In a previous post, I mentioned the wise words of Naval Ravikant, an investor and modern philosopher. I want to share another piece of wisdom. He calls it the fundamental delusion. In episode 18 of the Knowledge Project Podcast, interviewer Shane Parrish asks him, “what’s the most common mistake you see people make over and over?” Naval’s reply:
The idea or the belief that you’re going to be made happy because of some external circumstance. And I know that’s not original, that’s not new, that’s fundamental Buddhist wisdom so I’m not taking credit for it.
… the idea that you’re going to change something in the outside world, and that is going to bring you the peace and everlasting joy and the happiness that you deserve. That is a fundamental delusion that we all suffer from, including me. And so the mistake, over and over and over, is to say “oh I’ll be happy when I get that thing”. Whatever that is. That’s the fundamental mistake that we all make, including me, 24/7, all day long.
– Naval Ravikant (source)
I’m guilty of this too. I think to myself, “I’ll be happy when I get that thing,” but the happiness that object gives me is short-lived.
I think this concept is essential. While physical stuff and the external world can be fun and rewarding, true happiness comes from within. Dependency on the outside world for our happiness sets us up for a wild, uncontrollable ride. We hope that something will happen each day to make us happy, but that’s unreliable. Cultivate the interior life more, and life will be a more satisfying journey.
All 3 new blogs are excellent reminders to focus on our internal happiness and find peace within. We don’t need all the stimulation of social media and multiple possessions. Thanks for the thoughtful ideas.