
This process of self-improvement allows us to gain control over our attention and develop more sophisticated abilities and tastes. In contrast, enjoyment requires us to stretch ourselves and use our skills and concentration to overcome challenges and accomplish goals. While pleasure may provide immediate relief, it often lacks the satisfaction that comes from achieving ambitious goals through hard work and perseverance. It is true that our tendency to choose instant gratification over long-term enjoyment can limit our potential for growth and development. Ultimately, true happiness and fulfillment may not come from what we have or what we achieve, but from how we live our lives and treat those around us. These can help us connect with others and find deeper purpose and fulfillment in our lives. Rather than seeking external validation or attempting to control our environment, perhaps we should focus on cultivating internal qualities like compassion, kindness, and mindfulness. The collapse of empires and civilizations that once believed they had mastered their fates is a stark reminder that our efforts to find meaning and control in life may ultimately prove futile. We often turn to religion or the pursuit of external rewards like wealth and fame, but these can ultimately leave us feeling empty and unfulfilled. It seems that many of us struggle to find true fulfillment and meaning in our lives.
