“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you have was once among the things you only hoped for.” - Epicurus It's so easy, yet so life changing. Multiple aspects of my life right now are far from ideal, but if I focus on what I actually do have, mostly non-materialistic, I consider myself to be very lucky and happy🥰. There is absolutely no need for always wanting more. Focus on what we do have instead of the things we don't have.
I once heard this quote "If you are not happy with what you have, you will not be happy with what you don't have", it is the truth indeed, contentment is a daily effort to shift perspectives.
I've always maintained my own identity, objectives, and self-image even despite being with different partners over the decades. However, EVERY single instance when I ended these relationships, it was almost always because those people began to expect me to serve their needs over anything and anyone else. Most wanted my skills, resources, popularity, influence, intelligence, money, or efforts and nothing else. The more I told them "no", I was quickly loathed and despised. This was consistent over the decades. But... strange as it may sound... I've always enjoyed this situation. It constantly reminds me that 99% of humanity is *NOT* about self-enlightenment. Nope. It's about their vain, narrow-minded narcissism. Very sad, yes, but it has always reminded me what *I* am all about. Which is the complete opposite. 🐲✨🐲✨🐲✨
@@Novastar.SaberCombat you sound like a cat 🐈 , personified 😹 I don't blame you for leaving your human masters who'd rather have ass-kissing dogs as pets😸
and then there are those who desire more than one partner. But do not confuse the desire for a special person to share life, with the greed of wanting to possess a person or many persons. There is a difference between desire to be a help mate to another and have that other be a help mate to you, and the desire to simply aquire someone like a possession. The first is a desire to share, contribute, and give basck as well as receive. The second is about status and conquest. It is not greedy to desire true unselfish love. It only becomes greed if your focus is on what another can do for you.
Yes and that is because the brain is programmed to take things for granted, once you get more money that wealth becomes your new baseline whether you want it to be or not
True but then again it's always better to be rich than poor. You never hear rich people complain about money but you'll always hear people complain about it, while simontanously claiming they don't want it... No, I can promise you 100% that you would much rather be rich than poor, and I can also promies you it would make you a lot happier, as having a lot of money provides security and freedom. There's absolutely nothing better in the world than to wake up completely stressfree, having no worries, and not having to do anything that you don't want to do. It's the best feeling in the world, and only if you're financially free, can you have that luxury. So when people tell you "it's not all about money", they are both correct and wrong because at the end of the day, that is always what it comes down to. So yeah, get rich or die trying because it's absolutely worth it. Or you can just die poor and miserable, whatever floats your boat (:
@@True38 A better alternative is to be middle class with the basic needs met, than dying trying and working hard to be rich, superfluous things are a trap that not only add nothing to happiness but lead you into a path that will exhaust you.
Your videos truly changed my life. I began watching them during the pandemic. I would drive around and listen to them when everything was locked down, and I was feeling down. I always come back when I need to be grounded again. Thank you.
If we are talking about it in a sexual context, then yes. I agree that lust is much harder to overcome than greed. I think it is that way because people forcibly try to curb it within themselves, and when they fail, they say it is 'human nature' and 'natural' and whatnot. And eventually, their entire lives begin revolving around their sexual and material desires, which fuels such sins even more. It's like a feedback loop. Yes, these feelings are natural because you and a million other people are experiencing them. But it is not normal because when left unchecked, they consume you completely as a person and lead you down dark and immoral paths, and even they fail to provide any permanent satisfaction. On that note, I also believe that the line that separates greed and lust becomes blurred the more a person indulges in these two sins, and often they are very hard to tell apart unless taken into a sexual context. I think it's this way; lust is wanting something, and greed is living under the delusion that you need something to be 'happier'. Lust is mostly about getting a physical release, and greed has more of a psychological complex that must be dismantled. In both cases, there is an intense desire for the object of fixation to the point of ruination if left unchecked.
@@poetrytherapyinc my desires are to live in this life with the least amount of wants, needs or goods… if this is one more thing… to dispose of it…. There are so many “so many” “things” that are not needs. So many are wants, unnecessary shiny things
Greed and selfishness can simply be the pursuit of happiness. However, some people got actually blinded and then lose sight of what they actually desire. Instead of being happy, they became trapped. It's important to always know the core of your desires. What do you really want? What you treasure the most? your reason and purpose that you have named. Why you believe you want to fight to live? What makes something worth it to you? I think the negative side of greed, is being overwhelmed. Too focused on one thing that you become unstable. Everything should be balanced, because anything unstable lead to disharmony and self implosion. I think we need desire to live well. We need a little bit of greed and selfishness. But it's possible to be influenced by another's desire that you lose sight of what you actually want. And then, lose sight through being overwhelmed, information overload tend to addle the mind in my opinion till you close your eyes and reject and eject but the most important...
Very true, it is impossible to eliminate greed while alive because it is an emotional program built in the brain but we can see it for what it is and be far less influenced by it
Of all the things humans are prone to greed is the most disgusting to me. It permeates every aspect of a personality and slowly taints all the good things about it.
Thank you so much for your essays. They are a wonderful way to stop, and think. They often help to relax and view our daily life from a different perspective. I usually get your new videos in the moorning - words of wisdom and a cup of coffee are the best way to start a day. ❤🇨🇦
Greed can make a real mess, no matter how small it may appear. It's really shocking to witness the effects that it can have. It's really something to think about, highlighting the strength of greediness.
Please could you bring out a video about the dangers of comparing oneself to others and feeling behind in life? I feel like this is an issue many struggle with throughout their lives so would be helpful to understand any philosophical ideas surrounding this.
You can instead be happy for the person, you could use that energy really dissect what it is that they have that you want and why you want it to begin with.
I have a feeling that todays society with its social media focused all about image, being cool, looking beautiful and having money is just a breeding ground for greed. We have to shift our focus to praise other values in people like being a good friend/partner/parent, kindness, discipline, honesty and compassion...
Interesting. I suggest this subject may deserve a part two based on the recent findings of neuroscience about dopamine and what these findings could bring to the discussion (Dopamine nation, The molecule of more and Huberman Lab).
