GenY: Insatiable?

Hey man! I was thinking about the same thing. Here are some of my thoughts.

I have four observations. (Directly & indirectly related to the issue)

First, (it is impossible) No one can sustain any form of satisfaction, excitement or amusement in an extended length of time. Our generation thrive on being entertained. We have empires built around making sure than no one in the world (well in north America really & some parts of Europe:) ever need to be bored. We live in the society of portable everything, in case you may need to watch a full length movie while you’re standing in line in check out counter. When once there were a few people who would actually say “Wow! finally, some time to just sit back, watch the birds fly & relax” we are left with a mob of people who only has one thing to say “I’m bored out of my skull!!!”.

Second, the dichotomy exists when people fail to realize that the whole spectrum of life (yes! a healthy life) does accommodate the idea of monotony, not in the context of being idle, but more in the perspective of doing the same old necessary routine. Traditional jobs/tasks like farming, fishing, hunting & few others, require a certain amount of “ritualistic” cycle in order for the work to be successful. Planting & harvesting; working with & around seasons; to hone skills but keep the methods that are tried & tested through time. It is normal for certain tasks to stay the same, just like a wall is made one monotonous brick at a time. Imagine how many mundane days it took to make the awe-inspiring Great Wall of China.

Thirdly, we often hear this question in those movie scenes that take place in the airport as the person goes through security check “Are you here for business of pleasure?” consequently; modern day philosophy has tried to romanticize the union of both business & pleasure without the consideration of the definition of neither. I myself can be one privileged to do music & art, which I love, to be my main source of income & provision, but I still have to live with the reality that if neither deem sufficient, I have to find other means to accomplish what is necessary. At this point it is needful for me to know that it is the purpose that gives me the satisfaction & not the task itself.

Fourthly, here is the truth that a lot of us fail to see, “We really are made for greater things”. The real satisfaction of our lives can never be found in large penthouse corner offices as it is also a fallacy that our boredom exist in cubicles & production lines. We really are created for greater things, so great we only see glimpses of it in moments of satisfaction. Like receiving an award; getting a promotion; given recognition for an outstanding performance; & yet on the other hand we still seek companionship; we still cherish relationships & pursue harmony. We still realize that half a puzzle doesn’t lay out for us the full picture, & if not full then we can never perceive all things right.
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My whole observation may not pan out as clear yet, since I am still running my mind through this myself. But I think the real issue is really about contentment. It is obviously wrong for a man to be idle, it is a disservice to settle for better & never aim for best & complacency is clearly the slowest form of suicide. So I’m inclined to make a proximate conclusion that every man should work with all his might & somehow find contentment as he takes his every step. Because as they say, whoever “they” are, when we finally find ourselves grateful for all that we are given, we will realize that the journey can be just as good as the destination.

A word from Paul: I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.