The Search for Satisfaction and Security
The search for some form of satisfaction or security, whether short term or long term, that would provide freedom from anxiety and depression, and the feeling of fragmentation and helplessness that usually accompany these emotional states is the main driving force behind human action and behaviour. The security may be sought through an intimate relationship with someone of the opposite sex, belief in some dogma, a harmonious relationship with others, fame and social recognition, sensuous gratification, materialism, a deeper awareness of oneself or through some other means. Very few individuals ever come to the point where they feel that this search is truly fulfilled in their lives. This quest directs most human actions from the simple case of doing something because it provides immediate self-satisfaction to the case of extreme self-denial for expected long-term benefits, spiritual or otherwise.In general, the techniques employed in this search for security rely on some source external to oneself except perhaps for the case of a deeper awareness of oneself in which one seeks an internal source. One's intimately loved one may grow cold towards one, or may be suddenly snatched away by the hand of death; dispute may arise over interpretation of dogma; one may be ostracised by one's former friends and acquaintances; those revered and uplifted by society today may be cast aside tomorrow; one may suffer ulcers, venereal diseases or ill health that may hinder one's sensuous gratification; one may be stripped of one's material possessions by some disaster or accident in which the mental anguish could never be fully compensated by reimbursement through insurance or otherwise.
In summary, reliance on some source external to oneself has an inherent potential for discontentment and can only give a limited feeling of security since one can never have total control over that source to always maintain things right in one's life.
Can one experience true security in life, or is it just a myth?
What gives you satisfaction and security in life, whether short term, long term or otherwise?
Comments (9)
I could write some long comments... however...
I have tried to answer many of your questions but....?
What gives me satisfaction is being surounded with genuine people with good intentions,keep strong relation with family member what ever challenges we're facing and what we put in is what counts;as for the security in long term there is hardly any, except if you have sense of loyalty to people you love & vise versa to be there for each other.
As to your question posed lastly....'otherwise' is what I conceive.
I think it always depends on the balance we keep.. for me, getting up in the morning for sure is one. also depth in relationships, learning, skydiving, being outdoors, exercise,my dogs, my friends, music, books, the sun, star, seeing people being people….just life in general. challenges give me satisfaction and security in life too.
as always, your blogs makes us think.
Thanks for your comment.
I am just wondering, if one is satisfied for a lifetime, doesn't that give one a sense of security?
Thanks for your comment.
See your email. I would still like to get your comments on this blog.
Do you think that one can experience true security in life? What gives such security?
Thanks for your comment.
I agree with you.
There is so much uncertainty and unpredictability in life that those who are surrounded by genuine people that they can rely on are very fortunate indeed, and that, in itself, is a source of great satisfaction that may give them a sense of security, once such a situation is maintained, i.e., being there for each other, in the long term.
Thanks for your comment.
You sound like a person whose life is filled with very healthy activities, and who lives and enjoys life to the full.
Certainly such a life must be very satisfying, providing a sense of security.
Thanks for sharing with us.
Thanks also for the advice from Emerson.