Is the grass always greener on the other side

[aussie]

Is the grass always greener on the other side? I live in a country where I have advantages others can only ever dream of I'm just in the process of buying a second home I have a better than average job I have a little money in the bank and a little in my pocket. There is food in my cupboards, and meat in the freezer. I drive a car that’s less than a year old and have the love of a perfect woman, I also have a dog I wont one day have to eat.
I should be satisfied but I continually want more Why? Why are human beings never satisfied? Why do we continue to strive for More? Bigger? Faster? Better?
What are your thoughts on why we do this? Is greed and gluttony just a fact of life for us?

[SysLord]

I don't think it's necessarily greed or gluttony but rather the attraction of the 'unknown'. I am pretty happy in myself as well but I am also attracted by things I see on TV, read in books, people tell me about because they are new to me and I would like to feel the experience. And I am not talking about taking drugs or bungee jumping here. I always had - and still have - a dream of moving to Canada, live in remote place surrounded by mountains, forests and animals. Yet I do also realize that it would be a far cry from the comfortable life I have now. And even though my girlfriend thinks it's a no-go, the idea remains in my head.

[Jennafer]

I try to just want what I have. And if more comes, hey Let's party! :eek:

[Diva]

I think that it's something to do with growing up around 'Bigger, Better' advertising. What used to be considered a classic is now just old. Everywhere we turn, the advertisers throw 'New and Improved' in our faces. Even our gadgets aren't as sturdy. I have a 1989 RadioShack television. When I watch videos on it, or when I used to watch television shows on it, it works great. Now televisions have a 'life expectancy'. Heck! Even Mountain Dew has an expiration date. Look at our computers. By the time you bring it home from the store it's outdated.

[Jake]

I think Diva hit the nail on the head. We've been programmed to reach for the highest goal. You never hear ads saying try something and if it works then try something else. They say Go for the Gusto! People in commercials with old [place item here] are portrayed as sad or slow or not with it. Then someone comes along in a shiny new version and they are practically starkling.

[Blue]

Life would be boring if you did not have goals or more to work toward. You can devert some of this with hobbies, etc. it keeps you busy, and you don't seem to notice the other things.

[Redallnite]

Kinda like a new puter Diva??

[jackwright]

I really don't have much, by the consumerist standards of Amerikas false economy. But I try to be content with it. consequently, I don't have much that I wouldn't give to you, if I felt that you needed it more than me.

[ozblonde]

I guess the fact that I want things to get better is what sets me apart from the people who live in shop doorways and parks. Its wanting something more that allows me to rise above lifes set backs. I hope I never decide "to settle for" When I do that I think I`ll probably settle for a bottle in a brown paper bag as well.

[Jennafer]

Shit, I just hope and wait. Sometimes the simpler the better though. Gadjets are out of control. Now we have to scan our own items in the stores. It's ridiculous. I just bought a little battery powered hand held yahtzee game for 10$ and it's very entertaining. Simple and entertaining. Oh, and not to mention watching pup can be halarious! Kitties are pretty funny too. :) (I can barely work my cell phone!) I can't even imagine the technology in 20 yrs! :confused:

[Diva]

Jenn Jenn, you're right on target with that remark. Sometimes it's the simples things that we enjoy most. I think that society is becoming lazier as technology speeds ahead. I can't stand shopping so I buy things online. But what makes it more convenient comes with a price, too. I miss out on the interactions between people. I miss out on getting my ass out of the house and enjoying the fresh air. Most importantly, I miss seeing other people.

Technology makes us lazy and like hermits... if we allow it to.

[aussie]

Originally posted by ozblonde
I guess the fact that I want things to get better is what sets me apart from the people who live in shop doorways and parks. Its wanting something more that allows me to rise above lifes set backs. I hope I never decide "to settle for" When I do that I think I`ll probably settle for a bottle in a brown paper bag as well.

I guess even those who do settle for are always looking for a better doorway ar a nicer paper bag. However you do have a good point. My problem is that I know I should be content with what I have but Im not.

[SysLord]

Originally posted by aussie


I guess even those who do settle for are always looking for a better doorway ar a nicer paper bag. However you do have a good point. My problem is that I know I should be content with what I have but Im not.

What's wrong with trying to improve yourself, looking for better if it doesn't go at the expense of other poeple?

[Blue]

Here you go aussie......

http://www.nochicktrix.com/fun/oth/vb/blue/worstjob.jpg

[Jennafer]

Diva I went to the thrift store and got some awesome boots and some other shit (vaces, a phone book, and jewelry) Cost me $4 for the boots that I would have paid $30 in the store. They are bad as hell. Oh, and I got a wine rack that is cool as fuck. If I could keep it stocked. lol. :p

[GLADIATOR]

Aussie, I am not sure you are questioning the right thing.

Is the grass always greener on the other side?

For certain the grass is not necessarily greener on the other side.

But that expression to me means that you are unhappy with your present circumstances and believe that if only you could do this or that, thing's would be better. And we all know that's not the case.
If you strive for improvement out of jealousy or envy, then thev "Grass is Greener" statement is valid.

What you are asking, is why we strive to constantly improve ourselves, and I do NOT consider that from someone who always thinks things are better elsewhere.

I personally, always strive to improve myself, not just financially, but my own lifestyle and happiness. Some of these things are materialistic, others just personal issues.

For example, I am now happy with my lot, I set my goals, achieved them, and I am satisfied with that.

You are comparatively young, you are striving for improvement, as you set you life and stall out. As you grow older, and you have the materialistic things or achieved the other goals. well at that point you realize the "Grass you were in, is actually as, if not more greener."

Inj conclusion, if you act out of envy or greed, then your question and phrase upholds, if you do it out of your personal goal. well that's normal.

[Villager]

It is instincts.

The sole reason we exist the way we do now is because thousands of inventors and innovators weren't contended, and wanted to push things further and achieve more. It's a good instinct - in years gone by it would have been essential for your survival. Nowadays, it is harded to satisfy oneself, given how easy we have it. Use it, though, create the perfect home, the perfect garden, channel your energy and desire to achieve as far as it will go, and shun material wealth as it means little when all's done and dusted.

[Villager]

Aye, I realised the seeming contradiction as I posted.

The difference is that with a garden, for example, you invest a whole lot of time into shaping something that is beauty to you. When you've done this you have satisfaction, and a beautiful garden to remind you of it. The worth lies not in the garden but the fact that you made it. The sense of achievement.

I believe a pre-occupation with meaningess materialism is the cause of much disaatisfaction. We place worth on things that will never give an equitable returna nd are left dissappointed when that happens. We wonder what anything means. When you spend your time achieving your own goals and creativity then even if a fire burns it all down you've in fact lost little. Your heart will still shine, not cry because you've lost so many trivial possessions.

Anybody can buy a nice new car if they have the right pices of paper in thier pockets. It's such a crock of shit.

[Jennafer]

I would like better things. but, the more you get sometimes the more stress you can get too. More money, more worry. more stuff, more bills, more stress. When I play the Sim's game I could download a house with unlimited funds for decorating and shopping, from their website, but then it's not that fun anymore, but when you have to make them buy the cheap furniture and gradually get stuff and redecorate and increase finances slowly, it's more of an interesting game. My dude would love to win the lottery and I don't play. Luck, can be what you want it to be I guess. I think I'm lucky just to be warm and 1/2 way sane. friends, and family, pets, health. That's what's irreplaceable. Oh, and beer. :rolleyes: