Why are we so greedy? Well, possessions can bring us pleasure. And pleasure can become addictive. If we mistakenly associate pleasure with happiness, it's not surprising that we pursue it without end. Another reason for greed is fear. We're afraid there is only so much material to go around, and if we're not quick enough, someone else may snatch what we want. Although fear can cause greed, ironically, greed causes more fear. For as Chuang Tzu wrote," He who considers wealth a good thing can never bear to give up his income; he who considers eminence a good thing can never bear to give up his fame. He who has a taste for power can never bear to hand over authority to others. Holding tight to these things, such men shiver with fear; should they let them go, they would pine in sorrow." Isn't it true that if our desires are endless, our cares and fears will be too?
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This passage brings up a very interesting point. In fact, it gets me wondering if greed and fear have a relation. It also mentions that possessions bring us pleasure and we get attached to that feeling. These are some theories as to why humans have greedy habits. Some fear that if they don't grab a certain possession quick enough, another person will get to it faster and leave them empty handed. The quote by Chuang Tzu is also very relevant to my study. It is essentially stating that once you have reached the highest, best point of something, it is difficult to go back to old ways. This is what makes people greedy; the climb to get to that highest, best point.
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