# I Don’t Want to Be a Monk

> What I've Been Thinking About Lately #66

**Published by:** [WIBTAL](https://wibtal.com/)
**Published on:** 2025-04-25
**URL:** https://wibtal.com/66

## Content

Socrates once walked through a busy market and said, “I see so many things I do not need—and am made richer for knowing it.” The more you need, the less free you are. I understand this, but wanting things feels so natural, so human. Ironically, I find myself wanting to not want things, which contradicts the whole idea of not wanting. But not wanting anything also feels extreme, like being a monk, and I don't want to be a monk. Instead of shaving my head and wearing robes, here's what I tell myself now: I'm grateful for the privilege of regularly getting what I want. Living in New York City. Savoring coffee each morning. Walking by the water. These are some desires I'm lucky I get to fulfill every day. The key is to keep wanting the things I already have, instead of always wanting more. If I want what I already have, then wanting doesn't seem so bad.

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