Why Do We Do What We Do?
Have you ever questioned yourself why you do what you do? One may say I do what I do because it makes me happy. I buy a new phone, eat my favorite food, and go on a trip because these things make me happy. You might assume that I have nothing to gain when I help an old person crossing the road, but the positive feeling reciprocated from the help turns to be my happiness.
One may argue that if that is the case, why do people sometimes choose to be jealous, angry, and disappointed? Those can’t be happiness.
Another answer would be we do what we do because we are humans with survival instincts. We cannot be happy all the times, so sometimes I am jealous because I recognize my weakness compared to other human beings. I am angry because I feel exploited by other human beings. I feel disappointed because I know I could have done better with my problems. The point is these negative feelings incentivize me to be critical of myself and my surroundings. They alert me if I am in danger and they push me to improve myself or react in certain ways in the harsh environments to continue my survival.
Another argument to that would be if survival is the goal that dictate our actions and reactions, so why do some people choose to do something dangerous and stupid like climbing Mt. Everest or go to war to kill others knowing that they might also get killed during the battle?
In the end, the only answer is that we do what we do because we want to be seen, dictate how we are perceived, and influence others in one way or another. That’s the will to power. Just think about it.
Buying a new phone, eating a favorite meal, or traveling can bring happiness and satisfaction but these actions can also allow individuals to express their preferences and desires, shape their surroundings according to their preferences, further obviously or subtly asserting their power over their lives and others’.
Jealousy often arises when individuals perceive a threat to their own power, status, or possessions. Anger can stem from a sense of powerlessness or a violation of your rights or boundaries. Disappointment often arises when expectations are not met, and this can lead to feelings of powerlessness or a lack of control over outcomes. These negative emotions are responses to situations that threaten your sense of control and power. They alert you to areas where you feel vulnerable and prompt actions aimed at restoring your power or influencing your circumstances to align more closely with your desires.
Climbing the world’s highest peak represents a pursuit of extreme challenges and personal achievement. People who undertake such endeavors often seek to prove their strength and resilience, ultimately satisfying their inner desire for power and accomplishment. Going to war can be driven by a range of motivations, which can include defending their homeland, pursuing political ideals, or seeking power and influence on a larger scale. The decision to engage in conflict, even when it may result in personal danger, can be seen as an assertion of one’s values, a pursuit of power on a geopolitical level, or an attempt to shape the course of history. The individuals involved may believe that the potential rewards or impact on the world are worth the risk.
Ultimately, our motivations stem from a multifaceted will to power, where our pursuit of happiness, self-improvement, and sometimes even daring adventures are all driven by a fundamental desire to assert our existence and influence in this world.