My bosses (husband and wife) were greedy. They bribed officials to get contracts and overcharged the clients. They treated their employees badly by not paying the employee's travel expenses and then billing the clients for unreimbursed travel expenses. One employee complained to the authorities who investigated them for fraud. They were found guilty and sent to prison. While they were in prison, one of their kids crashed the car into a tree and was killed. So sad.
It’s the journey not the destination, similar to not the happiness but the pre suit. Don’t chase money, be in service of others, money will be the by product. Greed goes with scarcity, never be in lack. As Mother Nature itself is very abundant. Be abundant with thinking, to sharing your time with others, to how your money grows itself.
I think of people as conduits for money. Money should not be hoarded, but rather moved along from person to person. If you think of yourself as a conduit for money, you will attract much of it and pass it along to other people in the form of gifts, charity, and buying nice things for yourself last. The more money that flows through you, the wealthier you become, and you in turn pass that onto others. It's the economic version of the circle of life.
I think I didn't understand the concept of greed until now. You can basically be greedy about anything, even for a person. I think that what separates greed from ambition of success is that greed involves desire in a malicious way.
you are absolutely right i deeply appreciate this video thank you i have a lot of struggle with pride and greed 😔 i want to break free completely from all these sins it is affecting me negatively in life
Amazing topic, content and pictures !!! Very relevant in today's time when people and countries are going mad for it !!! Would like to add that Hindu's text Rig Veda , also highlight that "Greed and fear" are root for all problems or Main Sin in your terms !!! Simplicity and compassion is way of life. As earth have limited resources and greedy can never be satisfied !!! In conclusion: they all said same things in different words !!! And it is TRUE , saints and life stories we read for years have value in those teachings !!! May more understand it and follow it !!!
I think if you’ve lived through an early time of not having enough money for the basics in life, it can lead to some greed. I find this happens to me, as I’m terrified of not having enough in the future. Where my £ comes from is precarious, difficult not to obsess about it😰🤔
I kind of object, people who were born with wealth are just as terrified if not more of the idea of being poor. They’re just in denial of it. An example of this id the disgust shown towards the homeless. People don’t hate them, they just feel like that could be them if they take one wrong step
@@intercakefederation everybody wants to hold their standards at least and even that can be difficult if you don’t put in effort in your career .. so anxiety is always there
It took the pandemic and 10 months of a sabbatical to reach the understanding of less is more in life. And acquisitions of stuff does not make one happy or content. I have finally that point of contentment and my happiest tiime in life
Thank you, Einzelganger for sharing your wisdom.. we are seeing such greed here in the US with politicians who will destroy our democracy if they succeed. They of course, would never listen to this.
I think you neglected a very important feature of greed. Greed unfortunately, is also the primary driving force of our economy, and by extension, the very foundation and evolution of human society and civilizations, at least in the physical aspects.
There are two more crucial sins for these modern times which Greed invokes: 1. Employeeship, or obedience read blindly following orders. Think about German soldiers during WWII but also modern day employees looking the other way, while they poison the planet, screw their clients on companies' orders., lobby for oil and arms, etc. 2. Strategy. It's the cold disconnection to achieve goals. This is those who order the obedient people and consider how to increase outcomes in the interests of a 'happy' few (read the Greedy). These are the obedient ones who even seek to consciously invest all their intelligence and cunning to scheme for often nefarious objectives.
I love money, money is my friend. It's all relative. Being broke is worse than being wealthy. But yeah, greed is bad. You have to have the right perspective...
If you base your life upon man's opinion, you will never be rich. If you base your life upon nature's needs, you will never be poor. Nature's needs are few, whilst those of opinions are limitless! Seneca, of Rome
Greed is insane. A greedy person will not be happy until they possess everything. They’re never satisfied, and they never will be. Life is so much easier if you’re a minimalist.
Well said. Now imagine if a greedy person or persons have great power and influence over others. Their blind, insatiable greed can cause a lot of pain and suffering.
This is why I don't want to be rich, it will be never enough. That's why I'm a minimalist, I have money left over at the end of the month that's enough for me to be happy.
I believe my parents want me to be rich. I'm not sure what they're going to think when I tell them I'm starting a new career and taking a few months off of work. I felt bad seeing my bank account grow for no apparent reason while my happiness was fading
Health is the only wealth I'd purse. Both sound mind and body. A sick mind will always lead to sick ways and a sick life. Rich in possessions but poor/corrupted in personal character will not give one a peaceful life.
I think the answer is easy, you can't be rich that's why you made up an excuse for yourself. Be rich, don't spend money on yourself, spend money for animals in need. They want to eat and medicine, but you don't care about them, right?
@@peaceduke1 I feel like I have enough money to be happy. I am investing in the stock market, only a few bills, and I'm smart with money. No excuses here, just a different mindset, not everyone gets it.
@@daryldraws8083 I agree with the your first comment but you need to let go of this stereotypical notion that rich people are somehow "evil". I'm sure some are but who the hell comitts more crimes exactly, rich people or POOR people? It's just utter nonsense, the wealthiest people pay more taxes than anyone and create more value than anyone. You wouldn't even have a normal job it if weren't for them but that's pretty easy and convienient to forget now isn't? People just think these companies and great opportunities just magically appear and they disregard it as something "evil". Just stop it because it's simply not True. Plenty of rich people have given billions of dollars to charity something a "good" poor person could never do. I'm sick of these poor excuses from people who secretly want what the rich have but simply do not have what it takes to get it. There's a word for that, and that word is coward.
Is wanting to be loved greedy? Is greed only wanting material things? Is doing things for others and gaining recognition- greed? no matter what u do in life you're doing it for your own gain Categorizing wealthy people to being greedy isn't correct
I have just started watching (binge watching) your channel. I am more stoic than I ever imagined. Thank you for providing all of the info and looking forward to more.
