Tom Morris [Archive.org URL]

There are two kinds of dissatisfaction in life: One is what I call the “dissatisfaction of acquisition.” The other is the “dissatisfaction of aspiration.” The dissatisfaction of acquisition centers on the drive to have more things. We live in a competitive culture—a culture of more. And in such a culture, it’s hard to set limits. The dissatisfaction of acquisition is an unhealthy dissatisfaction; it’s caused by a void that can never be filled.

The dissatisfaction of aspiration is a healthy dissatisfaction. It’s not about what you want to acquire; it’s about who you want to become. How much wisdom is enough? How many interesting ideas and experiences are enough? These are questions—unlike, say, the question “How much money is enough?”—for which there are no absolute answers. This form of dissatisfaction prompts you to grow, to expand your horizons, to be more loving, to be more effective at what you do. I don’t know many people who can say, “I’ve done enough interesting things. I’ve learned enough. I’ve had enough compelling conversations.” You can never have enough wisdom.

The most elusive key to satisfaction is not getting what you want—it’s wanting what you get.

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