life. I'm only familiar with Aristotle's version, and to me, it made a lot of sense.

I'm sure the others make sense too. The idea is to just be genuinely good in my opinion.

Jonny_trigonometry

As far as to my liking. I'm all good with leading a virtuous life and all, but even that can miss something. Consider always being concerned with doing the right thing... That may not lead to true happiness. Consider Aristotle at a frat party or something... he would calm everyone down and influence people to not be crazy and have fun, and instead the party would turn into a discussion about right and wrong... Not that that is boring, but don't you sometimes want to mix things up a bit?

Astronuc

Agree!

Azael

I think Dalai lama has got the right idea. No book has changed my life more than The art of happiness. Happiness exist within your mind, to reach real happiness you need to train that mind. Make happiness into a habit.

You will be happy forever when you are satisfied with yourself, help other as much as you can, do what feels right and always always maintain a positive attitude. Most grief we drag down upon ourself through our mindset/attitude.

”if you can solve your problem, then what is the need of worrying. If you cannot solve it, then what is the use of worrying.” - (suposed to be said by) Gautama Buddha

honestrosewater

Why would he want to convince them not to have fun? I think he would try to help them find a healthy balance, which for me includes having fun. He was a Greek too, after all!

Astronuc

I essentially agree. I am not so much satisfied with who I am, but I accept myself, and I always see room for improvement.

"Don't worry. Be Happy." by Bobby McFerrin