Want nothing. Read about consciousness when I was 9 and understood, "Ambition should be made of sterner stuff". Understanding the commercialization of Christmas I asked my parents to stop giving no toys. So I grew with minimal ego development. I am grateful for the lessons that led me here
I think to solve the issue of greed we should not try treating it as a thing in of itself. Because greed is mostly a symptom, a coping mechanism for underlying negative feelings, emotions and expectations, in general: anxiety. This outlook is supported by the fact that greed is of compulsuve-obsessive nature, it cannot just go away, there is never "enough", otherwise the suppressed anxiety will surface right up. To fix abundant greed I'm afraid the society will have to change. It needs to be where each memeber does not fear for its future wellbeing, where there are firm social guarantees provided for everyone. Unfortunately, it looks like we are moving in a completely opposite direction, under the pressure of the greed-afflicted ruiling elite.
@Aaron Henderson I don't see how it's not self explanatory. Honest work is when your work causes no direct harm to anybody, and maybe produces something nice and useful. Honest pay is the money you should obtain proportionally to the responsibility, time, and effort that the job requires.
@Alessandro Effort is different per person though, someone with a lower IQ could be working 100% of their capacity really struggling to get by and only getting payed minimum wage for that. Do you pay them more or less? It's a hard topic as each persons skill set is unique, and a lot of it is based in genetic code. You can fight against this and work hard to have a better life, but it doesn't mean hard work will equal good pay. Not arguing or trying to disprove anything, in the most basic sense I 100% agree with what you said.
Former Christian, current "wealthy person" here. The whole you can only have one master: God or money thing is a typical Christian oversimplification. Who says you need any master? Wealth can be achieved without the pursuit of it taking over your life. Particularly if you have a frugal and modest mindset to begin with. With wealth there are more opportunities to be generous, with your time and with material goods. I have much more time to devote to my family and charity now than when I was constantly concerned about making rent. I know some very unhappy people who are obsessed with God and religion. They police other's "sins", ostracize "non-believers" and hold on to toxic dogma at the expense of personal relationships. Sadly you won't see zealotry on any list of cardinal sins. Greed is obsession over wealth. Lust is obsession over sex. Sloth is obsession over comfort and rest. Wrath is obsession over revenge and anger. Gluttony is obsession over food and drink. Envy is obsession over the possessions of others. Pride is obsession over glory and status. Zealotry is obsession over a religious ideology. The root of all evil is obsession, particularly if that obsession is selfish. I say go ahead and acquire a bit of wealth (by being useful to others). Enjoy a bit of comfort and rest (after you work a bit. You earned it!) Enjoy some good food and drink (but choose healthy options and don't over do it). Realize that there are many forms love can take beyond sex, and put a bit of love in everything you do. If you get a bit of glory and status, fine (just don't let it go to your head). I can't think of any redeeming qualities for wrath, envy or zealotry, so avoid those.
Ironically I don't seem to find any biblical accounts of God being greedy, lustful, slothful, or gluttonous. An argument could be made for God being prideful, but I couldn't find an explicit example. There are plenty of examples of God being wrathful, and envious. And promoting zealotry is pretty much the point of the bible in the first place. So, God embodies all of the obsessions I despise. Go Christianity!
But to be perfectly good seems like a bad in and of itself. Life is never so simple… and yet it is. The fact that it’s both makes it more complicated! There’s a reason why toxic positivity is a thing and incorporating the “shadow” is a beneficial thing to include in your life because the world isn’t a nice place. If you’re TOO positive and without dark sides, then the world will take advantage of you! We live in a world of polarity and you cannot have the good without the bad. To be all one and none of the other is an imbalance of character and from my experience life punishes such an imbalance.
You need to transcend that thinking. Imagine you had billions of dollars and everything you ever wanted, would you even care if someone took advantage? No, it would not even bother you as you have soo much already, Be like the sun
I love this video and i have definitely started looking at all of the ways that i am greedy or have shown greedy tendencies. Because you can't change the world unless you change yourself.
I remember a russian story about greed, a queen asked her king to get things. He kept getting things for her but she was never satisfied. in the end her greed render her with nothing. Characters in stories that tend to be greed never have a happy ending, either they get killed or get imprisoned. Greed renders all things naught, for nothing can satisfy their endless desires.
There's the concept of the hedonistic treadmill. Every time you buy or otherwise obtain something you want, it feels good in the moment. But, once the dopamine wears off, you're emotionally back where you started with soome useless junk you don't know what to do with. I suppose that's why conscientious gratitude matters.
Hi! This is a very insightful question I used to deepen my knowledge about greed. I would love to react to some of your points in the video. From your statements, you said that when people or groups follow their own interests without considering the welfare of others, greed may cause rifts and conflicts throughout society. This is referred to as the divisiveness of greed. I concur with this statement since unbridled greed may result in societal turmoil, inequality, and a lack of collaboration. The shallow and self-centered aspect of greed is highlighted by its vanity, as people choose to put their personal wants and money before deep ties or contributions to society. Since it highlights the detrimental effects of greed on moral principles and social cohesiveness, I support this viewpoint. The shallow and self-centered aspect of greed is highlighted by its vanity, as people choose to put their personal wants and money before deep ties or contributions to society. Since it highlights the detrimental effects of greed on moral principles and social cohesiveness, I support this viewpoint. Epicurus’ quote “Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you have was once among the things you only hoped for” connects with the important concept of thankfulness. I agree with the concept since it promotes satisfaction and a positive view of life by encouraging people to recognize and appreciate their existing benefits. Practicing gratitude might help us live a more contented and meaningful life by serving as a reminder of the path from lofty goals to actualized achievements. It's crucial to remember that the remark could oversimplify the nuanced nature of growth and personal objectives. Although it encourages contentment, it may be seen as inhibiting the pursuit of novel objectives. Maintaining equilibrium is essential, as is realizing that the drive for self-actualization and the establishment of new goals may serve as constructive catalysts for personal growth. Situations where desire and ambition result in favorable consequences, such as individual accomplishments, social breakthroughs, or contributions to the greater good, serve as counterexamples. The phrase may be made stronger by mentioning situations in which desire has resulted in significant and constructive change. From a moral and ethical reasoning perspective, the quote is consistent with the virtue of thankfulness. It emphasizes the value of having a responsible and compassionate desire, highlighting the fact that people may pursue achievement and personal development without sacrificing empathy or moral principles. By doing this, they enhance everyone's well-being, individually and as a group. Lastly, I would like to commend this video as it is very helpful material when talking about the social implications of greed and is helpful for students like me.
Your videos are great! I have a request. Can you do one on dealing with noise? I live in a very noisy place, and I work in a noisy environment. The noise really gets to me. Can you offer us help regarding external noise through the Stoics and others? Thank you.
It is better to be content with what the eyes can see than for one’s heart always to crave more. This continual longing is futile - like chasing the wind. Ecclesiastes 6:9
An English language teacher of us told us about how he read in Sinbad the sailor about a monkey throwing coconut at a man who had thrown a stone at the monkey. In 1953 he was in Korea as a soldier and saw a monkey in a coconut tree, he threw a stone at this massive maternal monkey which bounced off her chest, she then looked at him standing their waiting for a coconut to be thrown back but instead she put her hand in shomething nasty and threw it all over his tunic.
its quite a skill to parry your own ego, but i think im doing fairly well. i get a lot of pleasure from the little things in life. i dress and live quite plainly.
Desires are the beacons of light in our life when they inspire us to understand ourselves so that we find purpose in earthly life, but it immediately turns into a dark abyss when you start chasing those desires!!!
I have seen the destruction that greed causes. I have never been greedy for money or anything at the expense of everyone else. I'd rather be poor but happy with the great things I do have; like life. health and a good perspective and attitude. I am also grateful. I can still smile and laugh even under dire situations. I am also free of the superstition of religion. I am truly free to think.
Amazing video !! quality information always! I have a question, could you make a video about comparing oneself to others , what exactly should be done to stop it? Thank you 🙏🙏
Good question. Focus our lives on God and serving others, and we will have less mental space for thinking about ourselves and playing the comparison game
These lines are same as it is in Bhagavat Gita, the oldest absolute truth of the world. Please try to make one video on Indias rich Vedic culture which is the oldest and supreme. Hare Krishna Einzelganger and Your team.
I recommend people Watch some Thomas sowell films and get educated in economics.This film is a children's outlook on money,greed and economics. Capitalism is by no means perfect but it is the best so far and needs to be improved.
Personally I'm greedy for the best possible life I can have and stop at nothing to achieve it. As perfection, it can never be achieved but enjoyed on the way to percieved completion.
From what I have witnessed, I can mention that 'The World has Enough for every man's Need but not Enough for every man's Greed.'
👍
Yes, Mahatma Gandhi said that 👍
Love this!
The last part could be replaced with "*a single* mans greed" and it would still be true.
@@ibrahimkayikci2146 Woahh! Yes!
“Greed is a bottomless pit which exhausts the person in an endless effort to satisfy the need without ever reaching satisfaction.” Erich Fromm
Good quote
Very well said. I've accomplished so many goals and made millions 💵 yet I'm still very unhappy 😭 and strive for much more. Why???
"Satisfaction." Benny Benassi
@@pazuzuxxbecause your capping
Thanks for sharing, good quote indeed
“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you have was once among the things you only hoped for.” - Epicurus
It's so easy, yet so life changing. Multiple aspects of my life right now are far from ideal, but if I focus on what I actually do have, mostly non-materialistic, I consider myself to be very lucky and happy🥰. There is absolutely no need for always wanting more. Focus on what we do have instead of the things we don't have.
The farmer from courage the cowardly dog!
Stupid dog!
Eustace
beautiful show! indeed
Well that farmer was very greedy
“STUPID DOG!” 😂
I once heard this quote "If you are not happy with what you have, you will not be happy with what you don't have", it is the truth indeed, contentment is a daily effort to shift perspectives.
applies to relationship too, the more you want a partner the worse the loneliness gets
The ability to be alone is a super power.
I've always maintained my own identity, objectives, and self-image even despite being with different partners over the decades. However, EVERY single instance when I ended these relationships, it was almost always because those people began to expect me to serve their needs over anything and anyone else. Most wanted my skills, resources, popularity, influence, intelligence, money, or efforts and nothing else. The more I told them "no", I was quickly loathed and despised. This was consistent over the decades.
But... strange as it may sound... I've always enjoyed this situation. It constantly reminds me that 99% of humanity is *NOT* about self-enlightenment. Nope. It's about their vain, narrow-minded narcissism. Very sad, yes, but it has always reminded me what *I* am all about. Which is the complete opposite.
🐲✨🐲✨🐲✨
Yes applies to anything that we desire from the external world
@@Novastar.SaberCombat you sound like a cat 🐈 , personified 😹 I don't blame you for leaving your human masters who'd rather have ass-kissing dogs as pets😸
and then there are those who desire more than one partner. But do not confuse the desire for a special person to share life, with the greed of wanting to possess a person or many persons. There is a difference between desire to be a help mate to another and have that other be a help mate to you, and the desire to simply aquire someone like a possession. The first is a desire to share, contribute, and give basck as well as receive. The second is about status and conquest. It is not greedy to desire true unselfish love. It only becomes greed if your focus is on what another can do for you.
Always will be a better car, a bigger house, better clothes, expensive trips .. it never ends, such trip never ends.
Only rich people can afford any of that anyhow increasingly more so these days.
Satisfaction is a moving target.
Yes and that is because the brain is programmed to take things for granted, once you get more money that wealth becomes your new baseline whether you want it to be or not
True but then again it's always better to be rich than poor. You never hear rich people complain about money but you'll always hear people complain about it, while simontanously claiming they don't want it...
No, I can promise you 100% that you would much rather be rich than poor, and I can also promies you it would make you a lot happier, as having a lot of money provides security and freedom.
There's absolutely nothing better in the world than to wake up completely stressfree, having no worries, and not having to do anything that you don't want to do. It's the best feeling in the world, and only if you're financially free, can you have that luxury.
So when people tell you "it's not all about money", they are both correct and wrong because at the end of the day, that is always what it comes down to. So yeah, get rich or die trying because it's absolutely worth it.
Or you can just die poor and miserable, whatever floats your boat (:
@@True38 A better alternative is to be middle class with the basic needs met, than dying trying and working hard to be rich, superfluous things are a trap that not only add nothing to happiness but lead you into a path that will exhaust you.
Your videos truly changed my life. I began watching them during the pandemic. I would drive around and listen to them when everything was locked down, and I was feeling down.
I always come back when I need to be grounded again.
Thank you.
Lust is the hardest one to overcome personally.
it was for me as well, then I got closer to Jesus, and i kid you not, the lustful spirit went away. God is good 🙏🏾
My problem is that I feel no lust but I would like to feel it
If we are talking about it in a sexual context, then yes. I agree that lust is much harder to overcome than greed. I think it is that way because people forcibly try to curb it within themselves, and when they fail, they say it is 'human nature' and 'natural' and whatnot. And eventually, their entire lives begin revolving around their sexual and material desires, which fuels such sins even more. It's like a feedback loop. Yes, these feelings are natural because you and a million other people are experiencing them. But it is not normal because when left unchecked, they consume you completely as a person and lead you down dark and immoral paths, and even they fail to provide any permanent satisfaction.
On that note, I also believe that the line that separates greed and lust becomes blurred the more a person indulges in these two sins, and often they are very hard to tell apart unless taken into a sexual context. I think it's this way; lust is wanting something, and greed is living under the delusion that you need something to be 'happier'. Lust is mostly about getting a physical release, and greed has more of a psychological complex that must be dismantled. In both cases, there is an intense desire for the object of fixation to the point of ruination if left unchecked.
Yes cuz u cant only abstain nofap is stupid if you accumulate energy but dont learn to transmute it
Lust, in my opinion, is a form of greed. And vice versa.
I love how your content accommodates everyone whether they are Christian, Buddhist, Tao etc
Thank you for you compliment. This is what I'm trying to do with the channel.
@@Einzelgänger pls also some Islamic input you have no idea how much in debt knowledge your missing out
@@Einzelgänger Thank You
@@Einzelgängerwhats up bro
In all but Christianity you try to control your own emotions. Christianity Jesus does it for you.
We're all greedy, but some of us see through the illusion. Videos like this help wake up from greed. ❤️
I don’t care for blanket statements but I can say that you are wrong. I have no use for wealth or a christian god.
@@rawbhonn7715 so what’s your master? What are your desires?
@@poetrytherapyinc my desires are to live in this life with the least amount of wants, needs or goods…
if this is one more thing… to dispose of it…. There are so many “so many” “things” that are not needs. So many are wants, unnecessary shiny things
Greed and selfishness can simply be the pursuit of happiness. However, some people got actually blinded and then lose sight of what they actually desire. Instead of being happy, they became trapped. It's important to always know the core of your desires. What do you really want? What you treasure the most? your reason and purpose that you have named. Why you believe you want to fight to live? What makes something worth it to you?
I think the negative side of greed, is being overwhelmed. Too focused on one thing that you become unstable. Everything should be balanced, because anything unstable lead to disharmony and self implosion.
I think we need desire to live well. We need a little bit of greed and selfishness. But it's possible to be influenced by another's desire that you lose sight of what you actually want. And then, lose sight through being overwhelmed, information overload tend to addle the mind in my opinion till you close your eyes and reject and eject but the most important...
Very true, it is impossible to eliminate greed while alive because it is an emotional program built in the brain but we can see it for what it is and be far less influenced by it
The feeling of fighting greed is what keeps me in loop of depression. It's insane how much of a fight it puts. Thank you for the video, once again :)
Don't fight it, accept it and see it for what it is and what it does to your life then you may come to terms with it
Of all the things humans are prone to greed is the most disgusting to me. It permeates every aspect of a personality and slowly taints all the good things about it.
A wise person once defined greed as more than enough. If we are truly grateful for the enough we have in our lives there is no desire for more.
Yes, it is just an uphill battle to be grateful for what is enough though, it does not come without proactive daily effort
I hope all the people who wants to be free from greed finds the tools necessary for getting out of greed cycle.
Allah help set us free from all sins.
Thank you so much for your essays. They are a wonderful way to stop, and think. They often help to relax and view our daily life from a different perspective. I usually get your new videos in the moorning - words of wisdom and a cup of coffee are the best way to start a day. ❤🇨🇦
There is no misery where there is no desire.
The core of the teachings of Buddhism :)
Greed can make a real mess, no matter how small it may appear. It's really shocking to witness the effects that it can have. It's really something to think about, highlighting the strength of greediness.
Please could you bring out a video about the dangers of comparing oneself to others and feeling behind in life? I feel like this is an issue many struggle with throughout their lives so would be helpful to understand any philosophical ideas surrounding this.
Yes, plus you can never live up to it😢
You can instead be happy for the person, you could use that energy really dissect what it is that they have that you want and why you want it to begin with.
@@tannerschmidt7211 cope
Comparing for me makes me feel bad about myself which I don't know how to think differently
OH MY ! You have summed up my (daily) thoughts when I live and look around......And man, it kills me to see.
I have a feeling that todays society with its social media focused all about image, being cool, looking beautiful and having money is just a breeding ground for greed. We have to shift our focus to praise other values in people like being a good friend/partner/parent, kindness, discipline, honesty and compassion...
Interesting. I suggest this subject may deserve a part two based on the recent findings of neuroscience about dopamine and what these findings could bring to the discussion (Dopamine nation, The molecule of more and Huberman Lab).
As a minimalist, I've learned that having less stuff is what makes me happier and more fulfilled.
But does becoming a minimalist mean you don’t want stuff because you would rather have the money it takes to get the stuff?
I’d like to have lots of nice things, but I’m too lazy ( slothful) to work for them.
My bosses (husband and wife) were greedy. They bribed officials to get contracts and overcharged the clients. They treated their employees badly by not paying the employee's travel expenses and then billing the clients for unreimbursed travel expenses. One employee complained to the authorities who investigated them for fraud. They were found guilty and sent to prison. While they were in prison, one of their kids crashed the car into a tree and was killed. So sad.
