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In a world teeming with relentless advertisements, constant social media comparisons, and the ceaseless chase for the next ‘big thing’, the noise can become overwhelming.
We are constantly told that we need more – more success, more material possessions, more experiences – to truly live a meaningful life.
But what if the pathway to genuine contentment lies not in acquiring more, but in desiring less?
Enter the wisdom of Epicurus, an ancient Greek philosopher who championed the art of simple living and limiting desires.
His teachings offers a different take: maybe the key to happiness isn’t in having more, but in wanting less and understanding what we genuinely need.
Today, we’ll explore six ways to embrace simplicity, reduce unnecessary desires, and find a deeper sense of satisfaction in our lives.
1. Categorize your desires (the Epicurean way)
Epicurus wasn’t just about limiting desires; he was methodical about it. He categorized desires into three distinct types: natural and necessary, natural but not necessary, and neither natural nor necessary.
- Natural and necessary: These are the basic needs for survival and happiness. Think food, shelter, and meaningful human connections. They’re instinctual and directly tied to our well-being.
- Natural but not Necessary: These desires are natural but aren’t essential for happiness or survival. Craving a specific type of food (like that gourmet burger instead of a simple sandwich) or wanting brand-name clothing falls into this category. They might be nice to have but aren’t critical.
- Neither natural nor necessary: This is the danger zone. These desires are often fabricated by societal pressures. Chasing after that luxury car or obsessing over having a follower count like a celebrity? These desires don’t contribute to genuine happiness and often lead to dissatisfaction and stress.
So, next time you find yourself wanting something, slot it into one of these categories.
You might realize that a lot of what you thought you ‘needed’ isn’t necessary at all.
By understanding and sorting our desires the Epicurean way, we can prioritize what truly adds value to our lives and drop the rest.
The result? A clearer path to genuine contentment.
2. Disconnect…from unnatural desires
In this digital era, our screens often dictate our desires.
Every beep, flash, and pop-up notification introduces a new craving — be it the latest viral trend, an influencer’s aspirational lifestyle, or just the compulsion to stay constantly updated.
But how many of these digital-driven wants align with our genuine needs or true nature?
The truth is, our devices and apps are engineered to keep us hooked, constantly feeding us a diet of unnatural desires.
But we can fight back.
Commit to a regular digital detox — perhaps a day each week, or even a few dedicated hours daily, without screens.
This isn’t about shunning technology but about recalibrating our desires.
By consciously stepping away from the digital realm, we can sift through the noise, differentiate between genuine needs and artificially-induced wants, and center ourselves around what truly enriches our lives.
3. Declutter and define
We live in a world that constantly blurs the lines between what we want and what we truly need.
Ads, trends, and societal pressures…it’s easy to accumulate excess—both in material possessions and intangible desires.
But amidst this noise, how often do we pause to ask: “Is this genuinely essential to my well-being and happiness?”
Here’s the challenge: embark on a deliberate decluttering journey. Start with your physical space—those overflowing closets, packed drawers, and neglected corners.
But don’t stop there.
Extend this decluttering to your digital life, social commitments, and even the goals you’ve set for yourself.
As you discard the superfluous, you’ll uncover a clearer picture of what’s genuinely crucial to your life.
By defining and distinguishing between passing wants and genuine needs.
It’s not just about having less, but about being intentional with what you choose to keep and pursue.
4. Reflect regularly on your wants
Epicureanism isn’t just a set of principles; it’s an ongoing practice of self-awareness.
In a world that’s perpetually noisy, with countless distractions vying for our attention, it’s easy to drift aimlessly, carried by the tides of external desires and pressures.
Make it a habit to regularly check in with yourself. Set aside quiet moments—whether daily, weekly, or monthly—to reflect on your desires, actions, and feelings.
Ask yourself: “Are the things I’m pursuing truly in line with what I value? Am I chasing external validations or genuine personal fulfillment? What desires can I let go of to live more authentically?”
This act of introspection is like recalibrating your inner compass. It helps you stay aligned with your true values and ensures you’re not getting lost in the maze of societal expectations or fleeting whims.
By grounding yourself in regular reflection, you not only embrace Epicurean wisdom but also navigate life with a clearer sense of purpose and direction.
5. The 30-day rule: give your desires a breather
Impulse buying can be a real wallet-drainer and often leads to accumulating things we don’t truly value. Here’s a tactic to keep those spur-of-the-moment desires in check: the 30-Day Rule.
Every time you’re tempted to buy something that isn’t a necessity, note it down and wait 30 days.
If, after this cooling-off period, you still believe the purchase aligns with your genuine needs or healthy wants, go for it. However, more often than not, you’ll find that the initial urge has diminished or vanished entirely.
This practice achieves two things: Firstly, it prevents regrettable, impulsive purchases.
Secondly, it allows you to discern whether that ‘want’ is genuine and sustainable or just another insatiable craving sparked by fleeting emotions or external influences.
Incorporating this rule into your life not only benefits your finances but also encourages a deeper understanding and control over your desires.
6. Embrace the joy of missing out (JOMO)
In an era where Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) is a legit phenomenon, there’s a powerful counter-movement on the rise: the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO).
We often stretch ourselves thin trying to be everywhere, do everything, and please everyone, thinking that’s the route to fulfillment. In reality, overextending only leads to burnout and dilutes our experiences.
Taking a page from Epicurean thought, happiness isn’t about experiencing everything, but about savoring the right things.
Start valuing your time and energy.
It’s okay to decline invitations if they don’t align with your priorities. It’s alright to step back from events or trends that don’t add genuine value to your life.
By limiting where we direct our energy and time, we make room for deeper, more meaningful experiences. In the end, it’s not about missing out; it’s about tuning into what truly matters.
The bottom line
Today’s world is noisy.
Between the constant pings of our devices and the endless cycle of “more is better,” it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters.
Whether it’s decluttering our spaces, taking breaks from the digital world, or simply reflecting on our true desires, there’s a profound power in simplicity and intentionality.
So, let’s tune out the noise, focus on what’s authentic, and realize that sometimes, the best way to enrich our lives is to streamline our desires.
In the end, it’s not about having it all but valuing what truly matters.
