Discussion "If you had everything you wanted, then you'd get bored"

[Superdeterminist]

I hate this argument. Not only can we not possibly predict such a thing, but also, boredom itself is a feeling that I think most people would probably prefer to not experience. Like anger, boredom is a feeling that surely had utility in our brutal past, but it seems to be becoming ever-less useful, and ever-more a hindrance. Also, boredom isn't a totally negative feeling, it can be helpful to motivate trying new things, for example. However, it can also be a huge source of suffering, as generally it's an unpleasant feeling. Part of my imagined ideal world is one where people never get bored, unless they wanted to. This can be achieved presumably by configuring the brain so that boredom never arises without wanting for it, or by providing endless sources of effective entertainment.

Actually, I really think that the world as it currently is already provides nearly endless opportunities for a ~80 year life, but boredom is still rife, in large part because most of us are severely limited in terms of which of these opportunities we can access due to time, resource, and other limitations. Consequently, we get stuck into repeating just a few activities, and we may quickly exhaust them of their entertainment value. So, either boredom is a bad thing in which case I say we try to eliminate it, or it's neither good nor bad, in which case, where's the problem? Why should a fear of boredom ever stop someone from trying to get what they want? It seems silly.

 

[VIBRITANNIA]

my guess is that boredom doesn't give a person anything to strive for, or any reason (satisfaction) to continue doing something, which is why it's considered an uncomfortable feeling to have, and most people don't like to feel uncomfortable.

it's not like we'll have a cure for boredom anytime soon, so why not just live with it? sure, it may be unpleasant, but many things are unpleasant in life. you've just got to learn to accept it instead of running away from it. you're right, this argument is silly.

 

[MrAsclepius]

If I had everything I wanted, I would certainly not be bored. This analogy is unrealistic.

 

[okaoki]

what about Damn rich but not happy , damn poor but not happy
i would rather be the former

 

[Dead beat dad]

I hate this argument. Not only can we not possibly predict such a thing, but also, boredom itself is a feeling that I think most people would probably prefer to not experience. Like anger, boredom is a feeling that surely had utility in our brutal past, but it seems to be becoming ever-less useful, and ever-more a hindrance. Also, boredom isn't a totally negative feeling, it can be helpful to motivate trying new things, for example. However, it can also be a huge source of suffering, as generally it's an unpleasant feeling. Part of my imagined ideal world is one where people never get bored, unless they wanted to. This can be achieved presumably by configuring the brain so that boredom never arises without wanting for it, or by providing endless sources of effective entertainment.

Actually, I really think that the world as it currently is already provides nearly endless opportunities for a ~80 year life, but boredom is still rife, in large part because most of us are severely limited in terms of which of these opportunities we can access due to time, resource, and other limitations. Consequently, we get stuck into repeating just a few activities, and we may quickly exhaust them of their entertainment value. So, either boredom is a bad thing in which case I say we try to eliminate it, or it's neither good nor bad, in which case, where's the problem? Why should a fear of boredom ever stop someone from trying to get what they want? It seems silly.

I'm more than happy to give this a try. I'd rather be bored than scared.

I reckon some of this is down to how materialistic a person is.
The thing most people want is time and money, but not just to accumulate stuff but to pursue some other dream (for example if I had a bunch of time and money I'd set up my own xyz to improve my life and the life 123)...

Still money doesn't = happiness, but I still maintain crying in a ferrari beats crying in a dumpster.

Love and respect friend

DBD

 

[Wayfaerer]

I'd rather be bored than suicidal.

 

[MariV]

schopenhauer said that the human life is tragic because if ure not fighting for survival then

 

[demuic]

I'd rather be bored than suicidal.

For me boredom leads to being suicidal. But it's true if I had everything I wanted, I wouldn't be bored.

 

[MariV]

ah

For me boredom leads to being suicidal. But it's true if I had everything I wanted, I wouldn't be bored.

sure? suicide and depression among succesful stars, designers, models...is not precisely uncommon. in my opinion thats not a relevant factor

 

[demuic]

ah

sure? suicide and depression among succesful stars, designers, models...is not precisely uncommon. in my opinion thats not a relevant factor

I don't just mean material things like money or fame. If I had everything I wanted, it would be things like having a mind which is stable and free of depression and similar problems, having a number of friends and family who completely understand and support me, a society which I can stand to live in, etc

 

[Dr Iron Arc]

I think that statement is only true for some people, like me. But that's because the only things I want are ultimately quite boring themselves. I don't get as much joy out of traveling or seeking new thrills as much as other people so I would definitely eventually get bored if I really got almost everything I want. I think that having a really good intimate connection with someone through the rest of my life might help though but what are the odds of that?...

 

[MariV]

I don't just mean material things like money or fame. If I had everything I wanted, it would be things like having a mind which is stable and free of depression and similar problems, having a number of friends and family who completely understand and support me, a society which I can stand to live in, etc

ah
..then yes, i agree

 

[Mr2005]

Sounds like something my dad would say as an excuse for why he abandoned me

 

[Final Escape]

I hate this argument. Not only can we not possibly predict such a thing, but also, boredom itself is a feeling that I think most people would probably prefer to not experience. Like anger, boredom is a feeling that surely had utility in our brutal past, but it seems to be becoming ever-less useful, and ever-more a hindrance. Also, boredom isn't a totally negative feeling, it can be helpful to motivate trying new things, for example. However, it can also be a huge source of suffering, as generally it's an unpleasant feeling. Part of my imagined ideal world is one where people never get bored, unless they wanted to. This can be achieved presumably by configuring the brain so that boredom never arises without wanting for it, or by providing endless sources of effective entertainment.

Actually, I really think that the world as it currently is already provides nearly endless opportunities for a ~80 year life, but boredom is still rife, in large part because most of us are severely limited in terms of which of these opportunities we can access due to time, resource, and other limitations. Consequently, we get stuck into repeating just a few activities, and we may quickly exhaust them of their entertainment value. So, either boredom is a bad thing in which case I say we try to eliminate it, or it's neither good nor bad, in which case, where's the problem? Why should a fear of boredom ever stop someone from trying to get what they want? It seems silly.

I would not lol! Since there would be endless options and stuff to do because I had enough money and resources. Yea I don't like that saying. That's like trying to tell u to that being impoverished is good for u or something. It's along the same line.

 

[nitroautnz]

That you have everything or nothing if you have depression and/or are suicidal, it wouldn't change anything. It will help to have a better daily life, but that's all.

 

[Spiral]

"If you had everything you wanted, then you'd get bored"​

I think what this phrase actually means is that its impossible to have everything you want.

For example if i make a list of everything i want right now and i wake up tomorrow and i have all of it....i will get bored of that stuff over time and then i will want more, wanting more means i dont have everything i want so then i have to get more, then i have that for a time and get bored of it and want more

human nature

 

[Lost Magic]

You would get bored of having everything eventually. Look at these rich tycoons like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. They are so bored of earth so now they are pumping all their cash into outer space projects. And let's not forget all the other rich celebrities who have drug and alcohol addictions.