Karma has a way of coming back
@@Silverdragon517 So true.
This is horrible
It’s the journey not the destination, similar to not the happiness but the pre suit. Don’t chase money, be in service of others, money will be the by product.
Greed goes with scarcity, never be in lack. As Mother Nature itself is very abundant. Be abundant with thinking, to sharing your time with others, to how your money grows itself.
I think of people as conduits for money. Money should not be hoarded, but rather moved along from person to person. If you think of yourself as a conduit for money, you will attract much of it and pass it along to other people in the form of gifts, charity, and buying nice things for yourself last. The more money that flows through you, the wealthier you become, and you in turn pass that onto others. It's the economic version of the circle of life.
I think I didn't understand the concept of greed until now. You can basically be greedy about anything, even for a person.
I think that what separates greed from ambition of success is that greed involves desire in a malicious way.
Interesting.
you are absolutely right
i deeply appreciate this video
thank you
i have a lot of struggle with pride and greed 😔 i want to break free completely from all these sins
it is affecting me negatively in life
Accept Jesus
@@Xelenteontae_ ok
I love your videos. You are right about greed. It is one of the deadliest sins.
Greed is tied to wants of the ego.
amazing content, always so relaxing and very valid points
I always like before watching.
the poor eat to end their hunger. but when you have more than enough to eat, your hunger doesn't end
Amazing topic, content and pictures !!! Very relevant in today's time when people and countries are going mad for it !!! Would like to add that Hindu's text Rig Veda , also highlight that "Greed and fear" are root for all problems or Main Sin in your terms !!!
Simplicity and compassion is way of life. As earth have limited resources and greedy can never be satisfied !!!
In conclusion: they all said same things in different words !!! And it is TRUE , saints and life stories we read for years have value in those teachings !!! May more understand it and follow it !!!
I cannot tell you how this hits the nail on the head thank you
I feel like the famous Gordon Gekko quote would fit nicely in the last Verdict section 🙂 "Greed - for a lack of a better word - is good"
I think if you’ve lived through an early time of not having enough money for the basics in life, it can lead to some greed. I find this happens to me, as I’m terrified of not having enough in the future. Where my £ comes from is precarious, difficult not to obsess about it😰🤔
I kind of object, people who were born with wealth are just as terrified if not more of the idea of being poor. They’re just in denial of it. An example of this id the disgust shown towards the homeless. People don’t hate them, they just feel like that could be them if they take one wrong step
@@intercakefederation everybody wants to hold their standards at least and even that can be difficult if you don’t put in effort in your career .. so anxiety is always there
Greed, greed how much does one need? Perhaps more between the ears and less in the bank account and possessions etc..
"Homer, are you just holding on to the can?"
"Your point being?"
It took the pandemic and 10 months of a sabbatical to reach the understanding of less is more in life. And acquisitions of stuff does not make one happy or content. I have finally that point of contentment and my happiest tiime in life
Thank you, Einzelganger for sharing your wisdom.. we are seeing such greed here in the US with politicians who will destroy our democracy if they succeed. They of course, would never listen to this.
It was heartening to see Eustace from that courage cartoon being used for example :)
A wonderful exploration of greed. Looking forward to the next in the series🙏🙏
I think you neglected a very important feature of greed. Greed unfortunately, is also the primary driving force of our economy, and by extension, the very foundation and evolution of human society and civilizations, at least in the physical aspects.
0:08 Isn't that Eustace Bagge from _Courage the Cowardly Dog_ (1999-2002)?
Yes! It is indeed Eustace😂
There are two more crucial sins for these modern times which Greed invokes: 1. Employeeship, or obedience read blindly following orders. Think about German soldiers during WWII but also modern day employees looking the other way, while they poison the planet, screw their clients on companies' orders., lobby for oil and arms, etc. 2. Strategy. It's the cold disconnection to achieve goals. This is those who order the obedient people and consider how to increase outcomes in the interests of a 'happy' few (read the Greedy). These are the obedient ones who even seek to consciously invest all their intelligence and cunning to scheme for often nefarious objectives.
I love money, money is my friend. It's all relative. Being broke is worse than being wealthy. But yeah, greed is bad. You have to have the right perspective...
If you base your life upon man's opinion, you will never be rich.
If you base your life upon nature's needs, you will never be poor.
Nature's needs are few, whilst those of opinions are limitless!
Seneca, of Rome
Are you going to make a video on all the sins?
Greed is insane. A greedy person will not be happy until they possess everything. They’re never satisfied, and they never will be. Life is so much easier if you’re a minimalist.
Well said. Now imagine if a greedy person or persons have great power and influence over others. Their blind, insatiable greed can cause a lot of pain and suffering.
This is why I don't want to be rich, it will be never enough. That's why I'm a minimalist, I have money left over at the end of the month that's enough for me to be happy.
I believe my parents want me to be rich. I'm not sure what they're going to think when I tell them I'm starting a new career and taking a few months off of work. I felt bad seeing my bank account grow for no apparent reason while my happiness was fading
Health is the only wealth I'd purse. Both sound mind and body. A sick mind will always lead to sick ways and a sick life. Rich in possessions but poor/corrupted in personal character will not give one a peaceful life.
I think the answer is easy, you can't be rich that's why you made up an excuse for yourself. Be rich, don't spend money on yourself, spend money for animals in need. They want to eat and medicine, but you don't care about them, right?
@@peaceduke1 I feel like I have enough money to be happy. I am investing in the stock market, only a few bills, and I'm smart with money. No excuses here, just a different mindset, not everyone gets it.
@@daryldraws8083 I agree with the your first comment but you need to let go of this stereotypical notion that rich people are somehow "evil". I'm sure some are but who the hell comitts more crimes exactly, rich people or POOR people?
It's just utter nonsense, the wealthiest people pay more taxes than anyone and create more value than anyone. You wouldn't even have a normal job it if weren't for them but that's pretty easy and convienient to forget now isn't? People just think these companies and great opportunities just magically appear and they disregard it as something "evil".
