The Pursuit of Sustainable Satisfaction: A New Path Forward

Zsolt Hermann
2 min readAug 31, 2024

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The Paradox of Selfish Pleasure

At the core of human behavior lies an insatiable desire for pleasure. We often perceive ourselves as the center of the universe, pulling everything into our orbit to serve our own needs. This egocentric and individualistic approach dictates our actions through a simple “pleasure/pain” calculation, where all decisions revolve around maximizing personal gain and minimizing discomfort.

The Limitations of Self-Indulgence

Our pursuit of personal satisfaction faces inherent limits. The initial joy of obtaining what we desire quickly fades, leaving us feeling dissatisfied and perpetually craving more. This endless cycle of desire and disappointment is emblematic of a modern lifestyle that some liken to a cancerous growth, consuming ever more resources without true fulfillment.

The Threat of Unsustainable Growth

In the finite and interconnected system of nature, our relentless pursuit of individual gain pits us against each other and destabilizes the environment’s delicate balance. If left unchecked, this trajectory leads us towards a bleak future, potentially culminating in our own self-destruction.

A Transformational Opportunity

However, there is still time to alter this course. By adopting a unique, empirical method focused on communal well-being, we can shift from being destructive “end stations” of consumption to becoming conduits of collective enrichment. This approach teaches us to foster mutual connections where our actions benefit not just ourselves but the entire ecosystem.

From Isolation to Integration

Imagine transforming our society from a competitive battleground into a collaborative network resembling a healthy living organism. By prioritizing the well-being of others as much as our own, we can become like arteries within humanity, channeling life’s energies to nourish the whole system.

The Benefits of Collective Well-being

This shift would not only resolve the perpetual dissatisfaction inherent in our current state but also elevate our experience of life. As we build loving, giving relationships, we facilitate a greater flow of nature’s bounty through us to others, enhancing our sense of fulfillment. This interconnected living allows us to tap into a higher level of existence, marked by continuous mutual support and boundless love.

Realizing Our Human Potential

Embracing this method aligns with the ultimate purpose nature has set for us — evolving into beings who fully understand and integrate into the fabric of life itself. By achieving this, we not only avoid the pitfalls of our previous self-destructive paths but also unlock a profound level of collective joy and sustainability.

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Zsolt Hermann
Zsolt Hermann

Written by Zsolt Hermann

I am a Hungarian-born Orthopedic surgeon presently living in New Zealand, with a profound interest in how mutually integrated living systems work.

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