Human Equation

The ultimate human satisfaction equation is sanctification is equal to life divided by expectations. So what does this mean? If life is better that our expectations of life, we will be satisfied, at least for now. But satisfaction is adaptable, as we receive, our expectation increase, and life must deliver more to remain satisfied. But we can fix this by lowering our expectations to the stoic level, our thoughts are the only thing that are truly ours; if we lose our thoughts, we are dead. Nothing matters, but even our life is expendable, should it get 'too hot in the kitchen'.

From this level of 'life is satisfaction', we can grow to require more for satisfaction: food, close, shelter, water, companionship, support, security, community, nation, or we can look at these as more 'benefits of life', and hold no expectations that these will be available tomorrow. But beware, this can produce a 'eat now effect'; not good for those of us that have weight / overeating issues.

Some needs are natural and necessary; some natural but not necessary; some necessary and natural, but can be carried to excess, like overeating. These are the hardest to deal with. But then we have control of out beliefs, and values, and judgements. This leads the way out of the darkness of ignorance into the light of reason. But we humans have dual drives, passion and reason. Expectations control passion. Reason controls expectations. If we take the time to do the middle step, and limit our expectations, life should be better.

Throughout the ancients writings there are warnings of excessive soft life increases expectations and destroys the people. Sparta is an example of the brutality of living such a philosophy. But on the other hand, the moderate Stoic saw nothing wrong with having more, but warns that it is the clinging to more that creates the expectation that creates the problem. Gratitude is lost, and that is the start of the decline. The Stoics held that we need to hold the big picture view (equality, and we individual  humans are insignificant), gratitude for life, and a sense of wonder. Beyond that the courage to do what is right, virtue, justice, magnanimity, temperance, perseverance, and duty to humanity is expected from human citizens.

At the same time, nothing is required of the individual human, but without doing, we just survive until we do not. Yes, it is all meaningless until we adopt and apply a purpose, and then live the life that purpose directs.