Just stop it because it's simply not True. Plenty of rich people have given billions of dollars to charity something a "good" poor person could never do. I'm sick of these poor excuses from people who secretly want what the rich have but simply do not have what it takes to get it.
There's a word for that, and that word is coward.
This is your best video do date! If you dived more into the religious aspects of life your channel would broaden into a whole new dimension.
One has to stop and ask, are their habits serving them? Or are they serving their habits? How much autonomy do you sacrifice to your vices?
love this line of questioning
Is wanting to be loved greedy? Is greed only wanting material things?
Is doing things for others and gaining recognition- greed? no matter what u do in life you're doing it for your own gain
Categorizing wealthy people to being greedy isn't correct
Very sure that it doesn't exist anybody who don't want to be loved. :-))
I hope you do a video in Lust, i think it would be really helpful.
Thank you for sharing. I have a greed of acquiring materialistic things. Will work toward it to improve myself 😊
I have just started watching (binge watching) your channel. I am more stoic than I ever imagined. Thank you for providing all of the info and looking forward to more.
Keep up the great work!
Thank you, Mathis!
@@Einzelgänger mammon : greediness devil avarice wealth trickery and violence sin of greed
I never thought I could learn so much about this topic in just a few minutes. You did an excellent job of explaining everything!
"Return the slab or you will suffer my curse" ...the most traumatizing episode ever.
Want nothing. Read about consciousness when I was 9 and understood, "Ambition should be made of sterner stuff". Understanding the commercialization of Christmas I asked my parents to stop giving no toys. So I grew with minimal ego development. I am grateful for the lessons that led me here
I think to solve the issue of greed we should not try treating it as a thing in of itself. Because greed is mostly a symptom, a coping mechanism for underlying negative feelings, emotions and expectations, in general: anxiety. This outlook is supported by the fact that greed is of compulsuve-obsessive nature, it cannot just go away, there is never "enough", otherwise the suppressed anxiety will surface right up.
To fix abundant greed I'm afraid the society will have to change. It needs to be where each memeber does not fear for its future wellbeing, where there are firm social guarantees provided for everyone. Unfortunately, it looks like we are moving in a completely opposite direction, under the pressure of the greed-afflicted ruiling elite.
Thank you for that! Words that are very needed in these days.
Greed is when you gain at the expense of others. There's nothing wrong with making money, as long as it's from honest work.
Define honest work...and maybe honest pay, while you are at it. Seriously.
@@AaronHendu yea, the foundation of modern society is build on enslaved ore minors. (also some chinese slave camps to make stuff cheaper)
@Aaron Henderson I don't see how it's not self explanatory. Honest work is when your work causes no direct harm to anybody, and maybe produces something nice and useful.
Honest pay is the money you should obtain proportionally to the responsibility, time, and effort that the job requires.
@Alessandro Effort is different per person though, someone with a lower IQ could be working 100% of their capacity really struggling to get by and only getting payed minimum wage for that. Do you pay them more or less? It's a hard topic as each persons skill set is unique, and a lot of it is based in genetic code. You can fight against this and work hard to have a better life, but it doesn't mean hard work will equal good pay. Not arguing or trying to disprove anything, in the most basic sense I 100% agree with what you said.
There's no honesty or fairness where profits are concerned, and the rich cannot exist without the poor.
Former Christian, current "wealthy person" here. The whole you can only have one master: God or money thing is a typical Christian oversimplification. Who says you need any master? Wealth can be achieved without the pursuit of it taking over your life. Particularly if you have a frugal and modest mindset to begin with. With wealth there are more opportunities to be generous, with your time and with material goods. I have much more time to devote to my family and charity now than when I was constantly concerned about making rent.
I know some very unhappy people who are obsessed with God and religion. They police other's "sins", ostracize "non-believers" and hold on to toxic dogma at the expense of personal relationships. Sadly you won't see zealotry on any list of cardinal sins. Greed is obsession over wealth. Lust is obsession over sex. Sloth is obsession over comfort and rest. Wrath is obsession over revenge and anger. Gluttony is obsession over food and drink. Envy is obsession over the possessions of others. Pride is obsession over glory and status. Zealotry is obsession over a religious ideology. The root of all evil is obsession, particularly if that obsession is selfish.
I say go ahead and acquire a bit of wealth (by being useful to others). Enjoy a bit of comfort and rest (after you work a bit. You earned it!) Enjoy some good food and drink (but choose healthy options and don't over do it). Realize that there are many forms love can take beyond sex, and put a bit of love in everything you do. If you get a bit of glory and status, fine (just don't let it go to your head). I can't think of any redeeming qualities for wrath, envy or zealotry, so avoid those.
Ironically I don't seem to find any biblical accounts of God being greedy, lustful, slothful, or gluttonous. An argument could be made for God being prideful, but I couldn't find an explicit example.
There are plenty of examples of God being wrathful, and envious. And promoting zealotry is pretty much the point of the bible in the first place. So, God embodies all of the obsessions I despise. Go Christianity!
But to be perfectly good seems like a bad in and of itself. Life is never so simple… and yet it is. The fact that it’s both makes it more complicated! There’s a reason why toxic positivity is a thing and incorporating the “shadow” is a beneficial thing to include in your life because the world isn’t a nice place. If you’re TOO positive and without dark sides, then the world will take advantage of you! We live in a world of polarity and you cannot have the good without the bad. To be all one and none of the other is an imbalance of character and from my experience life punishes such an imbalance.
You need to transcend that thinking. Imagine you had billions of dollars and everything you ever wanted, would you even care if someone took advantage? No, it would not even bother you as you have soo much already, Be like the sun
I love this video and i have definitely started looking at all of the ways that i am greedy or have shown greedy tendencies. Because you can't change the world unless you change yourself.
I remember a russian story about greed, a queen asked her king to get things. He kept getting things for her but she was never satisfied. in the end her greed render her with nothing. Characters in stories that tend to be greed never have a happy ending, either they get killed or get imprisoned. Greed renders all things naught, for nothing can satisfy their endless desires.
