Everyone wants to be happy, but nobody wants to be happy with what they have.

conception 13 hours ago | parent | next [-]

I think this is a very American ideal (that has been exported with much success).

MangoToupe 13 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

Doesn't everyone want to be happy with what they have? Why would you not want that. Like, ideally we'd all be happy with nothing, right?

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mfer 11 hours ago | parent | next [-]

In the 1920's of the US the idea of making people not content to stimulate buying gained popularity. This is still used today. The culture is directed at making people not satisfied. It's hard to go against the grain of society.

	▲	lotsofpulp 9 hours ago \| parent [-]
		That wasn’t a new idea. It’s not even restricted to humans. Competing for mates is one of the basic mechanisms in evolution, seen in many animals. Instead of fighting the tribal leader or whomever to display fitness, humans came up with a less violent solution, which manifests itself in the ability to buy things.

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palmotea 13 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

> Doesn't everyone want to be happy with what they have?

No, most people think getting more (or getting something else) will make them happy.

> Why would you not want that. Like, ideally we'd all be happy with nothing, right?

Because it's hard to become wise, and that's not what society teaches.