Is it possible to desire something although we do not think that it makes us happy?

Question

If yes give an example. If no, does this establish that happiness is the most important good in life?

Answer 1

Is it possible to desire something that we do not think makes us happy? Sure! Ask any alcoholic or cigarette/drug addict that is trying to quit. They are painfully aware that what they crave doesn't make them happy but they desire it anyway.

I really like your second question: "If no, does this establish that happiness is the most important good in life?" Excellent question, so I'll answer it even though I didn't qualify:

Desire is a physical, chemical thing. It is not a barometer for "good". So, even if it pointed towards happiness all the time it would not mean anything at all about the ultimate goodness of happiness.

Xan Shui,
Philosophic Philanthropist, Honest Man

Answer 2

Yes, it is extremely possible for a person to desire something although we do not think that it makes us happy. For example, a lot of people in this world want money but they don't have anyone to share their riches with. Money doesn't bring a person happiness because it doesn't buy a person everything nor does it last or mean anything forever. I believe that happiness is the most important good in life because it's what gives people a reason to wake up every morning or to find ways to be happy.

Answer 3

I like the question and it's one of those that can have many answers but I think most would agree that the answer is yes.
Some people who are facing problems with being over-weight may desire to eat to comfort themselves although they know that this will make the problem worse. So is it that the desire to be thin? I would still say no. I submit that they desire to be accepted and losing weight or rather a slim body is seen as a tool to that end.
The fact is they, like all of us, desire something outside of ourselves and are driven to achieve it. It can be good when put in proper perspective and bad when not.

Answer 4

Yes, because our desires are complex, not simple. They exist in many dimensions. We may desire to get drunk because our mind/body believes it is "fun", but we also know there will be negative consequences later. A person may crave a relationship that was abusive for reasons of security or loneliness, even though they know the abuse will continue. So both the causes and the results of our measure of "happiness" exist in fluctuating dimensions of time and space and that's why it is so subjective for each person and each experience.

Answer 5

Desire comes from want and we want things because we think they will make us happier. In my opinion, happines is only a buy-pass. When we do other things such as keeping our faith strong and doing good for the community, we receive happiness. By striving for happiness, odds are, we will become greedy. Therefore, the most important thing to remember is to not strive for the happiness of one's self, but rather strive for the happiness of others.

Answer 6

The desire to satisfy your needs (drugs, sex, food...) can be much stronger than the plans you treasure or the self-image you want to uphold, for it can deeply affect the goodlife you've so consciously conceived. But to withhold from these needs can be painful in itself: it can cause all sorts of harm.
Happiness demands sacrifices.

Answer 7

For example...some people are depressed and they have a desire to cut their wrist, and after they do this, the next day it hurts so bad that it makes them even more depressed.

Answer 8

isn't desire a wo/man made concept. often confused with 'need' which is probably the wrong word, but to give an example, my dog needs to be near me for him to feel secure but i desire to be near sarah michelle gellar for totally different reasons. religion invented 'lust' just to make us feel guilty which in itself is another dodgy concept. good luck in your search for truth.. and one thing that i personnally know is true is that somewhere out there is your truth

Answer 9

Yes. A flu shot.