There's the concept of the hedonistic treadmill. Every time you buy or otherwise obtain something you want, it feels good in the moment. But, once the dopamine wears off, you're emotionally back where you started with soome useless junk you don't know what to do with. I suppose that's why conscientious gratitude matters.
Hi! This is a very insightful question I used to deepen my knowledge about greed. I would love to react to some of your points in the video.
From your statements, you said that when people or groups follow their own interests without considering the welfare of others, greed may cause rifts and conflicts throughout society. This is referred to as the divisiveness of greed. I concur with this statement since unbridled greed may result in societal turmoil, inequality, and a lack of collaboration. The shallow and self-centered aspect of greed is highlighted by its vanity, as people choose to put their personal wants and money before deep ties or contributions to society. Since it highlights the detrimental effects of greed on moral principles and social cohesiveness, I support this viewpoint. The shallow and self-centered aspect of greed is highlighted by its vanity, as people choose to put their personal wants and money before deep ties or contributions to society. Since it highlights the detrimental effects of greed on moral principles and social cohesiveness, I support this viewpoint.
Epicurus’ quote “Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you have was once among the things you only hoped for” connects with the important concept of thankfulness. I agree with the concept since it promotes satisfaction and a positive view of life by encouraging people to recognize and appreciate their existing benefits. Practicing gratitude might help us live a more contented and meaningful life by serving as a reminder of the path from lofty goals to actualized achievements.
It's crucial to remember that the remark could oversimplify the nuanced nature of growth and personal objectives. Although it encourages contentment, it may be seen as inhibiting the pursuit of novel objectives. Maintaining equilibrium is essential, as is realizing that the drive for self-actualization and the establishment of new goals may serve as constructive catalysts for personal growth.
Situations where desire and ambition result in favorable consequences, such as individual accomplishments, social breakthroughs, or contributions to the greater good, serve as counterexamples. The phrase may be made stronger by mentioning situations in which desire has resulted in significant and constructive change. From a moral and ethical reasoning perspective, the quote is consistent with the virtue of thankfulness. It emphasizes the value of having a responsible and compassionate desire, highlighting the fact that people may pursue achievement and personal development without sacrificing empathy or moral principles. By doing this, they enhance everyone's well-being, individually and as a group.
Lastly, I would like to commend this video as it is very helpful material when talking about the social implications of greed and is helpful for students like me.
Your videos are great! I have a request. Can you do one on dealing with noise? I live in a very noisy place, and I work in a noisy environment. The noise really gets to me. Can you offer us help regarding external noise through the Stoics and others? Thank you.
Thanks for the reminder.
You can't have everything, because you are everything
I really enjoy this series. Thank you!
People want the pain to end. Greed is not the answer.
No but financial freedom is if you want to use a better word.
What’s the line between greed and ambition?
Imagine if greed was outlawed, Vegas would have gone bankrupt overnight.😂
And we would not have a stock market which is basically another version of Vegas
@@Daniel-ef7nk Greed... for lack of better word... is good.
-Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas)
It is better to be content with what the eyes can see than for one’s heart always to crave more. This continual longing is futile - like chasing the wind.
Ecclesiastes 6:9
An English language teacher of us told us about how he read in Sinbad the sailor about a monkey throwing coconut at a man who had thrown a stone at the monkey. In 1953 he was in Korea as a soldier and saw a monkey in a coconut tree, he threw a stone at this massive maternal monkey which bounced off her chest, she then looked at him standing their waiting for a coconut to be thrown back but instead she put her hand in shomething nasty and threw it all over his tunic.
Greed. Self perpetuating desire that is never fulfilled. There are many flavors of greed.
seems like the whole world and idealism for what is desirable is based on sins
its quite a skill to parry your own ego, but i think im doing fairly well. i get a lot of pleasure from the little things in life. i dress and live quite plainly.
Desires are the beacons of light in our life when they inspire us to understand ourselves so that we find purpose in earthly life, but it immediately turns into a dark abyss when you start chasing those desires!!!
I have seen the destruction that greed causes. I have never been greedy for money or anything at the expense of everyone else. I'd rather be poor but happy with the great things I do have; like life. health and a good perspective and attitude. I am also grateful. I can still smile and laugh even under dire situations. I am also free of the superstition of religion. I am truly free to think.
To those who have everything more will be given, from those who have nothing everything will be taken away
Matthew 13:12 (roughly)
Most important topic for humanity and the world. Better to give than to receive 😊
Isn't the eustace from courage the cowardly dog. Man those cartoons were on another level.
Amazing video !! quality information always! I have a question, could you make a video about comparing oneself to others , what exactly should be done to stop it? Thank you 🙏🙏
Good question. Focus our lives on God and serving others, and we will have less mental space for thinking about ourselves and playing the comparison game
The greatest wealth is the poverty of needs
Craving leads to suffering.
I can't get over Eustace from courage the cowardly Dog standing in as a generic farmer character in a philosophical illustration 😂😂😂
Thank for continuing this series! Bunch of love for you 0:)
These lines are same as it is in Bhagavat Gita, the oldest absolute truth of the world. Please try to make one video on Indias rich Vedic culture which is the oldest and supreme. Hare Krishna Einzelganger and Your team.
I recommend people
Watch some Thomas sowell films and get educated in economics.This film is a children's outlook on money,greed and economics.
Capitalism is by no means perfect but it is the best so far and needs to be improved.
Personally I'm greedy for the best possible life I can have and stop at nothing to achieve it. As perfection, it can never be achieved but enjoyed on the way to percieved completion.
In one ear and out the other...youd have been richer to stop wasting time on things you cannot even pay attention to...
sounds like the life you want is pursuit, not pursuit gets you. In other words, you sound like a gamer😎
I got ads on this video. Yay! Loved the sound design, well done!
Good movie. Poetic that the example used to argue the advantage of greed was a clip of the fake moon landing. Overall very good.
Very good vidio, keep spirit and healthy
Society has a college degree in greed.
Ahhh... the sense of superiority I get from watching this video showing how virtuous I am...
The irony tho
Greed is not just a money problem, because we also see on the news, social media, and in the modern world.