Lessons from Life...for Life

In this Economics lecture last week, I saw how a subject like Economics is so integrally integrated with the philosophy of life. The professor defined Utility as "The capacity of a commodity to satisfy human want." The terms may be a little technical but seemed equally practical. Everything around us that is wanted by us, is wanted because it has a "Utility". Its consumption provides us with "Utility". The professor further explained the difference between Utility and Satisfaction. He said, "Consumption of a commodity may give you Utility but not necessarily Satisfaction". I wondered how many of us actually saw the difference in everyday life. In this fast paced world, we are consuming so much every minute. We seem to be consuming a lot of things today because they give us a Utility. By consumption I mean our acceptance of all that is around us. We accept a lot of things in life everyday because it serves a temporary purpose. Whether we like it or not. Whether we approve of it or not. What about Satisfaction? After all that we try so hard to achieve, Satisfaction still remains to be achieved. Everytime Utility is achieved...Satisfaction still seems a mile away. So when we talk about economic development or any development for that matter, we always base our opinions on the end result. We compare the end result to the next end result, utility served to the next utility served. We seek satisfaction at every end and it always seems to be at the other end. But I think where we are going wrong are these very jumps between two results or two utilities. What we are failing to enjoy is the process between the results. I think the process is always more satisfying than the end result. Its possible that we may be deemed slow or regressive if we take this route. Lesser jumps...slower trails. But the experience, the satisfaction gathered in the process will be worth it. After all True Success lies in Satisfaction. I think so...What say?

Note: For all those who think this post is heavily philosophical - philosophy is not all that BAD. Everyone has it. Few express it.