TopicsBilling & Customer CareWebsite & App Support

On Desire: Why We Want What We Want ✦

Integrating insights from psychology, philosophy, and neuroscience, The Invisible Thread: Why We Want What We Want

René Girard, a French polymath, proposed a theory called . He argued that human beings don’t know what to desire on their own. Instead, we look to "models"—friends, celebrities, or rivals—to see what they value. On Desire: Why We Want What We Want

From a neurological perspective, desire is less about pleasure and more about anticipation . From a neurological perspective, desire is less about

It sounds like a cliché, but shifting focus from acquisition to appreciation interrupts the dopamine loop. Usually, by the fifth "why," you’ll realize you

Ask "Why?" five times for any major desire. Usually, by the fifth "why," you’ll realize you aren't looking for a thing, but a feeling—like security, belonging, or peace. Final Thought

Have you ever walked into a store for a specific pair of jeans, only to walk out with a leather jacket you didn’t know you needed? Or perhaps you’ve chased a promotion for years, only to reach the top and feel strangely hollow?

Integrating insights from psychology, philosophy, and neuroscience, The Invisible Thread: Why We Want What We Want

René Girard, a French polymath, proposed a theory called . He argued that human beings don’t know what to desire on their own. Instead, we look to "models"—friends, celebrities, or rivals—to see what they value.

From a neurological perspective, desire is less about pleasure and more about anticipation .

It sounds like a cliché, but shifting focus from acquisition to appreciation interrupts the dopamine loop.

Ask "Why?" five times for any major desire. Usually, by the fifth "why," you’ll realize you aren't looking for a thing, but a feeling—like security, belonging, or peace. Final Thought

Have you ever walked into a store for a specific pair of jeans, only to walk out with a leather jacket you didn’t know you needed? Or perhaps you’ve chased a promotion for years, only to reach the top and feel strangely hollow?

Was this article helpful?

Tell us how we can improve.