As long as I have a want, I have a reason for living. Satisfaction is death.

As long as I have a want, I have a reason for living. Satisfaction is death.

George Bernard Shaw

This quote asserts that desire or wanting something is the driving force of life. It is the fuel that propels us to strive, to struggle, and to live. When we want something, whether it’s a physical object, a goal or even an abstract concept like love or success, we have a purpose in life. We have motivation and direction.

The second part of the quote – “Satisfaction is death” – suggests that once we achieve what we want and become completely satisfied, life loses its thrill. There’s no more striving or struggling; there’s no more purpose because you’ve already achieved what you wanted. This can be compared metaphorically to ‘death’, as it signifies an end.

Applying this idea in today’s world could mean continuously seeking new goals once old ones are achieved. For instance, if one achieves their goal of getting their dream job they should not just stop there but seek further growth in their career or personal development by setting new goals.

In terms of personal development this could mean continuous learning and self-improvement throughout one’s lifetime as opposed to becoming complacent after achieving certain milestones. It encourages us not only to set high standards for ourselves but also keep raising these standards every time they are met.

However, it’s important not to misinterpret this quote as promoting dissatisfaction with our achievements; rather it emphasizes on the importance of having aspirations and continually striving towards them for maintaining vitality in life.

Created with ❤️ | ©2025 HiveHarbor | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer| Imprint | Opt-out Preferences

 

Log in with your credentials

Forgot your details?