Lack of contentment results from the fact that the primitive ego lives in a constant state of self-absorption and fear. Fear leads to death of self. Our surrender to the impulses of self-absorption exacerbates its life denying effects on our conscience, leading to further disrepair. True happiness can only be found when we step outside of our archaic self, pushing aside our innate egotism in order to live for a purpose greater than self.


Yet, we live in a world where the majority of people believe otherwise. Happiness is sought by those who hold steadfastly to self and attempt to bolster the ego through externally sourced upgrades. We are deceived into believing that the self can be adorned by more or better, and that in our embellishment of the ego we will find some lasting level of satisfaction.


The opening sentence of Sigmund Freud's Civilization and Its Discontents reads:


It is impossible to escape the impression that people commonly use false standards of measurement- that they seek power, success and wealth for themselves and admire them in others, and that they underestimate what is of true value in life.


The problem I see with power, success and wealth is that when we categorize such pursuits we must do so at the expense of other human beings. How can one possible measure his own power, his own success or his own wealth if not in the light of his fellow man? Can a man possess power apart from the subordination of his fellow man? Can success ever be measured without the contrasting failure of others to whom we compare? Can we ever truly label a man wealthy unless against the backdrop of surrounding poverty?


In my analysis of these types of categories, which have proven themselves to be very important in the collective ego of mankind, the underlying dilemma is the degradation of human value. A competition, of sorts, is established between individuals. In order for the categories to apply, heirarchy is necessary; and where heirarchy exists, human dignity is diminished.