An Essay On Satisfaction
Satisfaction is something we blindly pursue every day of our lives. We attempt to find it anywhere we can, but we neglect to see where true satisfaction lies. There is a bold line between true satisfaction and superficial gratification. Most feel they have found complete contentment when in fact they have fallen victim to a sort of hoax. The trick is not by some impostor, but instead by their own self.
What do we truly seek to satisfy us? If one was to look at the world from afar, in some sort of crystal ball, they would see a desperate chase for self-fulfillment. What is ironic is that we refuse to look into ourselves to find gratification, and instead desperately heed the opinions of others to soothe our insecurities. We neglect to think introspectively, and instead search for short term relief for our deepest self-doubts. The opinions of others is a fast and temporary solution to our internal conflicts. Compliments are lidocaine for our insecurities. However we as humans are prone to such easy means of satisfaction. We constantly look towards short-lived remedies instead of stepping back and analyzing our own imperfections.
Satisfaction is something we blindly pursue every day of our lives. We attempt to find it anywhere we can, but we neglect to see where true satisfaction lies. There is a bold line between true satisfaction and superficial gratification. Most feel they have found complete contentment when in fact they have fallen victim to a sort of hoax. The trick is not by some impostor, but instead by their own self.
What do we truly seek to satisfy us? If one was to look at the world from afar, in some sort of crystal ball, they would see a desperate chase for self-fulfillment. What is ironic is that we refuse to look into ourselves to find gratification, and instead desperately heed the opinions of others to soothe our insecurities. We neglect to think introspectively, and instead search for short term relief for our deepest self-doubts. The opinions of others is a fast and temporary solution to our internal conflicts. Compliments are lidocaine for our insecurities. However we as humans are prone to such easy means of satisfaction. We constantly look towards short-lived remedies instead of stepping back and analyzing our own imperfections.
A simple compliment, for example, does wonders on the body. An attractive girl tells you that you are looking good today, a quick confidence boost is sure to follow. But as you prepare for bed later that night, you begin to think. Suddenly that compliment’s short buzz has worn off, you question the validity of the girl’s remark. Was she just saying that to be nice? Did she really mean it? Your mind opens the floodgates and doubt pours in. The cycle restarts, and soon you will seek external gratification once more.
A purer example lies in the realm of social media. Pictures, tweets, statuses, all posted in hopes that others will approve or like it. A confidence booster. A picture of one’s self is posted, a desperate search for others approval begins, as if we need someone else to tell us that we look good, or that we are intelligent, or correct in our thinking. The greatest and wisest of us do not seek the approval of others, we seek the approval of ourselves, similar to how true artists do not seek the approval of others for their artwork, but instead seeks to only impress themselves.
Step back and think for a second. The secrets to understanding yourself do not lie in the words of another being. They are not hidden in the courteous remark of another. The answers lie within yourself. You have the ability to search within your spirit and find true satisfaction, you have the key that will open that door to absolute, pure happiness.
I will not sit here and attempt to convince you that I know what true satisfaction is. What satisfies me, what completes my being, is not congruent to what completes you. We have different insecurities, different doubts, different fears; I cannot unlock true fulfilment for you. Nor can the kind words of a stranger or a friend. Self-reflection is the only conduit to true happiness. Find what upsets you, ponder it, never let it leave your mind. Let it fester. Think about what is holding you back from self-gratification. Introspective satisfaction. That is what you must seek. Ignore what others say, they are not you. They do not have the ability to completely satisfy you. Remember that. Look deep inside of you, look long enough and you will find happiness. True happiness. Absolute happiness.
“Nothing can bring you peace but yourself. Nothing can bring you peace but the triumph of principles.”- Ralph Waldo Emerson