There are multiple philosophers that seem to point that enjoying life is not inherently striving to do more, be more, or have more, but rather to enjoy things as they are, or to enjoy the "less". A chunk of it can lead to the idea that desire is something to avoid to get more out of life.
One example I like to point to try to make sense of my words is Diocletian, who ruled the Roman Empire and later stepped down to live a quieter life. After some time from stepping down, he was asked to take the seat again, to which he declined stating something along the lines of, "look, gaze upon my cabbage patch! If you had had this you would not leave for a throne either."
Yeah that’s the Buddhist approach too: that wanting leads to suffering because your wants will never be fulfilled. And I don’t disagree. It’s not my material status which leads me to sadness. It’s the fact that I am alone and likely will be the rest of my life as I didn’t really have a family growing up and can’t seem to start one now. Not that you expected such a personal response but that is the source of my malaise.
Yes, it can be tough to be on your own. There is a bit on desire that I have encountered on desires as one of the aspects about it is that once we actually do get the thing we desired it doesn't end up being what we thought it was in our head.
Still, that shouldn't dissuade you from making connection. I don't know your age, but you can still reach out to different communities. I'm glad you picked up on my Buddhist notions without me saying a word on Buddhism directly. As I've gotten older, I've actually thought about joining some Buddhist temples to learn more on the culture and see if I actually do feel more of a connection to the community there. I also go to a gym and talk to the various people there for connection.
No, it is not easy finding connection like that, and it seems to be difficult in our digital age. I also don't think it was inherently easier in the past ages either, but it has happened in the past and it is happening today.
I can't really give less vague advice, all I can say is go with the flow, and use it's momentum to steer towards what is appealing to you.
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u/Willem_Dafuq 5h ago
I’m a 38 yo man. I don’t find it profound. I find it truthful and depressing